Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems)

Serves as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) specialized in information systems within a Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department at VA Puget Sound Health Care System. Works in support of the medical equipment management program. In addition to duties at the full performance level, the BESS maintains medical servers and networks, diagnostic software, virtual platforms, and clinical applications software.

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 to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C., section 7403(f). Driver's License Requirement. A current, valid, state issued Driver's License is required for this position. Incidental operators are employees, other than those occupying a position officially classified as a motor vehicle operator, who are required to operate a government-owned/-leased motor vehicle to properly carry out their assigned duties. This position requires operation of a government-owned or leased motor vehicle to carry out assigned duties. Education, Experience, or Certification. (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 (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. Grade Determinations: Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems), GS-12. 1. Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. AND 2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of Health Level 7 (HL7) and Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standards. (b) Knowledge of advanced testing methods to troubleshoot networked medical equipment and clinical system interfaces. (c) Skill in maintaining computer and server based medical equipment, databases, and software. (d) Skill in managing medical equipment and clinical system projects that interface with an electronic health record or other information systems. (e) Skill in applying cybersecurity standards to medical devices and clinical systems such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. (f) Ability to apply information security tools including virus protection, software updates, and operating system patches. (g) Ability to establish a medical network including VLAN configuration, Internet Protocol addressing, and network security. Preferred Experience: At least 12 months of experience in life cycle management of some medical systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring to include physical and network support as well as the demonstration of the fundamental knowledge of the Joint Commission (TJC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) roles and responsibilities in their association with Facilities Management and Health Technology Management. Experience supporting EHRM/EHR modernization transitions, including device integration, workflow readiness, and technical system validation. Hands-on experience managing servers and virtual server environments used for medical device connectivity, clinical applications, and back-end infrastructure. Working knowledge of DICOM standards, including image routing, modality configuration, troubleshooting, and PACS/VNA workflows. Experience with medical device networking, interface management, and secure data flow between clinical systems. Familiarity with clinical application support, device integration testing, and communication with clinical informatics teams. Ability to collaborate with OIT, clinical stakeholders, and vendors to maintain system uptime, troubleshoot issues, and support IT-dependent medical technology. Strong understanding of cybersecurity requirements for medical devices and healthcare IT systems. Certifications: CompTIA Network+ CompTIA Security+. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Both legs required; Kneeling (up to 3 hours); Depth perception; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional/Mental Stability. Environmental Factors: The work may include electrical energy, working on ladders, working outdoors, and working alone. There may be occasional exposure to moderate risks or discomforts associated with hazardous materials. The work may involve occasional travel, driving, and/or traveling by motor vehicle.