Inventory Management Specialist (Technical Career Field Trainee - TCF)

The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. Inventory Management Specialists play a crucial role in patient services which impacts direct patient care. This position serves as an Inventory Management Specialist Technical Career Field Trainee of supply chain management in Logistics Service in a Veteran Affairs Health Care System (VA HCS) and supported catchment area.

The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. This is a developmental position leading to a GS-09, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The trainee gains experience in practical knowledge of a wide range of well-established logistics operations, including: acquisition; purchasing of expendable materials/supplies; purchasing of non-expendable capital assets and equipment and inventory management. Through development, the trainee will gain practical knowledge and understanding of the regulations, policies, directives, processes and standard operating procedures and management used to perform inventory management duties. This PD is intended for Inventory Management Specialists participating in the Veteran Healthcare Administration (VHA) Technical Career Field (TCF) internal training program. The TCF program offers two years of training in critically identified positions within specific career fields in accordance with VHA's Succession Workforce Plan. Program participants receive paid salary/benefits, training/travel stipend, access to a preceptor/mentor and hands-on training. The trainee responsibilities include inventory management of all expendable supplies, lifecycle management of non-expendable equipment and durable medical equipment (DME) in assigned area(s). These major duties will be performed at the entry level. Inventory Management and Control - 80%Manages and controls an assigned class of expendable material for a VA HCS and supported catchment area. As a trainee, recognized as the initial point of contact for expendable (EX) commodity management for services and service lines. Inventories managed include a wide variety of expendable items and durable medical equipment(DME) which may or may not be available through the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor(MSPV) program or other negotiated or Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts. Acts as a central point of contact for the coordination of commodity support and there solution of logistics problems across organizational lines. While in training, learns and acts as a focal point for new EX supply procedures. With initial close review and while in the training program, makes commitments for the medical center on medical/surgical supplies that materially affect the VA HCS' ability to provide medical care to Veterans. Researches opportunities, conducts basic analysis of potential cost savings, efficiencies, and process improvements using quantitative analysis and historical usage patterns and provides to the supervisor/lead for review and consideration. Works with the supervisor to utilizes performance measures in order to conduct forecasting and quantitative analysis Works with the Inventory Management team to develop Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs).Other major duties include, but not limited to: Conducts planning for expendable items and DME, utilizing enterprise-wide computerized planning tools. Reviews data to include demand history, program requirements, VA HCS operations, procurement lead-time, current stock levels and other factors which impact procurement decisions and makes recommendations to the supervisor. While in the training capacity, planning requires structured interaction and coordination with service lines, biomedical engineering, and other stakeholders to balance competing priorities including clinical requirements and budget constraints. As the trainee becomes experienced within the program the communication becomes less structured. Computes requirements for supplies and DME. Proactively engages customers to make recommendations for product changes, substitutions, and additions to product lines with a focus on increasing supply economy and efficiency. Work schedule: Monday-Friday 07:00-15:30 Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Position Description Title/PD#: Inventory Management Specialist (Technical Career Field Trainee - TCF)/PD99353-TS and PD99354-TS

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.