The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) will specialize in imaging equipment within Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Service. The selected will work in support of the medical equipment management program, by maintaining imaging equipment and clinical systems.

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:

Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education, Experience, or Certification-(Documentation Submitted): 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.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS.

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade level specified. Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Imaging), GS-12-(SF-50 Submitted if Applicable):

Experience :

One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) . In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following

KSAs:

Knowledge of imaging principles including techniques, technologies, radiological practices, and procedures. Knowledge of HL7 and DICOM standards. Skill in applying standards for safe operation of medical equipment and clinical systems including National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Nuclear Radiation Commission (NRC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Joint Commission (TJC), and the American College of Radiology (ACR). Ability to resolve complex failures on imaging equipment and clinical systems. Ability to perform advanced testing to troubleshoot imaging equipment and clinical system interfaces.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to stoop, reach, kneel, crouch, and maintain intense concentration for long periods of time under adverse conditions, such as troubleshooting, repairing and/or calibrating life-saving equipment while it is monitoring and/or supporting the life of a patient. Heavy lifting (over 40 lbs.) can be accomplished by getting assistance when needed. Certain electronic component repairs require adequate eyesight and dexterity.

Preferred Experience:

Experience performing troubleshooting, corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance, or manufacturer-level service on diagnostic imaging equipment or systems.

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.