Inventory Management Specialist-Expendable

Full Job Description

This position serves as an Inventory Manager in the Commodity Management Division of the Logistics Service in a Veteran Affairs Health Care System (VA HCS) and supported catchment area in El Paso, Texas.

With responsibility for the inventory management of all expendable supplies and durable medical equipment (DME) in the assigned area(s).

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must meet one of the following: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position.

Qualifying specialized experience includes: managing a variety of expendable items and durable medical equipment; forecasting short and long range inventory needs; analyzing inventory management reports and the effectiveness of various options proposed to provide supply support; utilizing automated inventory management systems to maintain current inventory data; researching and analyzing information to resolve questions and issues, and implementing federal and agency programs for the return and reutilization of medical supplies.

NOTE: 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.

~OR~ GRADUATE EDUCATION: Successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate level study, or possess a master's or higher degree, e.g., LL.B., J.D., LL.M., Ph.D., in a field that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

Such fields include business administration, commerce, marketing, industrial management, engineering, economics, accounting, business or commercial law, and statistics.

(Conferred/Awarded Dated Transcripts required) NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

~OR~ COMBINATION: Equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position.

NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required.

~OR~ SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) at the baccalaureate level in the qualifying curriculum detailed above is fully qualifying.

Applicants who wish to apply under this provision must submit proof from their educational institution that they meet one of the criteria listed below.

To qualify for SAA, applicants must have completed all the requirements for a bachelor's degree in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled and meet one of the following:1.

Class Standing: Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university or major subdivision.2.

Grade Point Average: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two (2) years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two (2) years of the curriculum.3.

Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

For a list of recognized honor societies please visit http://www.achsnatl.org/quick_link.asp.For more information regarding SAA please visit http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp#e4f You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Communication Contracting/Procurement Planning and Evaluating Problem Solving Technical Competence Technology Application IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.

All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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.

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.

Physical Requirements: Work is normally accomplished in an office setting; however, due to the nature of the position and duties, may be called upon to assist in the receipt, storage and distribution of various supplies, primarily consisting of lifting light boxes generally less than forty (40) pounds, utilizing appropriate material handing devices, and placing items on shelves or carrying them elsewhere on station or within the catchment area.

Must maintain applicable training and licensing to operate assigned equipment.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Major Duties:

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Major duties and responsibilities include: Manages and controls inventory of expendable supplies and durable medical equipment (DME) for assigned service lines, ensuring availability to support patient care operations.

Serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in inventory and commodity management, advising clinical and administrative staff on supply processes, availability, and alternatives.

Analyzes inventory data and usage trends to forecast demand, establish stock levels (par levels), and optimize supply chain efficiency.

Coordinates procurement activities by researching vendors, determining acquisition methods (e.g., MSPV, FSS), and ensuring compliance with FAR/VAAR regulations.

Develops and implements inventory management procedures (SOPs) to improve supply operations, standardization, and cost-effectiveness.

Monitors and evaluates supply chain performance, identifying opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and efficiency gains using quantitative analysis.

Maintains inventory records in automated systems (e.g., GIP or equivalent), ensuring accuracy of receipts, issues, adjustments, and accountability of supplies.

Performs physical inventories and reconciliations, identifying discrepancies, shrinkage, or supply chain issues and taking corrective action.

Coordinates with stakeholders (clinical staff, vendors, contracting, logistics, VISN, etc.) to resolve supply issues, support product substitutions, and ensure continuity of operations.

Manages returns, recalls, and reutilization programs, ensuring compliance with agency policies and responding to patient safety alerts and supply disruptions. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full GS-9 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.

This position falls under the Technical Career Field (TCF) Program a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions.

The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is required for success in the field.

Individuals selected follow a formal individual development plan for two years during which they are trained and coached by a preceptor who is a subject matter expert within the career field/job specialty.

Trainees must remain at the hiring grade level for a minimum of one year. Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements.