Surgical Inventory Control Specialist I

Job Description

Job Description

  Our Mission

All of us, for each of you, every time.

Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.

Listen~Love~Respect~Excel~Innovate

At Samaritan, we do more than deliver healthcare—we make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community every day. We’re committed to creating an exceptional workplace where professionals feel valued, supported, and inspired to provide outstanding care to every patient we serve.

The Surgical Services Inventory Control Specialist I assists with the daily management, organization, and control of supplies, equipment, instruments, implants, and other inventory utilized within Surgical Services. This position works closely with the Surgical Inventory Control Specialist II, OR staff, Sterile Processing, Materials Management, vendors, and other departments to ensure appropriate supplies are available for scheduled procedures while maintaining accurate inventory levels and responsible fiscal management.

The Inventory Control Specialist plays an important role in case readiness, supply availability, inventory accuracy, cost containment, and patient safety. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, knowledge of surgical supplies and workflows, and the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical schedule.

This is a full-time position working Monday through Friday from 6:45am PST to 3:15pm PST.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Inventory Management

1. Maintain accurate inventory of surgical supplies, specialty items, implants, equipment, and other Surgical Services inventory.
2. Establish and maintain appropriate par levels based on procedure volume, utilization, lead times, and clinical needs.
3. Perform routine cycle counts and physical inventory audits.
4. Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.
5. Maintain an organized, clean, and standardized supply storage system.
6. Rotate supplies using appropriate expiration-management practices.
7. Monitor inventory for overstock, understock, slow-moving, and obsolete products.

Surgical Case Readiness

1. Review the surgical schedule regularly to anticipate supply and equipment needs.
2. Identify specialty supplies, implants, instruments, and equipment required for upcoming procedures.
3. Verify availability of critical or limited-stock items prior to scheduled cases.
4. Communicate potential supply shortages or concerns to the appropriate clinical staff and surgical inventory control specialist II.
5. Assist with ensuring supplies are available and appropriately prepared prior to the start of surgical procedures.
6. Coordinate with SPD regarding instrument availability and specialty instrument needs.

Ordering & Receiving

1. Place supply orders according to established processes and inventory needs.
2. Monitor vendor lead times, backorders, substitutions, and product availability.
3. Receive and inspect incoming supplies for quantity, accuracy, damage, expiration dates, and packaging integrity.
4. Ensure supplies are properly stored following receipt.
5. Communicate receiving discrepancies to Materials Management, vendors, or the appropriate department.

Expiration, Recall & Product Management

1. Routinely monitor inventory for expiration dates per established process.
2. Remove expired or compromised products according to hospital policy.
3. Assist with recall management and ensure affected products are identified, removed, and appropriately documented.
4. Maintain accurate product information, including manufacturer, item number, lot number, and expiration information when applicable.
5. Assist with management of consignment and specialty inventory.

Inventory Systems & Documentation

1. Maintain accurate inventory information within applicable hospital inventory management systems.
2. Update product information, locations, par levels, and other inventory data as needed.
3. Maintain required documentation related to inventory, receiving, recalls, consignment items, and vendor products.
4. Generate or assist with inventory reports as requested.

Communication & Collaboration

1. Maintain effective communication with Surgical Services leadership, OR nurses, surgical technologists, SPD, Materials Management, Purchasing, surgeons, anesthesia, vendors, and other stakeholders.
2. Participate in department meetings and quality improvement initiatives as appropriate.
3. Communicate supply concerns proactively rather than waiting for shortages to impact patient care.
4. Serve as a resource to staff regarding supply location, availability, and appropriate inventory processes.
5. Promote compliance with hospital policies and procedures related to inventory management and supply handling.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The individual in this position reports to the Peri-Operative Services Director. This position works closely with physicians and staff in order to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Education:
  1. High school diploma or GED.
• Certification:
  1. Basic Life Support Heartsaver (HS) level to be completed within 30 days of hire
• Skills/Competencies:
  1. Experience with inventory of materials, and asset management.
  2. Computer skills (Word, Excel).
  3. Knowledge of inventory management concepts.
  4. Knowledge of EPIC inventory charges.
  5. Must have a working knowledge of surgical procedures and supplies.
  6. Excellent communication skills and ability to work closely with individuals from various backgrounds and professional expertise, including physicians, nursing staff, Materials Management, and vendors. 
  7. Excellent organizational skills.
  8. Healthcare Provider – (HCP) level of BLS to be completed upon hire.
  9. Demonstrates competency on equipment listed on department specific checklist.
  10. Critical thinking skills: Seeks resources for direction, when necessary. Performs independent problem solving. Decision-making is logical and deliberate.
  11. Performs actions that demonstrate accountability. Exercises safe judgment in decision-making.  Practices within legal and ethical guidelines. 
  12. Demonstrates competency in ability to care for customers/patients across the age continuum.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Frequent and at times prolonged standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, pushing, and pulling.
2. Manual dexterity.

1. Heavy physical effort, ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. (supplies and equipment).
2. Good reading eyesight. Able to see clearly 20 feet or more, to judge distance and space relationships, and to see peripherally. Full visual acuity, color perception.
3. Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and/or family, and the public

As a Samaritan professional, you will be asked to commit to being part of a culture grounded in our Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy that brings service and operational excellence to life each day while creating an exceptional experience for our patients, professionals, physicians, and students. Additionally, how we present ourselves matters, and adherence to our Professional Appearance Policy reflects the pride, respect, and professionalism we bring to those we serve.