The Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) works in support of the Clinical Engineering Section/Biomedical Shop by providing leadership, guidance, and supervision among assigned employees. Manages all medical systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring network support.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education, Experience, or Certification. Associates or higher degree in the biomedical technology or biomedical engineering field; OR Associates or higher degree in electronics, a field of information technology, or engineering (other than biomedical engineering) AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR Completion of the Department of Defense (DOD) biomedical equipment technician training program; OR Completion of a DOD training program in repair and maintenance of electronic systems or information technology AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR Completion of a biomedical engineering technician or Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) certificate program that included an internship or apprenticeship; OR Completion of biomedical engineering technician or HTM certificate program that did not include an internship AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR Hold or having ever held certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES), Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), or Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM). Continuous maintenance of certification is not required throughout VHA employment. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-12. Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill in managing workflow by directing the work of others to accomplish program goals and objectives.13 (b) Skill in developing policies to oversee medical equipment and clinical systems. (c) Skill in managing interpersonal relationships between employees, team leaders, and managers. (d) Ability to analyze data to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity. (e) Ability to supervise subordinate staff (for example, plan, organize, delegate, direct, control, review activities, and performance). (f) Ability to provide guidance on multiple types of medical equipment and clinical systems. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
Completes routine and complex assignments involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of complex therapeutic, diagnostic and life support medical devices and systems. Performs advanced testing and troubleshooting of medical devices and systems involving their interfaces and connections to information systems either directly or through the facility's hardwired and wireless networks. Maintains functional knowledge of relevant safety codes and standards of regulatory bodies including but not limited to The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Documents all work performed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Implements the Biomedical Shop training program, in-house cross training, and vendor training. Investigates, remediates and documents recalls and safety alerts within established timeframes. Maintains knowledge of the state of the art in medical technology, including scientific advances, network protocols, and vendor changes. Provides training and education as appropriate to medical technology end users and clinical staff. Provides mentoring and technical training to peers and development graded BESS. Represents Clinical Engineering on committees and in meetings as delegated by supervisor that technicians are kept abreast of the changing technology as effectively as possible within the available resources. Participates in the development of goals, objectives, and policy for the medical equipment management program. Identifies and plans workload among subordinates in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Assigns daily work to staff, establishing priorities based on workload related to BESS. Provides input to the annual budget for the unit, and monitors spending throughout the fiscal year. Develops performance standards for subordinates; evaluates work performance of subordinates using work order and other relevant data. Effects minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands, recommending other action in more serious cases. Identifies developmental and training needs of employees, providing or arranging for needed development and training. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01307F Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized