Purchasing Agent

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$41,769.00/yr – $60,529.00/yr

This developmental position is located in the Prosthetics & Sensory Aid Service within the Prosthetic Service Line. The purpose of this position is to perform direct medical supply purchasing and inventory management support to the administrative and clinical services of the VA to initiate the obligation for all related requirements necessary to provide prosthetic and sensory aids services—including durable medical equipment and supplies directly to Veterans.

• Must meet all requirements by the closing date, 01/14/2026.
• Time‑In‑Grade Requirement:
  Current Federal employees who held a GS grade in the past 52 weeks must meet time‑in‑grade requirements by the closing date. Former Federal employees applying for reinstatement or for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) appointments also need to meet time‑in‑grade requirements.
• Advanced position to GS‑5:
  Candidates may advance without time restriction to GS‑5 for a position no more than two grades above the lowest GS grade held in the preceding 52 weeks.
• But for a GS‑6 position, a 52‑week tenure at GS‑5 is required.
• Applicants must provide SF‑50(s)—Notification of Personnel Action—to verify eligibility and time‑in‑grade. In addition to a most recent SF‑50, an additional SF‑50 may be required if the effective date is within the past year.
• Grade determination for GS‑5:
  At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑4 level in the Federal service, or a combination of specialized experience and a bachelor's degree, or education alone (four academic years above high school).
• Grade determination for GS‑6:
  At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑5 level, or a combination of specialized experience and a bachelor's degree.
• Specialized experience may include: working independently to complete purchase orders and reconcile charges; conducting face‑to‑face or telephone conversations with patients, family members, private medical staff, contractors, vendors, and co‑workers; researching solicitation methods, ordering procedures, and purchasing methods to distinguish purchasing strategies.
• Full‑time, 35–40 hours of work per week (or equivalent part‑time experience). Volunteer work from National Service programs may be credited.
• Physical requirements:
  
  primarily sedentary purchasing functions; limited warehouse activities; ability to lift up to 25 pounds; moderate discomfort visiting sites away from the office.

• This position is a multi‑grade career ladder position.
• Major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS‑6; at GS‑5, assignments are more limited in scope and independence.
• Progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the GS‑6 full performance level; promotion at the discretion of the supervisor.
• Perform technical level purchasing to acquire Veteran‑specific medical equipment, supplies, and services based on clinical assessment.
• Provide Veteran care and support services, serving as the point of contact for external customer service needs.
• Tailor Veteran care/support services to meet the specialized needs of the individual patient and supporting clinical service.
• Independently execute purchase of specialized/customized equipment or services with unstable price or critical characteristics.
• Review requests for completeness, compare disability or diagnosis to equipment/services normally provided, and ensure proper documentation.
• Ensure consults are completed and closed within guidelines; follow up on pending consults.
• Reconcile all invoices for certification of payment; review Veteran records against invoices; resolve discrepancies with vendors; maintain accurate records and complete all adjustments before final payment.
• Resolve purchasing problems such as inadequate specifications, lack of multiple suppliers, urgent need, insufficient price history, or continual requirement changes.
• Independently distinguish between purchasing strategies based on complexity of clinical prescription.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Promotion potential: may be promoted to full performance level without further competition when regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; telework may be authorized; virtual: not a virtual position.
• Location and relocation information not applicable; compensation incentives not authorized.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Purchasing and Supply Chain;
Government Administration