What are the responsibilities and job description for the Material Customer Service Associate position at Kaiser Permanente?
Job Summary:
Under indirect supervision, orders and replenishes items, materials or services of non-technical, technical or specialized nature which are usually made, altered or customized to specific needs and specifications that detail, in technical terms, required physical, chemical or other properties; assists in training Inventory Associate and other clerical staff.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Advises customers to develop and maintain appropriate inventory minimum and maximum target levels; assists customer with material inventory needs which may include research.
- Ensures that established replenishment cycle results in most accurate, timely, and efficient delivery of supplies to customers.
- Develops and maintains effective physical organization of storerooms and storage areas that respects Program and regulatory agency standards.
- Rotates dated items appropriately.
- Advises customers to eliminate non-standard supply items from inventory.
- Acts as liaison for customers for national product standards.
- Demonstrates exceptional customer service with variety of internal and external customers.
- Acts as effective resource and liaison for Material Services.
- Provides reliable, useful product information to customers.
- Identifies and devises action plans to enhance utilization of goods and services.
- Functions effectively as adjunct medical office team member while advocating prudent application of national and divisional Material Services and financial control standards.
- Assists training for health care team members and Material Services staff members on Material Services practices.
- Provides information to health care team members and Material Services staff members on Material Services practices.
- Effectively manages and resolves emergency situations, such as stock outages and equipment failures.
- Edits requisitions and confers with issuing department regarding requirements, specifications, quantity and quality of merchandise and delivery schedules; places orders by utilizing material computer system.
- Carries out necessary follow-ups and expediting activities to insure proper delivery schedules.
- Keeps management informed of problem areas and takes constructive corrective action.
- Insures proper inventory levels are maintained.
- Interprets inventory printouts; provides information, projections and recommendations for purchase standardization, quality, amounts or equivalency.
- Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide culturally sensitive care and/or service.
- Performs other duties and accepts responsibility as assigned.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
Experience
- One (1) year experience in material services or purchasing.
Education
- High School Diploma; or equivalent combination of education (lesser) & experience may be considered in lieu of requirements.
License, Certification, Registration
- N/A
Additional Requirements:
- Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in oral communication, written communication, customer service, interpersonal relations, teamwork, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in word processing, spreadsheets, database, and inventory management information systems PC applications.
- Talking to co-workers, customers, outside vendors, and on the telephone.
- Reading, writing, speaking and understanding English.
- Training/giving and receiving instructions.
- Mathematical ability, attention to detail (e.g., organization, prioritization, proofing), concentration and alertness.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Some experience or exposure to the healthcare industry, including basic knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare supplies.
- Certification in material management (e.g., APICS or PMA).
- Associates degree in business administration, hospital administration, or economics.
