The Inventory Specialist coordinates and oversees the sterile processing of surgical instrumentation, as well as the ordering, storing, and distribution of instruments for the Surgical Services Department and other hospital departments. This role is essential in ensuring the availability and integrity of medical supplies and equipment, contributing to high-quality patient care.
Essential Key Job Responsibilities:
Clerical Support: Assist with scheduling, ordering, and maintaining office supplies; answer phones and manage inquiries and workflow outside the Operating Rooms.
System Knowledge: Utilize the Cerner computer system for scheduling, running daily reports, and retrieving patient information; navigate the Lawson computer system to manage supplies, including researching backorders, account information, ordering, and pricing.
Research and Procurement: Research new items requested by surgeons and anesthesia teams, determining purchasing options and availability; understand criteria for chargeable items and manage their documentation in the system.
Collaboration: Work with Star staff in Centerville and DSM to manage chargeable patient supplies and ensure proper documentation.
Resource Management: Identify needs for additional assistance and effectively utilize staff resources, including knowledge of DSM and Mercy Centerville teams.
Supply Management: Procure specialty items for surgical cases efficiently, anticipating the needs of patients, surgeons, anesthesia, and OR team members; order, track, document receipt, and distribute departmental supplies.
Cost Management: Collaborate with Mercy Buyers to select quality products at the lowest cost for patient care.
Equipment Maintenance: Maintain and troubleshoot surgical equipment, utilizing manuals and instructions from manufacturers or Biomed; notify manufacturers or Biomed of unresolved issues and ensure equipment has up-to-date Biomed stickers.
Safety Compliance: Manage patient supplies, including the removal and documentation of recalled items, and post safety notices.
Product Demonstrations: Work with product representatives to introduce new products and arrange trials for surgery.
Training and Development: Assist with arranging in-services for staff and provide orientation and training on instruments and sterilization procedures.
Budget Assistance: Support the department manager in preparing and maintaining the capital budget, including research and quotes for needed equipment.
Record Keeping: Complete monthly reports on sterilizing costs and biological growth records, and communicate results with appropriate staff; maintain documentation records according to retention requirements.
Professional Development: Participate in ongoing educational activities related to the position and contribute to the professional development of peers.
Effective Communication: Communicate effectively with staff, physicians, patients, families, and other healthcare team members, demonstrating accountability for job performance.
Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Education Requirement: High School Diploma - required
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.