Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters relating to 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, monitoring, and other equipment utilized in the practice of medicine and to improve clinical care.

The duties listed are GS-11 Full Performance Level. Medical equipment supported by the BESS is maintained to the standards required by multiple accrediting agencies (e.g. Food and Drug Administration, The Joint Commission, the National Fire Protection Association, etc.).

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. FUNCTIONS: Lifecycle management of all medical systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring to include physical and network support. Coordinate and work effectively with other facility support departments including but not limited to Facilities Management Service (FMS), Office of Information Technology (OIT), Patient Safety, Sterile Processing Service (SPS), Logistics, Contracting, Informatics, and Environmental Management Service (EMS). Specific tasks include incoming inspections, regular and unscheduled maintenance, and planning for end-of-life replacement in conjunction with clinical services.

Utilize common test equipment including patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, test phantoms, electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, and multimeters. Maintain functional knowledge of relevant safety codes and standards of regulatory bodies including 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). Document all work performed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). This documentation is completed in accordance with regulatory body requirements, the Office of Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Documentation of Services policies and guidelines, and other VA requirements.

Apply basic networking principles to resolve medical system communication issues including node to server failures. Adhere to VA Medical Device Cyber Security policies and procedures in pre-procurement, during system implementation, and throughout the life of the system. Load operating system (OS) and clinical application software as needed.

Execute VA policy when responding to network incident response (due to infection, loss of services due to policy changes). Function as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and keep appropriate certification levels. Use knowledge of government contract procedures and documentation requirements to develop statements of work, sole source justifications, other applicable documentation (VA Form 6550, Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), etc.) and to oversee vendor work.

Collaborate with Logistics and Contracting to procure parts and services; function as a purchase card holder, as required. Investigate, remediate, and document Repairable Medical Device (RMD) recalls and safety alerts issued through the VA Alerts and Recall Management System (ARMS) within established timeframes. Participate in local safety improvement processes such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), safety work groups, and Environment of Care Rounds.

Identify hazards during routine job performance and take action to ensure they are addressed and corrected. Maintain knowledge of the state of the art in medical technology, including scientific advances, network protocols, and vendor changes. Focus on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management including technical skills. Knowledge and training is obtained from formal (conference, vendor-provided classes) or informal (magazines, articles, peer training) means. Provide training and education as appropriate to medical technology end users and clinical staff.

Provide mentoring and technical training to peers and BESS at developmental levels. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7:30am to 4:00pm. Telework: Not available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.