Job Information
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist-Biomedical Information Systems in Aurora, Colorado
Summary The Eastern Colorado Health Care System VA Hospital is currently recruiting for one GS-12 Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist-BESS-Biomedical Information Systems. Responsibilities The full performance level of the Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist-BESS-Biomedical Information Systems duties include, but aren't limited to the following: Responsible for lifecycle management of network equipment including but not limited to network switches, servers, routers and related infrastructure for any and all networked complex medical devices and systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis & monitoring &/or systems e.g. VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, HL7, DICOM, Access Control List, ACL, and network security across the medical device network Partners w/ stakeholders Utilizes advanced network test equipment & software e.g. tracers, wireless spectrum analyzers, network traffic monitors, command prompt, physical & virtual server software Manages, troubleshoots & maintains complete systems of computerized networks, databases & servers e.g. biomedical information systems that store/facilitate patient information Biomedical information systems e.g. Picture Archiving Communication Systems, physiological monitoring systems, Clinical Information Systems, Anesthesia Record Keeping & other systems that use Medical Device Isolation Architecture, MDIA Help w/ managing, troubleshooting & maintaining complete system of computerized networks, databases & servers for Specialized Device Isolation Architecture e.g. security cameras, physical access controls, and HVAC monitoring systems Plans/implements new & emerging technologies e.g. diagnostic modalities, network management & storage & virtual data centers Designs, implements & manages network incident response due to infection, loss of service or regional & local policy changes according to VA guidelines Reviews/installs software updates & virus definitions for networked medical devices Loads operating system, OS & clinical application software Leads development of disaster recovery procedures for critical systems to be enacted in the event of device failure Adheres to MDIA Guidelines during pre-procurement & system implementation Completes both routine & complex assignments involving identifying, installing, maintaining, modifying, troubleshooting, repairing & calibrating complex therapeutic, diagnostic & life support medical devices Performs incoming inspections, regular & unscheduled maintenance & plans for replacement in conjunction w/ clinical services Uses test equipment e.g. electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers & multimeters Knows relevant safety codes & regulatory body standards; The Joint Commission, National Fire Protection Association, Food & Drug Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American College of Radiology & Federal Information Processing Standards Documents all work according to policy in Computerized Maintenance Management System Maintains documentation of biomedical information systems covering ePHI requirements, VLAN, IP address, anti-virus software, security & other required information Serves as government purchase card holder Investigates, remediates & documents recalls & safety alerts according to deadlines Participates in local safety improvement processes e.g. Root Cause Analysis, safety work groups & Environment of Care Rounds Notes hazards during routine job duties & ensures they're fixed Provides mentoring, training & education to medical technology end users & clinical staff Leads & manages installation or upgrade projects for medical devices and systems, e.g. pre-implementation planning & coordination w/ end users, vendors & other onsite support staff (OIT, Informatics, SPS, etc.) for CIS, ARK, Imaging communication & other biomedical information system projects Maintains, remediates & tracks medical systems; action items, special projects, etc Represents Biomedical/Clinical Engineering department on committees & in meetings Participates educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in a self-directed manner by deadlines Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior that promote cooperation & teamwork Practices good customer customer service and demonstrates VA I-CARE values Participates in unit-based quality of care performance improvement activities, unit based performance improvement measures & results Identifies problem areas by practicing evidence-based practices on unit Perform other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30am - 4pm, work hours are somewhat negotiable, however position is subject to on-call/call backs during evenings, nights, weekends & holidays as needed to support operations of a 24/7 facility & its associated CBOCs. Telework: Ad hoc telework is available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD56909O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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: US Citizenship Non-citizens may only be appointed when you can't recruit qualified citizens English Language Proficiency Must be able to speak & write English Experience & Education Associates degree in Biomedical Electronics Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology or Biomedical Engineering Technology or in related technical field e.g. Electronic Technology or Information Technology & 2 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 related field e.g. Electronics Engineering Technology or Information Technology OR Completion of military training program in biomedical equipment & 2 years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist or Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer or Information Technology Specialist Grade Determination: The following criteria must be met when determining candidate's grade in addition to basic requirements for employment GS-12 Experience. At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). The candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs in addition to the experience above: 1) Current knowledge of computer virus protection software, available software patches and upgrades, and information security tools. 2) Expert knowledge of electronics, computer and networking theory with experience maintaining, interfacing and troubleshooting networked medical equipment to include VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, and network security. 3) 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, network security, and DICOM standards. 4) Ability to interpret, identify, and apply network engineering principles and practices where there often times is no previous example to follow, or precedence. 5) Skill to distinguish networking problems from non-networking problems and discuss various options with IT networking and operations staff members. Preferred Experience: Managing VLANS, medical device servers, troubleshooting networked medical equipment and project management experience with multi projects. More than one year of experience with installations including switches, virtual servers and networked systems with clinical applications. Reference: Please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ for more information on this qualification standard The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-12. Physical Requirements: Subject to stress caused by patient care situations involving instrument malfunction or failure when medical instruments are required to be working correctly, reliably & safely at all times Must be able to act calmly & professionally Required to walk, sit & stand for long time periods Frequent benchwork requires precision & good concentration w/ proper hand-eye coordination Some climbing & working on ladders Must be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs Must escort on site contractors for equipment installations, often climbing several flights of stairs & coordinating between buildings Requires constant adherence to safe work habits & proper use of personal protective equipment May be exposed to extremely high electrical voltages volts & currents which when not properly addressed could result in severe injury up to & including death May obtain bruises or burns caused by electric shock & hot components and ionizing radiation x-rays May be exposed to patient bodily fluids May be required to work on equipment used in surgical operations requiring proper attire & cleanliness Must possess & maintain valid state driver's license to provide coverage, repair &/or transport biomedical equipment for ECHCS facility & its associated CBOCs as needed Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts must include your name, the school's entire name, can be unofficial transcripts, must have the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, name of degree received. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.