Inventory Control Technician I

An Inventory Control Technician I at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center primarily manages the medical supply inventory necessary for patient care. Responsibilities include using an automated system for ordering and restocking supplies, maintaining inventory levels, distributing supplies to care areas, identifying opportunities for inventory optimization, maintaining organized stock locations, and ensuring effective communication with clinical staff.

To qualify for the Inventory Control Technician I position at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, you need a high school diploma or GED, alongside at least one year of supply chain-related experience or other relevant experience. Knowledge of automated systems, record-keeping practices, safe lifting techniques, and basic communication skills is essential for success.

Success as an Inventory Control Technician I at Fred Hutch requires strong organizational skills, effective communication abilities, basic math prowess, and knowledge of inventory management practices. Additionally, physical fitness is necessary to meet the demands of lifting and moving heavy supplies.

The Inventory Control Technician I position at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center operates on a schedule from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This consistent schedule allows for a great work-life balance while ensuring you play a vital role in patient care.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers a comprehensive benefits package to its Inventory Control Technician I staff, including medical and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, retirement plans, a generous paid time off policy, tuition reimbursement, and paid parental leave, among others. This benefits package is designed to enhance the overall well-being of employees.

When prioritizing tasks as an Inventory Control Technician I, focus on the needs of the clinical team to ensure that medical supplies essential for patient care are replenished first. Utilize inventory management systems to identify low stock levels, and create a schedule for restocking and audits in order of urgency.

In my previous roles, I worked extensively with automated inventory control systems for ordering and tracking supplies. I’m adept at navigating these systems to ensure accurate stock levels, processing requisitions promptly, and generating reports that help streamline inventory management processes.

If I noticed a recurring shortage of a specific supply item, I would first analyze inventory usage patterns and par levels. I would communicate with clinical staff to understand demand, adjust the par levels accordingly, and discuss reorder strategies with the Team Lead or Purchasing Department to prevent future shortages.

To ensure effective communication with clinical staff, I would regularly check in with them about their inventory requirements, encourage feedback on supply availability, and provide timely updates on stock levels. Establishing a strong rapport fosters better collaboration and enhances the overall efficiency of the inventory process.

When dealing with expired or obsolete items, I follow established procedures for removing these items from inventory, take note of them for audits, and alert necessary personnel for disposal or replacement. Keeping inventory accurate is crucial for patient safety, and I take this responsibility very seriously.

I have participated in onboarding new staff members by outlining our inventory management practices and demonstrating how to use automated systems effectively. I believe in hands-on training and mentoring, ensuring that new hires feel confident in their abilities to manage inventory independently.

In a previous position, I noticed delays in the supply ordering process. I initiated a review of our par levels and implemented a more systematic approach, including automated requisition generation based on stock levels. This streamlined the ordering process and reduced lead times for essential supplies.

I prioritize organization by using checklists, tracking my tasks digitally, and maintaining a clean workspace. Keeping labeled and categorized stock areas helps minimize time spent searching for items, allowing me to focus on maintaining accurate inventory levels quickly.

When lifting heavy items, I always use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury, such as bending my knees and keeping my back straight. I also assess the weight of the item beforehand and ask for assistance with particularly heavy or awkwardly shaped objects.

I am drawn to working as an Inventory Control Technician I at Fred Hutch because of the organization’s commitment to innovation and patient-centered care. I am passionate about contributing to healthcare and am excited about the prospect of being part of a team that directly impacts lives through its world-class research and clinical services.