Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Imaging)

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:

• Citizenship. 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 Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a.
• Experience and Education. Associates degree in Biomedical Electronics Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology or Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related technical field such as Electronic Technology or Information Technology and two years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer, or Information Technology Specialist. OR,
  • Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related field such as Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Information Technology. OR,
  • Completion of a military training program in biomedical equipment and two years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist or Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer or Information Technology Specialist.
• Licensure/Certification/Registration. None
• Grandfathering Provision. 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: Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Imaging), GS-12

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Certification as a Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES) is highly desirable at this level however it is not required.

In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-11 level, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
1. Knowledge of codes and standards relevant to safe operation of radiation producing medical devices such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), The Joint Commission (TJC), American College of Radiology (ACR), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) and The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
2. Comprehensive knowledge of imaging techniques, technologies, radiological practices and procedures.
3. Skill in using advanced radiological test equipment such as radiation dosimeters, calibration phantoms, high voltage testing devices, KV and MA meters and monitor calibration devices.
4. Ability to resolve highly complex breakdowns that have an immediate risk to patient safety.
5. Ability to maintain and troubleshoot networked medical imaging equipment to include VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, and network security, and build, configure, repair and install workstations and servers in imaging and non-imaging environments.
6. (f) Ability to utilize and maintain computer and server based medical equipment, medical record databases, and proprietary and generic software, experience with TCP/IP, HL7, networking, and DICOM standards.

Assignments. For all assignments above the full-performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. The incumbent may be responsible for the complete systems management of computerized/networked imaging systems and databases and their inter-connectivity with P ACS, related modalities and the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Utilizes specialized diagnostic software, specialized quality assurance tools and measuring equipment, detailed technical literature, and standard electronic and computer test equipment. Ensures required software updates and backups are completed to maintain continued functionality of equipment, patient safety, and data integrity. The incumbent assists in designing and implementing best approaches to recovery of critical computerized databases and operating systems. The incumbent should be considered a technical expert on one or more advanced imaging system and may provide input to the VISN High-Cost/High-Tech Committee, may serve as a VISN or national technical resource as needed. Advises clinicians and management regarding the acquisition, integration, and application of medical imaging technologies. Participates in the acquisition, technical requirements and evaluations, project planning and deployment of medical imaging systems. May serve as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for purchase of medical equipment, maintenance/repair contracts, and facility projects. He/she is responsible for coordinating with the facility stakeholders including but not limited to medical staff, clinical personnel, Biomedical Engineering, OI&T, service managers, Patient Safety, senior salespeople and equipment manufacturers on procurement related or technical issues.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/95 PART II APPENDIX G49 BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting of up to 45 pounds; normal depth perception; ability to stoop, reach, kneel, crouch, and maintain intense concentration for long periods of time under most adverse conditions, such as troubleshooting, repairing and/or calibrating life-saving equipment while it is monitoring and/or supporting the life of a patient; walk and stand for a maximum of 5 hours; crawl and kneel for a maximum of 2 hours; ability to distinguish basic colors; circuit repairs require adequate eyesight and dexterity for working on high-density boards.