Become a Purchasing Agent for the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking for a career that combines technical procurement skills with the rewarding mission of supporting our nation's Veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis is seeking a motivated Purchasing Agent to join its Prosthetic and Sensory Aids team. This role is essential to the day-to-day operations of one of the country's leading VA facilities.

Job Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Agent, you will serve as a point of contact for medical equipment and supply needs. Your core duties include:

Procurement Management: Initiating purchases for medical supplies, surgical implants, and rental equipment based on clinical assessments.
Data Analysis: Managing data entry for procurement packages and monitoring orders through the Electronic Contract Management System.
Eligibility Verification: Examining clinical health records to ensure patients meet the requirements for specific durable medical equipment.
Fiscal Oversight: Reconciling invoices, managing purchase card obligations, and ensuring fair pricing through market research.
Veteran Support: Collaborating directly with patients, clinicians, and community care providers to ensure the timely delivery of vital medical services.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Background	Must pass a suitability/fitness investigation
Assessment	Completion of the online USA Hire assessment
Education	GS-5: 4 years post-high school; GS-6: Specialized experience required
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range starting at $41,115 and extending up to $59,581 annually, depending on your qualifications and grade level (GS-5 to GS-6).

Benefits

Employees enjoy a comprehensive package, including:

Federal health insurance coverage.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Federal retirement and pension benefits.
A collaborative work environment focused on a 'Whole Health' model of care.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Keep your resume to two pages and use the USAJOBS builder to ensure you meet all federal formatting requirements.
Be Specific: Include job titles, specific duties, start/end dates, and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Document Everything: If you are claiming veterans' preference or time-in-grade, ensure your SF-50s and DD-214s are clearly legible and uploaded as part of your application package.
Don't Rush the Assessment: The online competency assessment is critical. Set aside at least three hours to complete it without interruption.

Working for the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to those who have served. If you are detail-oriented, possess excellent communication skills, and want to support the operational needs of a premier medical facility, apply to become a Purchasing Agent today.

Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters

Empower those who served by ensuring they receive the high-quality medical equipment and supplies they deserve. Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Purchasing Agent in Indianapolis.

Purchasing Agent Job Overview

The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent to manage vital medical supplies and equipment for our Veterans. This role is central to our mission, involving direct interaction with clinical staff, surgeons, and Veteran patients to coordinate procurement, track inventory, and ensure seamless delivery of Prosthetic and Sensory Aids services.

Requirements for Purchasing Agent

U.S. Citizenship
Must be able to pass a background and security investigation
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Ability to complete mandatory government purchase card training
Must be willing to receive an annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an approved exemption
One-year probationary or two-year trial period required
Completion of an online assessment is required

Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent

Experience with medical supply procurement or Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Services
Proven proficiency in data entry and inventory management systems
Strong analytical skills regarding complex contracts or statements of work
Excellent customer service skills for interacting with clinical providers and patients

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal health insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Paid annual leave and sick time
✓Opportunities for professional growth and career progression
✓Access to a 'Whole Health' system of care for employees

💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS profile
Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages and follows the specified format
Complete the required online assessment when prompted
Submit your application and all required documents, such as SF-50s or transcripts, before the deadline
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard

💡 General Tips

Be specific and clear in your resume regarding job duties, hours worked per week, and dates (mm/yyyy)
Do not assume the hiring team knows your experience; document it explicitly
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates time-in-grade if you are a current or former federal employee
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting
Set aside at least three hours to complete the online assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for experience?

For the GS-5 level, you may substitute four years of education above high school for the required experience. There is no educational substitute for the GS-6 level.

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, this is an on-site position at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis.

What is the promotion potential for this role?

The position has a promotion potential to the GS-6 level, which may be attained without further competition once all regulatory and performance requirements are met.

What is the promotion potential?

*A: This position has a target level of GS-6. You may be promoted to this full performance level without further competition once you meet all criteria.*

Do I need a professional certification to apply?

*A: While not strictly required, a background in procurement or medical administrative support is highly advantageous.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: to care for those who have served in our military and their families. The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center is a level 1a clinical referral facility. As a teaching hospital affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine, the center provides a cutting-edge environment for research, education, and patient care.