Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems)

Veterans Health Administration•Hines, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) specializing in information systems within a VA facility’s Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department, supporting the medical equipment management program. The role maintains medical servers and networks, diagnostic software, virtual platforms, and clinical application software. The full performance level is GS-12. The specialist manages networked medical equipment and clinical systems throughout their lifecycle; maintains and troubleshoots networks, databases, servers, and biomedical information systems; plans and implements new technologies; and responds to network incidents. The position also supports security configuration and updates, develops disaster recovery procedures, addresses recalls and safety alerts, provides training, and serves as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The work schedule is Monday through Friday, with tours of duty of 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., or 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; tours may include weekends. The position is not eligible for telework and is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives are unavailable, and permanent change of station is not authorized.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Meet at least one qualifying education, training, experience, or certification pathway: an associate or higher degree in biomedical technology or biomedical engineering; an associate or higher degree in electronics, information technology, or another engineering field plus one year of creditable experience; completion of specified Department of Defense biomedical equipment technician or electronics/IT repair and maintenance training programs, with one year of creditable experience where required; completion of a biomedical engineering technician or HTM certificate program with an internship or apprenticeship, or without one plus one year of creditable experience; or current or prior CBET, CRES, CLES, or CHTM certification.
Have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Demonstrate knowledge of HL7 and DICOM standards; advanced testing methods for troubleshooting networked medical equipment and clinical system interfaces; and cybersecurity standards such as FDA, FISMA, and NIST guidelines.
Demonstrate skill in maintaining computer- and server-based medical equipment, databases, and software; managing medical equipment and clinical system projects interfacing with an electronic health record or other information systems; and establishing medical networks, including VLAN configuration, IP addressing, and network security.
Demonstrate the ability to apply information security tools, including virus protection, software updates, and operating system patches.
Be subject to a background/security investigation and pre-employment physical examination; selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
Applicants selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position must undergo pre-employment urinalysis; refusal results in denial of employment.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for VA Health Care Personnel.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
The work requires handling objects up to 20 pounds continually and up to 50 pounds occasionally; working occasionally in cramped or awkward positions; frequent standing and walking; driving a motor vehicle to off-campus equipment locations and transporting objects; and continual operation of a computer, tools, and diagnostic test equipment.

Responsibilities

Manage the lifecycle of network equipment and related infrastructure supporting networked medical devices and systems, including imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring systems.
Manage, troubleshoot, and maintain computerized networks, databases, servers, and biomedical information systems that store or facilitate patient information.
Plan for and implement new and emerging technologies, including diagnostic modalities, network management and storage, and virtual data centers.
Design, implement, and manage network incident response for infection, service loss, or regional and local policy changes in accordance with VA guidelines.
Ensure proper security configurations for assigned devices and networks.
Review and install approved software updates and virus definitions for applicable networked medical devices.
Lead development of disaster recovery procedures for critical systems in the event of device failure.
Adhere to MDIA Guidelines during pre-procurement and system implementation.
Load operating system and clinical application software as needed.
Investigate, remediate, and document recalls and safety alerts within established timeframes.
Provide training and education to medical technology end users and clinical staff as appropriate.
Serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and maintain appropriate certification levels.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.