Purchasing Agent

Purchasing AgentThis position serves as a Purchasing Agent for the Prosthetics Service for the Birmingham, Alabama VA Health Care System's VA Clinic, Bessemer, Alabama. Duties include, but may not be limited to the following:Coordinates the delivery of home medical equipment, including oxygen therapy, through contracted providers.Reconciles all invoices for certification of payment by reviewing Veterans' records against invoices presented to ensure that accurate cost is being charged for the service or item.Makes purchases through an automated process or through utilization of a purchase card.Receives and analyzes request forms and prescriptions from physicians, therapists, patients and patient representatives.Compares diagnoses to the equipment or services normally provided for the condition.Provides services and assistance to Veterans across a wide range of age groups.Operates the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) software package to maintain detailed and accurate accounting of all actions taken for veterans and documents their records to show all items and services provided.Advises patients, family members or other representatives on decisions, appeal rights, and equipment safety and maintenance.Computes correct total costs and resolves any discrepancies with the vendors.Advises physicians and other professional staff on the availability and acquisition of prosthetic devices or services.Reviews requests for completeness, including proper documentation and justification of items, services and home medical equipment being requested.Ensures that pending requests are posted to the suspense logs and enters data to verify workload statistics used to determine Prosthetics funding.Maintains an accurate record of transactions.Reconciles daily activity sheets with actual service expenditures.Posts all adjustments that affect service fund control points in a timely manner to ensure availability of funds.Performs in strict conformance with proper accounting procedures.Issues items from stock and initiates purchase orders to replenish stock items when needed.Identifies priorities on pending requests to comply with mandated timeliness standards.Responsible for adhering to regulations and instructions regarding computer security and access to files, codes, etc.Responsible for protecting information from unauthorized release, loss, alteration or deletion of regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive information.Performs other related duties as assigned.Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, full-time. Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs.Virtual: This is not a virtual position.Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework on an ad hoc basis. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.Position Description/PD#: Purchasing Agent / PD11378ATravel: Yes, 25%Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedCritical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedPCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not AuthorizedFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required