Job description
Duties
This position will use engineering principles to develop technological solutions and devices to assist individuals with disabilities and aid the recovery of physical and cognitive functions lost because of disease. The biomedical engineer is the subject matter expert in specialized clinical technology. Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Collaborates with Biomedical Engineering team to and manages recall and safety alert programs for medical devices assigned to the Polytrauma System of Care and ensure that these devices are in compliance with patient safety goals, the Safe Medical Device Act (SMDA) and safety standards of other accreditation bodies.
- Develops training and education programs that addresses the safe and effective use of medical equipment and/or technology for staff, patients/clients and caregivers/families.
- Designs, fabricates, customizes, integrates and/or modifies assistive technology devices as needed for application to the targeted patient population.
- Acts as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assistive technology for the inter-& multi-disciplinary teams providing alternative solutions to AT problems.
- Fits and adjusts prototype assistive and rehabilitation devices and/or systems.
- Collects and analyzes outcome measure data for performance improvement.
- Collaborates with other members of the multidisciplinary team on the assessment, recommendation, implementation, and follow-up processes including setting up, adjusting, modifying, programming and minimal repairs of assistive technology equipment.
- Collaborates with other hospital employees such as Nursing, Prosthetics, Physicians, etc. regarding the service and application of technology to disabled populations.
- Communicates with assistive technology device manufacturers in terms of design requirements, updates, emerging technology, compatibility with other devices, etc.
- Analyzes, synthesizes and evaluates the effectiveness of assistive technology solutions.
- Leads measurement and analysis of devices, tasks, activities, environment and individuals as it relates to the assistive technology service delivery process.
- Collaborates between clinical services and research departments.
- Leads selection, development and implementation of outcome measures.
- Ensures safe practices are used by all associates during clinical sessions.
- Assures customer service needs are met on various levels.
- Intervenes and problem solves with clients, families and associates to ensure concerns are resolved.
- Maintains equipment, including but not limited to: software, hardware, system scanning, trouble shooting, and private internet access for the program and inpatient units.
- Collaborates as a team member and with teams from other VA facilities or community facilities including but not limited to physicians, clinicians, rehabilitation engineers, manufactures, vendors/reps, and administrators in the delivery and provision of AT services.
- Establishes priorities and performs assignments in a reasonable allotted time.
- Assists in carrying out treatment plans as part of the team that includes participation in the evaluation, fittings, adjustments and re-adjustment services in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings.
- Communicates with manufacturing representatives to ensure that only current and relevant equipment is present for demonstration equipment and clinical trials.
- Assures that demonstration equipment is in clean, safe and in appropriate working condition.
- Maintains organization and inventory of all treatment and storage areas to ensure appropriate and safe clinical work environment.
- Maintains document control for pertinent related information.
- Advises clinical and administrative staff on assistive and rehabilitation technology, including existing and emerging technology and which addresses viability, long-term suitability, compatibility and/or safety.
- Consults and performs procedural oversight via TeleHealth per their clinical specialty.
- Responsible for documentation, workload tracking and purchasing of equipment.
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement # 640-00954F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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.
- 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.
Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Citizenship. United States citizen.
Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement:
- 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,
- Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed in item 1.
Physical Requirements. Position does not require a full physical. The employee occupational health office will require TB and an immunization assessment.
English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy.
GRADE REQUIREMENTS
Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above the following criteria must be met.
Biomedical Engineer, GS-07
Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
Education. Bachelor's degree as outlined in section1 of the basic requirements, or CCE certification with at least a bachelor's degree not listed in section 1 of the basic requirements.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. None beyond the basic requirements.
Biomedical Engineer, GS-09
Experience. At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level. OR,
Education.
- Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, as outlined under the basic requirements, education, section 1. OR,
- Bachelor's degree, as outlined under the basic requirements, education, section 1. Plus two full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the KSAs for the GS-9 level assignment.
- Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession.
- Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs.
- Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system.
- Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends, for presentation to other technical staff and mid-level hospital management, and the ability to keep abreast of changes in technology.
Experience. At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level and must fully meet the KSA's at the level. OR,
Education.
- Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, as outlined under the basic requirements, education, section 1, listed above. OR,
- Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined under the basic requirements, education, section 1, listed above.
- Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Ability to develop material for a continuing education program for clinical or research staff, that address the principles and application of medical technology, and/or biomedical theory used in healthcare.
- Ability to advise staff on emerging medical technology[, or research procedures, while keeping abreast of changes in such technology, and utilizing the information to solve biomedical engineering problems.
- Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation.
Experience. Completion of at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level; or completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Ability to conduct a medical equipment management or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies.
- Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices.
- Ability to manage a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and TJC requirements.
- Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment.
- Ability to function as the subject matter expert in the field of biomedical engineering, directly supporting specialized clinical technology, including service, system administration, training, quality assurance, and life-cycle management.
- Ability to effectively advise clinical and administrative staff on medical technology, including existing and emerging technology, which addresses viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety.
- Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within VHA.
- Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization.
- Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies.
Applicants may be selected from GS-7 to GS-12.
Physical Demands: Ability to lift 50lbs.
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
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
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.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a VA job announcement includes language requiring applicants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply to this Job Announcement. VA may request information regarding your vaccination status, if selected, for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
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:
- REQUIRED - Resume Must include the following information for each job listed:
- 1. Job title
- 2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- 3. Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2019)
- 4. Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week)
- 5. Your resume must also demonstrate that you meet the KSAs listed for the occupation and grade at which you qualify.
- REQUIRED - Transcript for Bachelor's Degree or Higher, in Engineering. OR, Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree transcript.
- REQUIRED - VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations
- PCS Orders
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- 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.
- REQUIRED - Resume Must include the following information for each job listed:
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 04/19/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11904122.
- 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
Marisella Souza
Phone
925-356-4088
Email
MARISELLA.SOUZA@VA.GOV
Address
Palo Alto VA Medical Center
3801 Miranda Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304
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:
- REQUIRED - Resume Must include the following information for each job listed:
- 1. Job title
- 2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- 3. Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2019)
- 4. Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week)
- 5. Your resume must also demonstrate that you meet the KSAs listed for the occupation and grade at which you qualify.
- REQUIRED - Transcript for Bachelor's Degree or Higher, in Engineering. OR, Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree transcript.
- REQUIRED - VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations
- PCS Orders
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- 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
-
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Open to US Citizens
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