Purchasing Agent

Quick Facts

• Role: Purchasing Agent

• Focus: Direct medical supply purchasing support for prosthetic and sensory aids services, including durable medical equipment and supplies for Veterans

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm CST; Telework: ad-hoc only; not a virtual position

Description

This Purchasing Agent role performs technical-level procurement for outpatient medical requirements for prosthetic and sensory aids services. You will initiate and manage purchases for items such as medical surgical implants, rental equipment/supplies, and direct purchases for Veterans, ensuring proper documentation and timely delivery. You will also support care coordination by working with clinicians and suppliers and handling recalls, alerts, eligibility, and purchasing deviations.

Responsibilities

• Initiate procurement for outpatient medical requirements, including direct individual purchases, surgical implants, and rental needs

• Communicate respectfully with Veterans, representatives, visitors, and VA staff

• Acquire Veteran-specific medical equipment based on clinical assessment and evaluation

• Serve as point of contact for external customer service and inventory support

• Complete Veterans record transactions to document exactly what was purchased

• Maintain awareness of products that may have recalls; initiate recall actions and communicate through the Alerts and Recalls System

• Review medical records and device specifications for specialty programs; work with clinical services and vendors to determine appropriate devices

• Examine claims folders/records to determine eligibility and entitlement

• Ensure training is addressed before medical equipment is issued

• Prioritize pending requests to meet VA Central Office deadlines

• Clarify requirements and negotiate with vendors on pricing reductions for deviations, modifying terms, or waiving penalties for returned items

• Work with clinicians and suppliers to meet delivery deadlines; ensure emergent deliveries and repairs are completed

• Follow regulations regarding access to computerized files and release of access codes

• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Complete all required steps in the hiring process, including an online assessment measuring general competencies

• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Complete online onboarding and meet pre-employment identification requirements (REAL ID compliant requirement as of May 7, 2025)

• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program (VA Health Care Personnel requirement)

• Serve a probationary period (1-year) or trial period (2-year) as a condition of employment

• Meet the stated GS-05 or GS-06 qualification standards (specialized experience and/or education) by the closing date

Benefits

Comprehensive federal employee benefits package (eligibility depends on appointment type).