Biomedical Engineer (Clinical)
Job description
Duties
A. Program Involvement and Management
The Biomedical Engineer reports directly to the VISN CHTM. He/she receives administrative direction with assignments in terms of broadly defined missions and functions. He/she exercises authority to oversee the overall planning, direction, and timely execution of assigned VIP activities. He/she has responsibility for planning, designing, and implementing programs, projects, studies, and other work to implement a VISN wide standardized equipment management program. Successful execution of these responsibilities has major impact upon the outcome of patient care delivery.
The Biomedical Engineer shall perform management tasks at VISN 20 complexity 3 facilities. This may include but is not limited to departmental workflows, communication with facility leadership, regulatory documentation, and project management.
i. Operations Management
The VIP has direct impact on all clinical services provided in the VISN. The program must ensure the provision of safe, reliably maintained, and clinically appropriate medical equipment for the delivery of quality healthcare in a cost-effective manner. The Biomedical Engineer facilitates service support of medical equipment, while identifying opportunities and recommending actions to improve service delivery and cost containment. The Biomedical Engineer supports the Medical Equipment Management component of the Environment of Care for the VISN.
He/she prepares and presents reports regarding equipment management. The incumbent operates effective medical equipment repair, maintenance and oversight programs that meet or exceed VA and JCAHO standards. Should any complaints arise from service or other Clinical engineering matters, he/she will operate an effective program to receive, evaluate and resolve complaints.
ii. Communication and Consultation
The Biomedical Engineer communicates facility and network goals, objectives, and achievements to internal and external stakeholders. He/She balances organization's needs and resources to effectively carry out the multiple missions of the organization. The incumbent provides administrative and technical leadership in VIP such that functions for which the service has operating responsibility are effectively meeting department needs. He/She ensures all levels of management are provided with quality advice and assistance in dealing with Clinical Engineering's operational concerns, issues, and responsibilities. Results of such advice are instrumental in, or contribute to the successful solution or avoidance of problems.
The incumbent serves on assigned special task forces throughout the VISN. There will be extensive interaction with clinical staff such as radiology, lab, medicine and surgery, as well as contractors, Executive Management, Chief Information Offices, Facility Management, Biomedical Engineering, and VACO.
The Biomedical Engineer assures the provision of a VISN continuing education program for clinical staff addressing the principles and application of medical instrumentation used in the delivery of healthcare. This requires skill to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of individuals, including technical and professional clinical staff, to communicate technical information.
iii. Patient Safety
The incumbent ensures the implementation of effective operations management, project management, safety management, programs to ensure high quality continuous care and services with best possible outcome. He/She ensures all safety and environmental policies implemented by the service and facility, including safety, infection control, smoking control, and disaster plan are adhered to by service employees.
The Biomedical Engineer contributes to VHA, VISN, and facility patient safety goals. The Biomedical Engineer supports implementation of effective education programs for medical equipment users. The incumbent manages the VISN recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device incident investigations to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and JCAHO requirements.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Telework: Available
Virtual: This is a Remote position
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- 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.
- eVERIFY Statement Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
Qualifications
a. Citizenship.
[Be] a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with [VA Handbook 5005, Part II,] chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.g.)
b. Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement:
(1) Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Engineering. To be creditable, the curriculum must be from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), as a professional engineering curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering degrees include: Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time. OR,
(2) Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed in item 3.b.(1) above.
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:
Biomedical Engineer (Clinical), GS-14
( a) Experience. Completion of at least [one] year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities[. In addition to the experience above, the biomedical engineer (clinical) must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):]
i. [*][Ability to apply advanced knowledge of relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards associated with biomedical engineering to support the needs of multiple facilities.
ii. Ability to effectively convey highly technical information to] a wide variety of individuals, including technical and professional clinical staff, and senior level managers at the facility, VISN and/or national level.
iii. *Ability to manage a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device incident investigations to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and [TJC requirements for multiple facilities.]
iv. [ ] Ability to apply advanced knowledge of principles, theories, concepts, and practices of biomedical engineering. This would include the ability to keep abreast of changes in technology and utilize the information gained in the solution of biomedical engineering problems to meet operational needs of multiple facilities.
v. *Ability to directly support the most complex and specialized clinical technology including service, system administration, training, and quality assurance for multiple facilities.
vi. [*Ability to work collaboratively with other disciplines, senior management, VHA Central Office, and VISN staff.
vii. Ability to develop and implement healthcare technology management policies that are consistent with organizational objectives. Scope of organization spans from multiple facilities to national.
(c) Assignment.
For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At this level, employees are non-supervisory and are typically at the VISN or National Program Offices. At the VISN level, employees must have notable ongoing responsibilities, as assigned by the VISN and/or Healthcare Technology ManagementProgram Office. Major duties must include at least four of the following major responsibilities:
i. Supports and advances patient care by applying engineering and managerial skills to healthcare technology across the VISN, or nationally.
ii. Assists and advises facilities in the implementation of an equipment management program that meets current TJC and NFPA requirements. Evaluates other biomedical engineering programs in the VISN or the national program office.
iii. Assures provision of a continuing education program for professional staff addressing the principles and application of healthcare technology management. This includes a curriculum that addresses the safe and effective management of medical equipment and/or technology. Provides continuing education on behalf of the VISN and/or the national program office.
iv. Provides support and oversight for a recall and safety alert program for medical devices in the VISN, or for the national program office, including medical device incident investigations, to ensure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and TJC requirements. Conducts medical equipment investigations for the VISN or the national program office.
v. Serves as a subject matter expert advisor to senior VISN or national clinical and leadership staff on medical technology crossing multiple clinical disciplines, including existing and emerging technology, addressing viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety.
vi. Conducts and/or supports capital asset and infrastructure planning of medical technology found in a hospital, spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment.
vii. Implementation of complex medical technology. Participates in capital asset planning at the VISN and/or national level. Analyzes organizational and operational problems and develops timely and economical solutions to meet facility, VISN, and/or national needs.
viii. Serves as an institutional expert supporting the most complex and specialized clinical technology, including service, system administration, training, sustainment, and quality assurance across multiple facilities.
ix. Develops national policy for the Healthcare Technology Management Program Office. Serves as a senior technology advisor to assist the Healthcare Technology Management Program Office with technology and program management.
Preferred Experience: Project management and HTM (Healthcare Technology Management) operations
References: VA Handbook 5005/104 March 25, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G38
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
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.
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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- OF-306
- VA Application 10-2850C
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Enrollment
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/07/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11801160.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact information
Eugenia Washington-Knight
Phone
(931) 674-1430
Email
Eugenia.Washington-Knight@va.gov
Address
VA Portland Health Care System
3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road
Portland, OR 97239
USNext steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- OF-306
- VA Application 10-2850C
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Enrollment
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This job is open to
-
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current excepted service federal employees.
-
Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
-
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
-
Veterans
Clarification from the agency
First - Current Permanent VA Portland Healthcare System Employees; Second - Current Permanent VA Employees Nationwide; Third - Current Permanent Federal Employees Other Agencies; Fourth - Former Permanent Federal Employees; Fifth - Veterans with Preference Sixth U.S. Citizens
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