Inventory Specialist CDH Centralized Sterilization Full-time Days

Northwestern Medicine; Winfield (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Inventory Specialist who embodies their mission and values. This role is pivotal in managing inventory levels, ensuring accuracy in instrumentation, and collaborating with various teams to optimize operations. The ideal candidate will bring strong communication skills and experience in inventory management, particularly in a hospital setting. This position offers a dynamic work environment where multitasking and flexibility are key to success. Join a team dedicated to excellence in patient care and operational efficiency, and be part of a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Support for Physical Well-being

Support for Emotional Well-being

Support for Financial Well-being

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in OR instrumentation management.
• Certification in IAHCSMM or CBSPD is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory levels and maintain accurate records.
• Collaborate with teams to reduce missing instrumentation.

Skills

Verbal and Written Communication

Multitasking

Inventory Management

Basic Computer Skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

IAHCSMM or CBSPD Certification

Tools

Censitrac Inventory Management System

Excel

Job description

Description

The Inventory Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Inventory Specialist, under the direction of the Central Sterile Manager, works both independently and in collaboration with the OR, SPD, and Vendor(s). This is a highly visible role requiring effective communication and follow-through via in-person meetings, phone calls, and emails. This position requires daily flexibility and the ability to multitask to ensure timely completion of assignments.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage and maintain accurate inventory levels, including instrumentation, special orders, and office supplies.
2. Utilize Censitrac inventory management system reports to identify missing instrumentation and conduct physical tray inventories to verify accuracy before ordering. Update tray lists in Censitrac as needed.
3. Collaborate with OR/SPD and Vendor teams to develop and implement plans to reduce missing instrumentation from trays.
4. Assist in financial modeling and forecasting for instrumentation inventory management.
5. Receive, unpack, verify shipments, and replenish instrumentation into correct trays, ensuring missing items are removed from the Missing Instrument List in Censitrac.
6. Conduct in-services for staff on new instrumentation as needed.
7. Prepare Excel spreadsheets documenting instrumentation orders, including reasons, quantities, and receipt dates; distribute weekly to the team.
8. Communicate with OR and SPD teams regarding back orders or obsolete instrumentation, removing such items from tray lists as necessary.
9. Follow up on back orders, suggest substitutions or alternative vendors, and communicate ETAs to teams.
10. Coordinate with repair vendors, tag trays accordingly, and inform OR/SPD of repairs or unrepairable instruments, reordering as needed.
11. Monitor and organize backup instrumentation cabinets to meet par levels daily/weekly.
12. Assist in returning extra instruments to their respective cabinets daily.
13. Work with OR/SPD teams to streamline trays, reduce unused instruments, and optimize peel pack usage.
14. Monitor and organize peel pack instruments to meet par levels.
15. Ensure proper credit for mis-ordered instruments.
16. Assist in tray assembly based on departmental demand.
17. Attend weekly CST Leadership Meetings to report instrumentation issues and updates.
18. Maintain flexibility to perform various responsibilities as needed.
19. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• IAHCSMM or CBSPD Certification
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in OR instrumentation
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer skills

Preferred:

• Knowledge of aseptic techniques, sterilization procedures, infection control, and workflow principles
• Experience in instrument and supply processing
• Previous inventory management experience in a hospital setting

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Visit ourBenefits section to learn more.