Position Overview
The Purchasing Assistant at United Health Services (UHS) plays a vital role in keeping healthcare moving by supporting the timely flow of critical supplies. This role processes purchase orders, invoices, and reports with accuracy and urgency, helping strengthen procurement operations and support patient care teams. Through strong organization, attention to detail, and responsive service, the Purchasing Assistant builds effective relationships with departments and vendors. Every task contributes to reliable supply continuity, operational excellence, and a collaborative environment grounded in teamwork, respect, innovation, and community connection.
Primary Department, Division, or Unit:
Procurement, UHS Supply Chain Operations
Primary Work Shift:
Day
Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours:
20
Compensation Range:
$17.98 - $25.17 per hour, depending on experience
This position is not eligible for benefits.
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Job Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Process purchase orders, invoices, and requisitions accurately to support timely procurement and uninterrupted patient care operations
- Expedite orders by monitoring status, documenting updates, and communicating delays to ensure departments receive critical supplies as expected
- Enter and maintain procurement data in materials management systems to ensure reliable records, reporting accuracy, and audit readiness
- Coordinate routine procurement reports, including open purchase order reports, to support supply chain visibility and informed decision‑making
- Respond to internal and external inquiries through shared inboxes and phone communications, ensuring responsive service and strong cross‑departmental connections
- Communicate effectively with internal and external customers through verbal, written, and electronic communication methods, including email, messaging platforms, and other digital tools for timely, professional, and accurate exchange of information
Scope and Impact:
- Contribute directly to procurement efficiency and operational continuity across clinical and non‑clinical departments
- Exercise judgment within defined procedures to resolve order discrepancies, escalate issues, and support compliant purchasing practices
- Work under general supervision with accountability for assigned purchasing, documentation, and reporting responsibilities
- Support positive vendor and stakeholder relationships by coordinating communications and upholding organizational standards
Compliance and Professional:
- Complete required training, education, and competency validations within established timelines to support regulatory and organizational readiness
- Execute procurement activities in alignment with organizational policies, vendor guidelines, and applicable healthcare regulations
- Maintain accurate documentation and filing systems to support audits, financial integrity, and compliance standards
- Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations
- As applicable to your role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks
Additional Expectations:
- Support cross-coverage across Supply Chain to meet operational needs and ensure reliable service delivery
- Communicate clearly, professionally, and courteously to build dependable working relationships and deliver responsive internal customer service
- Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions
- Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations
- Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs
Position Qualifications
Required:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Up to 1 year of related experience in a role or field that provides transferable skills or knowledge relevant to the position
Preferred:
- Up to 1 year of healthcare experience working in the healthcare industry in any job function
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About United Health Services
United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.
At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us!
United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at www.uhsinc.com.
