Purchasing Agent

Description Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm Location: 800 W. Court Street Pasco, WA Wage: $28.62/hour; up to $40.19/hour, non-exempt Tri-Cities Community Health (TCCH) is looking for a Purchasing Agent who has a passion for helping others. As a community health center, located in southeastern Washington, serving Pasco, Kennewick, Richland and the surrounding communities. Our Mission: We are dedicated to the communities we serve, bringing together a unified team that delivers the highest-quality health care to every person, every time. Who are we? Our community health center began as a modest sized medical clinic in Pasco, Washington in 1981. The clinic was founded by a small group of women in the Pasco community who saw the need to serve low income community members who could not afford to pay for Healthcare. Tri-Cities Community Health has grown into a comprehensive non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) where we have evolved into a network of community health centers that continue with the foundation TCCH was built on and serve an even more diverse population in the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. Description: Under the direction of the Purchasing Manager, performs and or assists with all purchase order requisitioning, order placement, receiving and distribution of goods and services. Reviews and evaluates the acquisition the highest quality goods at the best price. Inventory management within the computerized system by updating prices/quantities/counts and working with the users of the system for accurate tracking of the products purchased and used. Essential Functions: Demonstrates effective leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Cross trained to back up purchasing staff to include ordering of supplies/goods, equipment and material, reviewing, and processing/issuing of purchase orders. Assists with completion of the appropriate documentation, paperwork and computerized inventory tracking/adjustments required by the Finance Department. 2. Assists with contract management (e.g. administers, review, manage, file, evaluate, analyze, and negotiate). Participate with the negotiation or renegotiation of contracts with vendors. Assists with the bidding process and contracts (e.g. observe how to prepare specifications, evaluate bids, recommend vendors, etc.). Assists with the Research and evaluation of vendors/contracts to ensure compliance with government regulations (e.g. vendor debarment and suspension regulation). Evaluates vendors to ensure performance is aligned with established specifications. Participates with the development and implementation of purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures. Assists with the decision to ensure that clinic medical equipment receives proper preventive maintenance and repairs. Interacts with TCCH Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) representatives to determine opportunities, coordinate implementation of new GPO programs throughout the health center; and track corporate compliance 3. Ensures consistent and timely delivery of routine supplies, equipment and special-order items. Assists with the management of the clinic medical equipment, maintenance of the perpetual medical equipment inventory, medical equipment standardization and minor repairs of the same. Performs the tasks within the clinic order and inventory control software. Responds to inquiries from internal and external sources in providing information, direction, and or appropriate referrals in a timely and professional fashion. 4. Assists manager in the review of to maintain good record of purchasing files and records (purchase orders, contracts, etc.) to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures and ensure the availability of documentation. 5. Assists manager with the review and monitor of capital purchases to ensure compliance with TCCH policies and procedures and HRSA requirements. 6. Identify opportunities for cost savings and standardization and continually improve purchasing methods/processes. 7. Works in conjunction with both Accounts Payable and Accounting to ensure well managed and monitored materials management system. 8. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment. Interacts with all of the above in a considerate, helpful and courteous manner as observed by peers and others. Performs job functions in an appropriate and professional manner. Conducts work activities with respect for the rights and safety of other co workers as observed by others. Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner as measured by management observation and peer input. Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations. Maintains open communication using appropriate chain of command regarding issues. Conducts all work activities with respect for rights and wishes of patients, visitors, families and fellow employees. Maintains confidentiality of all pricing, Health Center and patient information at all times as observed by peers and management. Presents neat, professional appearance in proper attire and identification as required by the position, department, and Health Center policy. Continuously displays a "can do" attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service program in place in the Health Center. 9. Special projects and/or other duties as assigned. Requirements Minimum Education: Associates Degree Minimum Work Experience: Two years of previous experience within a purchasing environment. Required Licenses/Certifications: Current WA Driver’s License and Car insurance. Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills. Strong analytical ability to adapt to different customer needs and to develop and maintain successful working relationships. Ability to assist with data and financial analysis. Experience in reviewing contracts/prices, good computer and communication skills, proficient with Microsoft Office and Inventory Tracking software. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Body Fluid Exposure:

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