The Harry S. Truman Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, is recruiting for a Lead Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS). The Lead BESS works in support of the Biomedical Engineering Department by managing workload among assigned employees. Additionally, the Lead BESS provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of medical equipment.
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. Experience and Education: (1) Associates or higher degree in the biomedical technology or biomedical engineering field; OR (2) Associates or higher degree in electronics, a field of information technology, or engineering (other than biomedical engineering) AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR (3) Completion of the Department of Defense (DOD) biomedical equipment technician training program; OR 3 (4) Completion of a DOD training program in repair and maintenance of electronic systems or information technology AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR (5) Completion of a biomedical engineering technician or Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) certificate program that included an internship or apprenticeship; OR (6) Completion of biomedical engineering technician or HTM certificate program that did not include an internship AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR (7) Hold or having ever held certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES), Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), or Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM). Continuous maintenance of certification is not required throughout VHA employment. 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: Lead Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-12 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-11 level, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (a) Skill in managing projects involving medical equipment and clinical systems. (b) Skill in resolving customer concerns. (c) Ability to comply with standards for safe operation of medical equipment and clinical systems including 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). (d) Ability to lead staff in managing daily work assignments and priorities. (e) Ability to mentor staff in professional and technical development. (f) Ability to analyze data to monitor overall program effectiveness. Preferred Qualifications: Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 12. Physical Requirements: The position can be physically demanding involving walking, sitting, bending, some standing, and long periods of intense concentration. Lifting of objects between 10 and 50 pounds is common, and on occasion lifting of heavier objects is necessary. Climbing on ladders and scaffolds is common place. There may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination.
The Lead Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) works in support of the Biomedical Engineering Department by managing workload among assigned employees. Additionally, the Lead BESS provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of medical equipment. Biomedical support requires the application of engineering and mechanical concepts and methodology to provide lifecycle management and technical support of diagnostic, therapeutic devices, monitoring, and other equipment utilized in the practice of medicine, and to improve health service delivery systems for communities and within individual VA facilities (medical centers, outpatient clinics, and domiciliaries). Lifecycle management encompasses the following: technology assessment including defining requirements and analyzing alternatives with clinical users; technology acquisition including technical evaluation and best value determination of proposed equipment and systems; technology implementation including site preparation, incoming inspections, device/system integration, network device security implementation and clinical/technical training; technology sustainment including regular and unscheduled maintenance, upgrades and enhancements, continuing education; end of useful life tasks including decommissioning, data sanitization, and technical evaluation for condition prior to disposal; and strategic planning for end of life replacement in conjunction with clinical services. The BESS maintains medical equipment using established local, regional and national policies and procedures designed to meet criteria and standards from multiple accrediting agencies and governing bodies. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; various schedules available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 References: Please provide "References" with application. At a minimum two current or former supervisors or from individuals who were in a position of a professional nature. Indicate if the Hiring Manager may contact. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized