Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) coordinates and works 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 of the BESS include but are not limited to the following:

• Handles incoming inspections, regular and unscheduled maintenance, and planning for end-of-life replacement in conjunction with clinical services.
• Utilizes common test equipment including but not limited to patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, test phantoms, electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, and multimeters.
• 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 (MMI).
• Documents all work performed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). This documentation is completed in accordance with regulatory body requirements, Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Documentation of Services guidelines and other organizational requirements.
• Applies basic networking principles to resolve medical system communication issues including, but not limited to, node to server failures. Adheres to VA Medical Device Cyber Security policies and procedures in pre-procurement, during system implementation, and throughout the life of the system. Loads operating system (OS) and clinical application software as needed.
• Utilizes in-depth knowledge of computer hardware, software, communication standards, security, storage media, etc. to maximize the usage and functionality of complex, integrated medical equipment systems and networks.
• Utilizes and maintains computer and server based medical equipment, medical record databases, and proprietary and genetic software, and interlaces networked medical equipment to these systems. Identifies and troubleshoots issues related to VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, HL7 messaging, DICOM standards, and network security to minimize downtime.
• Determines parts needed to repair equipment and identities potential sources, including alternatives to manufacturer and manufacturer's parts to optimize cost-effectiveness and, in some cases, find means of repairing equipment for which the manufacturers have discontinued support.
• Develops specifications, statements of work, salient characteristics, and sole source justifications as necessary to enable contracting staff to procure materials and services needed to perform maintenance and repair of equipment systems.
• Performs 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. Learns and adheres to Medical Device Isolation Architecture (MDIA) Guidelines in both pre-procurement and during system implementation.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of the state of the art in medical technology, including scientific advances, basic network protocols and medical device security, and vendor changes. Focuses on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management including technical skills. Knowledge and training is obtained from formal (conference, classes) or informal (magazines, articles, peer training) means. As this is a developmental level 2 position, the employee will spend time working with more experienced BESS and/or Biomedical Engineer to learn and develop technical and administrative skills.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement(s) #: 58879F, 51880F, 51824F, 55415F - Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Travel: You will be required to travel up to 25% of the time - Valid Driver's License required Financial Disclosure Report: Not required