Unit Supplies Coordinator

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Manager, Health Services Supply:

• Assumes the responsibility for assuring that adequate levels of patient care supplies required are maintained and accessible to health care providers.
• Responds to requests and inquiries from patient care providers that may arise from changing patient needs, emergent or urgent medical situations and the use of specific medical supplies.
• Prioritizes requests and takes appropriate action on own initiative and/or refers request to immediate supervisor when required.
• Reports any difficulties in obtaining medical/surgical supplies or equipment to the respective Manager of Health Services and/or the Manager of Health Services Supplies and/or purchasing.
• Monitors and replenishes inventory, including: medical surgical supplies and non-capital equipment (excluding forms and office supplies).
• Establishes quotas for ward inventory and places order by computer on a regularly scheduled basis, adjusting for changes in demand.
• Maintains on demand stock inventory levels to be determined with or by request of the Manager of Health Services.
• Receives and verifies the accuracy of receipts against orders placed.
• Investigates any discrepancies in the supplies received or pricing with the appropriate party (i.e. warehouse, purchasing, or finance) and follows up on the resolution of these discrepancies.
• Exercises independence of action in the course of daily responsibilities, making decisions on own initiative in the performance of required duties.
• Assists in the coordination of the removal and replacement of recalled items as well as items on trial and evaluation.
• Ensures that urgently required medical supplies are ordered and received on a stat basis.

Experience

• Two years material management experience in a health care setting with previous experience with medical/surgical supplies required.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Complete high school education, Manitoba standards, required.
• Courses in inventory management and medical terminology preferred.
• Must complete recognized WHMIS training and participate in relevant seminars and on the job training on the Clinical Supply Chain Information System.
• Customer service courses/seminars preferred.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

Not Applicable

Qualifications and Skills

• Preference will be given to those applicants competent in an Indigenous language and/or knowledge in Indigenous customs, traditions and values.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing required.
• Effective mathematical skills required.
• Demonstrated customer service skills essential.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills required as well as the ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work under stressful working conditions and to prioritize working responsibilities effectively and to manage time efficiently.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Must have the ability to acquire and maintain extensive knowledge of a large variety of products and their uses as well as their locations.
• Familiarity with the functions of purchasing, receiving and the logistics within a health care facility preferred.
• Knowledge of the Health Sciences Centre complex an asset.
• As a custodian of the Health Sciences Centre’s inventory, it is critical that the individual brings with them the qualities of honesty, integrity and accountability.

Physical Requirements

• Position requires constant walking, repetitive lifting, bending, stretching and pushing in the transferring of stock from one area to another and from floor to shelving (40-45 lbs. per item).
• Repetitive hand, arm and shoulder motions required and as well as long periods of standing.
• Pushing and pulling cartloads of inventory that may weigh up to 2100 lbs. across carpets on and off elevators and up and down ramps is required.
• Requires the handling of dangerous goods in accordance with WHMIS regulations.
• May be required to work in cramped conditions when carrying items over obstacles and twisting motions are necessary.
• May also be exposed to soiled, sharp or contaminated supplies as well as infectious patients.
• Exposure to temperature variations (i.e., servicing Sherbrook Dialysis).