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Biomedical Equipment Specialist (Biomedical Information Systems)

VA Medical Center Tomah
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This position is located under the Facility Services, Engineering and Projects, Biomedical Department of the Tomah VA Medical Center. The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Biomedical Information Systems) provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide networked medical equipment and associated systems. The BESS maintains networked medical equipment and associated systems using local, regional and national policies designed to meet criteria from multiple accrediting agencies and governing bodies.

Major duties:

  • Manage dedicated medical device servers.
  • Identities and troubleshoots issues related to VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, DICOM standards, and network security to minimize downtime. Examples of typical devices or systems include, but is not limited to, Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and patient data management systems.
  • Evaluates compatibility and adaptability of the biomedical devices for integration over the medical center's local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN).
  • Maintains documentation of assigned medical IT equipment/systems to include ePHI requirements, VLAN, IP addresses, anti-virus software, security, and other necessary information.
  • Addresses pre-implementation security issues to ensure that medical device requirements are met.
  • Regularly reviews available software patches/updates and virus software updates for applicability to medical IT equipment.
  • Coordinates with other BESSs, manufacturers, informatics, and IT staff to complete required software updates and system/data backups. May participate in VISN wide projects to provide their expertise in Biomedical Server Virtualization, storage of Protected Health Information(PHI).
  • Responsible for Lifecycle Management of network equipment including but not limited to network switches, servers, routers and related infrastructure for all networked complex medical devices and systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring.
  • Completes both routine and complex assignments involved identifying and troubleshooting issues related to VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, HL7, DICOM, Access Control List (ACL) and network security across the medical device network.
  • Utilizes advanced network test equipment and software including but not limited to tracers, wireless spectrum analyzers, network traffic monitors, command prompt, physical and virtual server software.
  • Implements and plans for new and emerging technologies including but not limited to diagnostic modalities, network management and storage, and virtual data centers.
  • Designs, implements and manages network incident response due to infection, loss of service or regional and local policy changes according to VA guidelines.
  • Ensures proper security configuration for assigned devices and networks.
  • Regularly reviews and installs available approved software updates and virus definitions for applicable networked medical devices.
  • Leads development of disaster recovery procedures for critical systems to be enacted in the event of device failure.
  • Utilizes common test equipment including, but not limited to, electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, and multimeters.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm; Position subject to shift changes, weekends, and Holiday work as needed.
Telework: As determined by agency policy. For ad hoc purposes
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: FS21-0004
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

RequirementsConditions 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.
  • 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:

  • 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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.
  • 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 (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED). OR
    • Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related field such as Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Information Technology (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED). 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 (DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED).

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).

In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the following Grade Determinations:
GS-12 Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Biomedical Information Systems)

  • Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: 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; performing advanced testing and troubleshooting of medical devices involving their interfaces and connections to information systems either directly or through the hospitals hardwired and wireless networks; knowledge of codes and standards relevant to safe operation of medical instrumentation such as 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); using 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; configuring and maintaining medical servers and desktop computers; and knowledge of contracting regulations, requirements, and specific contract specifications including performance-based contracts. Experience may also include: manages complete systems of central computerized networks, databases, analytic servers and medical device networks; implements and plans for new or emerging technologies such as new diagnostic modalities, network management and storage appliances, virtual data centers and associated software; and manages entire data center dedicated to medical device servers.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • Current knowledge of computer virus protection software, available software patches and upgrades, and information security tools.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Ability to interpret, identify, and apply network engineering principles and practices where there often times is no previous example to follow, or precedence.
    • Skill to distinguish networking problems from non-networking problems and discuss various options with IT networking and operations staff members.

Preferred Experience: B.A. in Biomedical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering or Information Technology.

References: VA Handbook 5005/95, Part II, Appendix G49.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Position is mostly sedentary, inside well-lit, heated, and ventilated areas. Occasionally requires duties that are physically demanding involving walking, sitting, standing, climbing ladders, crouching, crawling stooping, reaching, kneeling and some prolonged periods of intense concentration, under adverse conditions. Lifting of objects between 10 and 40 pounds is common, and on occasion lifting of heavier objects (over 40 lbs.) is necessary. Trips to Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) are sometimes necessary and will involve transportation via station vehicle or privately-owned vehicle. The incumbent is often subjected to intense stress caused by patient care situations involving instrument malfunction or failure where the ability to function calmly and competently has a direct impact on the patient. Additional stress may develop from the requirement that medical instruments must be operationally correct, reliable, and safe to use at all times. Often work is performed on possibly infectious and radioactively contaminated equipment, in areas such as surgical suites, intensive care units, special procedures laboratories, etc. There is exposure to noxious chemicals, contagious diseases, and the risk of infection resulting from scrapes and scratched. Incumbent observes all safe work practices on the job. Uses personal protective gear when appropriate. Immediately reports accidents or injuries to supervisor.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

Required Documents

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

 

  • Resume



VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.

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 (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • OF-306
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

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.

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 10/30/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12143998.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.