Purchasing Agent

This position functions as a Purchasing Agent for Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) within the Prosthetic Service Line at the St. Louis VA Medical Center. The primary purpose of this position is to perform direct medical supply Purchasing support for administrative and clinical services to initiate the obligation for all related requirements necessary to provide prosthetic and sensory aids services, to include durable medical equipment and supplies directly to Veterans.

The Purchasing Agent initiates procurement of all outpatient medical requirements to include direct individual purchases to the Veteran, medical surgical implants used during surgery, and/or rental requirements associated with continual outpatient medical equipment and supplies. Major Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Consistently communicate and treats customer (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner Perform technical level purchasing to acquire Veteran specific medical equipment Supply and service based on a medical provider's clinical assessment and evaluation of the Veteran's medical condition Serve as the point of contact for external customer service needs and support Tailor the Veteran care/support services to meet the need(s) of the patient and service Provides necessary care coordination Responsible for various fund control points Complete a Veterans Record Transaction on the Veteran's medical record to ensure documentation of exactly what was purchased Maintain an awareness of products with possible recalls Determine, if feasible, to obligate and replace based on findings Initiate recall action of identified recall products Communicate actions taken within the Alerts and Recalls System Work closely with clinicians and suppliers to meet delivery deadlines Ensure emergent delivery and repairs are completed Clarify requirements and negotiate issues such as establishing adequate price reductions for deviations in product or delivery, modifying certain terms, or waiving penalties for returned items when contacting vendors Review medical records and specifications of devices being prescribed for specialty programs Work directly with clinical services and vendors to determine the appropriate devices Examine clinical health records and claims folders Determine eligibility and entitlement for items and services Ensure training is addressed before medical equipment is issued Identify priorities on pending requests to comply with VA Central Office mandated deadline Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite Knowledge of prosthetic regulations and policies Knowledge of prosthetic and rehabilitative items and services Follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. Performs other related duties as assigned Some physical effort - standing, sitting, walking, or bending Promotion Potential: 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. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm CST Telework: Available: Ad-Hoc Only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Purchasing Agent/PD10312A and PD10313A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. 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.