Surgical Inventory Control Specialist I

Samaritan•Moses Lake, WA

6h•$45,011 - $61,110

About The Position

The Surgical Inventory Control Specialist I assists with the daily management, organization, and control of supplies, equipment, instruments, implants, and other inventory used within Surgical Services. The position works closely with the Surgical Inventory Control Specialist II, operating room staff, Sterile Processing, Materials Management, vendors, and other departments to ensure supplies are available for scheduled procedures, inventory levels are accurate, and resources are managed responsibly. The specialist contributes to case readiness, supply availability, inventory accuracy, cost containment, and patient safety. The role requires organization, attention to detail, knowledge of surgical supplies and workflows, and the ability to anticipate needs from the surgical schedule. It is a full-time position with a Monday-through-Friday schedule from 6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. PST. The position reports to the Peri-Operative Services Director and works closely with physicians and staff to support optimal patient care and outcomes. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, Basic Life Support certification at the specified levels and timeframes, and the ability to perform the physical tasks described in the posting.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Basic Life Support Heartsaver (HS) level to be completed within 30 days of hire.
Healthcare Provider (HCP) level of BLS to be completed upon hire.
Experience with inventory of materials and asset management.
Computer skills, including Word and Excel.
Knowledge of inventory management concepts and EPIC inventory charges.
Working knowledge of surgical procedures and supplies.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work with people from varied backgrounds and professional disciplines, including physicians, nursing staff, Materials Management, and vendors.
Excellent organizational skills.
Critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills, with the ability to seek resources for direction when necessary.
Accountability, safe judgment, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines.
Ability to demonstrate competency on equipment listed on the department-specific checklist.
Ability to care for customers and patients across the age continuum.
Frequent and sometimes prolonged standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, pushing, and pulling; manual dexterity.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Good reading eyesight, ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more, judge distance and spatial relationships, see peripherally, and demonstrate full visual acuity and color perception.
Ability to communicate verbally and/or in writing to accurately exchange information with physicians, nurses, healthcare professionals, patients and/or family, and the public.
Adherence to the Professional Appearance Policy.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate inventory of surgical supplies, specialty items, implants, equipment, and other Surgical Services inventory.
Establish and maintain par levels based on procedure volume, utilization, lead times, and clinical needs.
Perform routine cycle counts and physical inventory audits; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
Keep supply storage organized, clean, and standardized; rotate supplies using appropriate expiration-management practices.
Monitor inventory for overstock, understock, slow-moving, and obsolete products.
Review the surgical schedule to anticipate supply and equipment needs for upcoming procedures.
Identify specialty supplies, implants, instruments, and equipment needed for procedures and verify availability of critical or limited-stock items.
Communicate potential supply shortages or concerns to clinical staff and the Surgical Inventory Control Specialist II.
Assist in ensuring supplies are available and appropriately prepared before surgical procedures, and coordinate with SPD about instrument availability and specialty instrument needs.
Place supply orders according to established processes and inventory needs; monitor vendor lead times, backorders, substitutions, and product availability.
Receive and inspect incoming supplies for quantity, accuracy, damage, expiration dates, and packaging integrity; store supplies appropriately.
Communicate receiving discrepancies to Materials Management, vendors, or the appropriate department.
Monitor expiration dates, remove expired or compromised products according to hospital policy, and assist with recall identification, removal, and documentation.
Maintain accurate product information, including manufacturer, item number, lot number, and expiration information when applicable; assist with consignment and specialty inventory.
Maintain and update inventory data in hospital systems, including product information, locations, and par levels.
Maintain required documentation related to inventory, receiving, recalls, consignment items, and vendor products; generate or assist with inventory reports as requested.
Communicate and collaborate with Surgical Services leadership, OR nurses, surgical technologists, SPD, Materials Management, Purchasing, surgeons, anesthesia, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Participate in department meetings and quality improvement initiatives as appropriate; proactively communicate supply concerns.
Serve as a resource to staff regarding supply location, availability, and inventory processes, and promote compliance with hospital policies and procedures related to inventory management and supply handling.
Demonstrate competency on equipment listed on the department-specific checklist and provide care for customers and patients across the age continuum.
Practice accountability and safe, logical decision-making within legal and ethical guidelines; seek direction when necessary and use independent problem solving.