The Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) works in support of the Engineering Service's Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Division by providing leadership, guidance and supervision among assigned employees. Additionally, the Supervisory 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.
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. Education, Experience, or Certification. Associates or higher degree in the biomedical technology or biomedical engineering field; OR Associates or higher degree in electronics, a field of information technology, or engineering (other than biomedical engineering) AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR Completion of the Department of Defense (DOD) biomedical equipment technician training program; OR Completion of a DOD training program in repair and maintenance of electronic systems or information technology AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR Completion of a biomedical engineering technician or Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) certificate program that included an internship or apprenticeship; OR Completion of biomedical engineering technician or HTM certificate program that did not include an internship AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR 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. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified. Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-13. Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in managing workflow by directing the work of others to accomplish program goals and objectives. Skill in developing policies to oversee medical equipment and clinical systems. Skill in managing interpersonal relationships between employees, team leaders, and managers. Skill in applying 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). Ability to supervise subordinate staff (for example, plan, organize, delegate, direct, control, and review activities and performance). Ability to provide guidance on multiple types of medical equipment and clinical systems. Ability to analyze data to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity. Preferred Experience: COR Level 1 or higher certification Prior contract management/development experience 2 years or more of experience in the management, maintenance, or repair of medical equipment Experience in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for biomedical equipment support 1 year or more of supervisory or lead experience Experience with managing biomedical equipment recalls and safety alerts, including investigation of incidents Proficiency in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), including IBM's Maximo® or other similar systems Experience with regulatory compliance requirements, such as FDA regulations and Joint Commission standards Experience in equipment calibration, installation, and performance testing Basic project management skills for overseeing installation and upgrades of medical equipment Proficiency in inventory management and equipment tracking systems Experience providing technical support and training to clinical and technical staff on the use and maintenance of biomedical equipment 2 years or more of experience with data analysis and reporting for equipment management Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Power BI and PowerPoint Experience in risk assessment and management related to medical equipment usage Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving skills Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with clinical teams, IT departments, and external vendors Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13 Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.
Major duties for the position include but are not limited to: Completes both routine and complex assignments involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of these complex therapeutic, diagnostic and life support medical devices and systems. 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. Develops policy for the HTM Division, Engineering Service, and local facility as needed. Translates management goals and objectives into well-coordinated and controlled biomedical work operations. 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, Engineering Service Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and other organizational requirements. As assigned, functions as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR), maintaining a minimum COR Level II certification, and keeps appropriate certification levels without lapse. Maintains knowledge of the state of the art in medical technology, including scientific advances, network protocols, and vendor changes. Provides training and education as appropriate to medical technology end users and clinical staff. May be tasked with leading and managing installation or upgrade projects for medical devices and systems. May be called on to provide facility support in response to emergency or critical events including but not limited to shelter in place, etc. in order to maintain operations. Develops goals, objectives, and policy for the medical equipment management program and monitors progress. 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. Develops performance standards for subordinates; evaluates work performance of subordinates using work order and other relevant data. 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. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am -3:30pm; rotating for coverage as needed, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Available (AD Hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 629-00562-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized