Purchasing Agent

Summary This position is organizationally located in the Prosthetic Service within the Medical Center. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Chief Prosthetics Agent. The incumbent has coordination and active involvement with various Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) throughout VISN 17. Qualifications To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 07/23/2026. To qualify for this position at the GS‑5 grade level – you must meet one of the following: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS‑04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include – but are not limited to: knowledge of price analysis techniques sufficient to evaluate prices or costs for requirements with inadequate price history or to evaluate allowable charges requirements; knowledge of supply and procurement regulations; policies, procedures and instructions; knowledge of purchasing and purchase card program regulations; methods and procedures; knowledge of and skill in interpreting and applying purchase card management related policies; non‑payment complaints from vendors; knowledge of relevant fiscal policies and procedures of budgeting control point maintenance and skills in accounting procedures including basic math skills. Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed four (4) years above high school in any field. This education must have been obtained at an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post‑high school education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience – as described above – which meet the total qualification requirements for this grade level. This education must have been obtained at an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. NOTE: Your experience must be documented in your resume and transcripts are required. To qualify for this position at the GS‑6 grade level you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS‑05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include – but are not limited to: performing clerical or assistant duties in support of purchasing and procurement; procuring supplies and services to meet the purchase‑rental‑or‑lease needs of an organization; working with medical staff to determine procurement needs and priorities; resolving a variety of shipment‑payment‑or‑other discrepancies in support of procurement programs and operations; purchasing various equipment, supplies and services through the use of a purchase card; assembling and/or summarizing information from files and documents as required to create reports utilizing automated computerized supply/inventory management systems and Microsoft Office software programs such as MS Word and Excel. There is no education substitution at the GS‑6 grade level. You will be rated on the following competencies for this position: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Technical Competency, Manages Resources. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience – including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience – including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35‑40 hours of work per week. Part‑time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices – hospitals – warehouses – and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing – in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. The incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds. For more information on these qualification standards - please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at Duties The incumbent receives and analyzes Prosthetic Consults – and prescriptions for items – services and home medical equipment from physicians – therapists – medical center personnel – patients or their representatives. The incumbent reviews requests for completeness – comparing disability or diagnosis to equipment and/or services normally provided for the condition for which they are requested – and ensures that the proper documentation has been provided to justify the issuance and make arrangements to procure these items. Major duties include: Receives and analyzes Prosthetic Consults – and prescriptions for items – services and home medical equipment. Reviews requests for completeness – proper documentation and make arrangements to procure these items. Establishes workflow protocols to ensure the timely execution of work. Coordinate work for special circumstances. As the subject matter expert (SME) – will advise other services on the policies and procedures to establish requisitions for services – equipment and commodities. Review requests from various sources and making substitutions if necessary (within scope). Examine clinical health records and claims folders to determine eligibility and entitlement for items and services. Advise Veterans and clinicians in relation to eligibility for entitlements for items and services. Review clinical requests – determine sources and determine the availability of replacement parts and alternatives for power mobility – artificial limbs and other pieces of medical equipment. Follow up in relation to parts and labor orders – returns shipping back to manufacturers and accounting for warranty work. Procures specialized medical equipment – supplies and services for Veterans. Procure specialized medical equipment with critical and unique characteristics and associated guidance from a variety of sources. Purchases various equipment – supplies – and services through the use of the government purchase card for micro purchase. The incumbent will negotiate prices with sole source vendors – persuade reluctant vendors and collect data for requirements not previously required. Authorizes and prepares complex purchase orders for a wide variety of devices – medical supplies and durable medical equipment. Execute price adjustments. Resolve any discrepancies – modifications – amendments to purchase orders and cancellations of purchase orders. The incumbent will also coordinate work with local vendors. 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 8:00am – 4:45pm. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Purchasing Agent/PD0826VS Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr