Purchasing Assistant

Summary

This position maintains supplies for the Operating Room in the most efficient manner, assists the Purchasing Specialist, Coordinators and other Purchasing Office staff with managing and maintaining the flow of operations for the Operating Room staff, physicians, and patients, and is involved in all aspects of OR Scheduling.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

(60%) Review product stock levels in the operating rooms and core areas and fills supplies as needed. Communicates with SPD, Specialty Coordinators, and Materials Management when stock is low. Distributes supplies throughout the department, verifies par levels are correct in operating room suite along with supplies readily available daily or as needed depending on the case load for surgeons' preferences. Order office supplies for all operating room areas. Rotate stock to utilize products that will expire first. Communicate with coordinators and leadership when products are not being used and/or outdating.

 

(40%) Schedules surgical cases according to department policy, reschedules and moves procedures as necessary to improve efficiency and utilization, relays changes to physicians, physician offices, manager, OR Purchasing and other departments as necessary. Obtain patient procedure information and place ready to schedule cases from the depot to the Snapboard. Assists surgeon offices with protocols for scheduling cases appropriately, including correct specialty, procedure, and preference cards for the proper location. Assist surgeon offices in finding appropriate time for procedures. Communicates case comments, special needs and anesthesia type with appropriate staff. Relays changes to physicians, physician offices, manager, and other departments as necessary.

 

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Communicate with OR Purchasing Office staff and OR schedulers as needed. Answer phone in a polite and respectful manner with a positive attitude. Monitor schedule for appropriate procedure authorization. Accurately schedule Needle Localization and Sentinel cases with the Patient Access Center. Monitor OR Marketplace for block releases and requests for open time, making appropriate changes accordingly.

 

Certifications and Licensures

N/A

Required Education

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Equivalent Experience: Associate's degree in business or medical field preferred.

Other Information

OTHER EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.

Knowledge of medical terminology as normally acquired through one-year experience working in a Medical Center or similar setting.

Basic knowledge of Operating Room process flow is preferred.

Basic knowledge of the personal computer and office equipment to maintain office files. Office Excel & Word experience. Procedure scheduling software experience preferred. Proven computer skills through office work or classes taken preferred.

MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.

Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.

Able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.

Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).

Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.

Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.

Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.

Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.

Physical Demand Level: Sedentary. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 0-10 lbs.