Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

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 will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. See Handbook 5005. Part II, Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5A.
• Licensure/Certification/Registration. None

Grade Determinations:

Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-11 (Full Performance Level)(1)

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. Certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), Net+, and A+ are highly desirable at this level but not required.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of a wide range of sciences including, but not limited to, electronics (analog and digital), computer science/networking, mechanical engineering design, pneumatics, hydraulics, chemistry, physiology, medical terminology, anatomy, optics, and biology to perform duties of a broad scope and nature on complex and sophisticated patient-related medical systems and sub-systems.
  • Ability to perform advanced testing and troubleshooting of medical devices involving their interfaces and connections to information systems either directly or through the hospital's hardwired and wireless networks.
  • Knowledge of codes and standards relevant to the safe operation of medical instrumentation such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Joint Commission (TJC), and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
  • Skill in the use of all types of test and calibration equipment such as digital multi-meters, electrical safety analyzers, defibrillator analyzers, patient simulators, digital oscilloscopes, pulse generators, and Local Area Network (LAN) analyzers in performing troubleshooting/repair and preventive maintenance activities.
  • Ability to configure and maintain medical servers and desktop computers.
  • Knowledge of contracting regulations, requirements, and specific contract specifications, including performance-based contracts.

Assignment:
Responsible for the life-cycle management of diagnostic, therapeutic, and other patient related medical equipment and systems. Performs routine and complex tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting and calibration of complex therapeutic, diagnostic and life support biomedical equipment. Responsible for monitoring system backups, file integrity, ensuring network connectivity between systems, servers, databases, and the electronic medical record. Must be able to reload operating systems and clinical application software in the event of a system failure and interface with Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) locally and at other sites to keep systems operational. Conducts pre-purchase evaluations and addresses pre-implementation security issues to ensure that medical device isolation architecture (MDIA) requirements are met. Serves as project leader for equipment installation to include but not limited to: discussing contract requirements and concerns with the architect/engineer and contractor; identifying the site requirements, preparing cost analysis and justifications, preparing site plans and progress reports; acting as the project coordinator during installation, testing phases and through to completion of the project to include acceptance testing, planning and coordinating work schedules with other services, arranging utility shutdowns; identifying and ordering materials and arranging for assistance from other trades and crafts as necessary. Responds appropriately to hazard recall notifications concerning medical equipment. Investigates equipment incidents and alerts, cases of equipment damage and abuse, equipment failure reports that cannot be duplicated and medical device security incidents. May be a member of a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) team when appropriate. May serve as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for the purchase of medical equipment, maintenance/repair contracts, and facility projects. This work includes but is not limited to; drafting Request for Proposal (RFP) language, Sole-source justifications, Statements of Work (SOW), conducting market research, product evaluations, evaluating contractor performance, and pre-procurements assessments. Consults and advises clinical and administrative staff in evaluating medical equipment proposed for purchase. Determines when healthcare technology, instrumentation, or systems are obsolete, hazardous and/or not cost effective to maintain.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/95 PART II APPENDIX G49.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019