Purchasing Agent

The incumbent is assigned to the Prosthetics & Sensory Aids Services (PSAS) withing the San Juan VA Medical Center. The position supports inpatient implant care coordination, outpatient treatment program and inventory management activities. Perform direct medical supply Purchasing and Inventory Management support to the administrative and clinical services of the VA. Responsibilities include maintaining accountability for supplies, equipment, and sensory aids services to Veterans.

Select the most appropriate cost-effective source to deliver the items/service in the most reliable manner. Manages the collection of data to be used in numerous reports to ensure adequate resource funding and compliance. Research the use of different solicitation methods, ordering or reporting procedures, and purchasing methods to distinguish between different purchasing strategies. Documents the services required per the contractual agreement and monitors, tracks, and trends contractor performance. Conduct face-to-face and telephone conversations with patients, family members, and private medical staff, contractors, vendors, and co-workers. Speaks calmly and compassionately to severely disabled patients from all walks of life. Provides patient care and support services to an adult population and serves as the point of contact for external customer service inventory needs and support. Resolves conflicts in administering purchase orders, such as protests, claims, duplicate billing & terminations for convenience or default. Examines contracts, purchasing policies, equipment sources, shipping procedures and corresponding terminology to rapidly find the most reasonably priced item to meet requirement. Works independently to complete purchase orders and reconcile charges. Maintains accurate records of transactions and completes all adjustments to computerized system before final payment to vendor is certified. Maintains an inventory of all purchased and consignment equipment with expiration date, imitate exchange and/or replacement of expired stock. Performs technical level purchasing support adhering to the Service Directives and Handbooks, policy and memorandums to acquire patient specific medical equipment, supplies and services. Initiates procurement of all outpatients medical requirements. Initiates recall action of identified recall products provided and communicates all findings to the appropriate offices. Verifies accountability of all prosthetics expenditures in both the purchase menu and the prosthetics program and associates all obligations to the individual patient. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Purchasing Agent/PD13436T Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Approved

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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. 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.