Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Summary The Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (SBESS) works in support of the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Section 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. Responsibilities Lifecycle management of any and all medical systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring. Completes both routine and complex assignments involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of these complex 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. 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. 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). Implements the HTM 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) and keeps appropriate certification levels. Uses knowledge of government contract procedures and documentation requirements to develop statements of work, sole source justifications, other applicable documentation and to oversee vendor work. Collaborates with Logistics and Contracting to procure parts and services. Investigates, remediates and documents recalls and safety alerts within established timeframes. Participates in local safety improvement processes such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), safety work groups, and Environment of Care Rounds. Identifies hazards during routine job performance and takes action to ensure they are addressed and corrected. Maintains knowledge of the state of the art in medical technology. Focuses on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management including technical skills. 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. Supervisory Functions Develops goals, objectives, and policy for the medical equipment management program and monitors progress; 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; 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, modifies as needed and checks completed work for accuracy; Advises supervisor 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. Develops performance standards for subordinates; evaluates work performance of subordinates using work order and other relevant data; 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; Hears and resolves complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher-level supervisor or manager; 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, subject to approval by higher level officials, supervisors, or others; Approves and monitors the use of overtime and/or alternate tours needed to accomplish work. Work Schedule: 7:30AM - 4PM, Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions 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 To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned. 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. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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. 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: Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-12 Experience. At least one year of experience at the GS-11 grade level that demonstrates the technical competencies described at that level. Certification as a Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM) is highly desirable at this level but not required. 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) Advanced knowledge of Healthcare Technology Management across multiple types of equipment modalities to provide guidance and training to Healthcare Technology Management staff. (b) Skill in managing Healthcare Technology Management work flow and directing the work of others to accomplish programs goals and objectives. (c) Ability to develop policy, manage medical equipment life-cycle processes, and provide workload analysis in Healthcare Technology Management operations. (d) Knowledge of interpersonal relations and conflict resolution to deal effectively with individuals or groups representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view. (e) Ability to analyze Healthcare Technology data and make recommendations to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity within service. *(f) 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 disciplinary actions. Preferred Experience: CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician), or CLES (Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist), or CRES (Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist) certification(s). Experience and familiarity with Laboratory/Pharmacy specific systems, and other complex networked medical devices that require in-depth knowledge. 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-12. Physical Requirements: Heaving lifting (45 lbs. and over), Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), light carrying (15 lbs.), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, repeated bending, climbing, use of legs and arms, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), and mental and emotional stability. Environmental factors include solvents (degreasing agents), radiant energy, electrical energy, and working alone. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.