Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

at  US Veterans Health Administration

QUALIFICATIONS

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to: Distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload. Assigns daily work to staff, establishing priorities based on workload related to BESS. Prepares estimates and reports on expected time of completion of work. Reviews progress of work assignments and modifies as needed and checks completed work for accuracy. Ensures SOPs and mandates are followed during the performance of workflow. Instructs employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and goals. Implements the Biomedical Section training program, in-house cross training, and vendor training, to ensure that technicians are kept abreast of the changing technology as effectively as possible within the available resources. May participate in VISN wide projects to provide their expertise in a particular technology. The incumbent may provide input to the VISN High-Cost/High-Tech Committee and capital investment proposals, and may serve as a VISN technical resource. Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes and task completion. Responds and supports resolution of customer service concerns.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to work independently to set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity within the service. (b) Ability to develop policy; manage medical equipment life-cycle processes; and provide workload analysis in Healthcare Technology Management operations. (c) Ability to translate management goals and objectives into well-coordinated and controlled biomedical work operations. (d) Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; assessments of competency; evaluation of performance; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary actions.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G49, Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Qualification Standard GS-1601
The full performance level of this vacancy is 13.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform heavy lifting of up to 45 pounds if needed and possess normal depth perception unless medically documented as a disability. In addition, individuals must be able to perform walking and standing for a maximum of 5 hours and crawling and kneeling for a maximum of 2 hours. The ability to distinguish basic colors is also required unless medically documented as a disability.

EDUCATION

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Transcripts must be official or unofficial college transcripts. A copy of your certificate/degree or screenshot of your current classes are not a replacement of your transcript and they will not be used in the qualifying process. Your transcript must include your name and the name and full address of the institution. If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying based on education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran’s community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

• Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

YOUR RESUME MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR EACH JOB LISTED:

• Job title;
• Duties;
• Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008);
• Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week);
• Series and Grade for all Federal positions you have held.
  Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
  Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
  The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
  It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

• Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume
• Transcripts
• 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 or
• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related field such as Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Information Technology

OR

• Documentation showing completion of a military training program in biomedical equipment.
• DD 214 and/or
• Certificate of completion of biomedical equipment training program
• SF-50- Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee.
• An SF-50 showing your one year specialized experience eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year specialized experience, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you MUST provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year Specialized experience; for example, last step increase or promotion (change in grade). Award 50’s do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying one year specialized experience.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15

Veterans’ Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 “Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference” with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans’ Preference.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/12/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12378344.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help

DUTIES

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lifecycle management of any and all medical systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring to include physical and network support.
• 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. Adheres to Medical Device Isolation Architecture (MDIA) Guidelines in both pre-procurement and during system implementation. Loads operating system (OS) and clinical application software as needed. Executes VA guidelines when responding to network incident response (due to infection, loss of services or regional and local policy changes).
• Develops policy for the Biomedical Section and local facility as needed.
• Translates management goals and objectives into well-coordinated and controlled biomedical work operations.
• 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). This documentation is completed in accordance with regulatory body requirements, Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Documentation of Services guidelines and other organizational requirements.
• Implements the Biomedical Section training program, in-house cross training, and vendor training, to ensure that technicians are kept abreast of the changing technology as effectively as possible within the available resources.
• As assigned, functions as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR).
• Maintains knowledge of the state of the art in medical technology, including scientific advances, network protocols, and vendor changes. Focuses on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management including technical skills. Knowledge and training are obtained from formal (conference, classes) or informal (magazines, articles, peer training) means.
• 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.
• May be tasked with leading and managing installation or upgrade projects for medical devices and systems. This includes but is not limited to pre-implementation planning and coordination with end users, vendors, and other onsite support staff (OIT, Informatics, SPS, etc.)
• Provides analysis, identifies, and plans workload among subordinates in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Sets and adjusts short-term and long-term priorities and sets deadlines for completion of work as necessary. Revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload.
• Assigns daily work to staff, establishing priorities based on workload related to BESS and ensures that each employee has an integral role in developing the final team product. Reviews progress of work assignments and modifies as needed and checks completed work for accuracy. Ensures SOPs and standards are followed.
• Advises Chief, Biomedical Section, Chief, HIS, and other management officials as necessary on status of critical medical equipment that may adversely impact veteran care and/or access.
• Provides input to the annual budget for the unit and monitors spending throughout the fiscal year to ensure that adequate resources are available to support mission. Evaluates need for service contracts and on demand vendor service.
• Leads the team in assessing its strengths and weaknesses and provides leadership to the team in exploring alternatives and determining what improvements can be made (e.g., in work methods, processes, productivity and quality).
• Develops performance standards for subordinates; evaluates work performance of subordinates
• Gives advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both technical and administrative matters; serves as coach and facilitator in consensus building activities among team members.
• Effects minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands, recommending other action in more serious cases.
• Plans for long-range staffing needs, considering changes to medical equipment inventory, medical center strategic plan, and budget. . Interviews candidates for positions in the unit; recommends selection, appointment, promotion, or reassignment to such positions. . Recommends awards or bonuses for subordinates.
• Approves and monitors the use of overtime and/or alternate tours needed to accomplish work.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm; additional hours may be required in emergent situations.
Telework: Not authorized
Functional Statement #:93022-0
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-1

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/12/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12378344.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-1