Distribution Technician

Under the supervision of Brown University Health Supply Chain Operations Leadership, Distribution Technicians provide high-level customer service and operational support to the caregivers and departments Supply Chain supports across all Brown University Health facilities.

Responsibilities

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintains quality assurance and practice standards in accordance with established system policies procedures and objectives. Recognizes or anticipates problems and refers them immediately to the appropriate person for resolution if needed.

Follows established processes to ensure uninterrupted supply of equipment and supplies to support Supply Chain Operations.

According to the area, performs any combination of the following duties: counting, organizing, ordering, delivery, picking, packaging, put away, inspection, and/or receiving of equipment and supplies.

Maintains stock within assigned areas in a clean and orderly manner including storage rooms and systems. This includes overall organization, shelves, bins, carts, and clear and correct labels.

Orders according to established practices and rules with respect to par levels, reorder points, package size, unit of measure, and reorder quantities.

Implements inventory management processes and principles including rotation of stock utilizing dated material policy and/or FIFO (first in first out).

Operationalizes the product recall and substitution processes including communication as necessary.

Acts on optimization reports per processes - cycle counts, stock audits, discrepancies, reconciliation.

Receives material by verification of package or bin contents by review of packing slips, receiving slips, or purchase orders and maintains appropriate records.

Puts away materials in the correct location in an orderly and tidy manner.

Delivers orders to various locations serviced by Supply Chain within Brown University Health locations.

Unloads supplies from loading dock using hand and electric lift trucks as needed.

Delivers supplies to Brown University Health locations using a truck or van not requiring a commercial driver license.

Replenishes patient and other ancillary supply carts in designated areas.

Maintains stock within patient care areas including but not limited to gloves, PDI wipes, etc.

Interacts with suppliers to confirm or expedite delivery of orders and/or initiate the request for vendor returns.

Performs other related duties such as answering telephone and pager, relaying messages, conducting stock audits and reconciliations, cleaning work area, and photocopying, as required.

May provide functional guidance and training to new employees regarding supply chain operations.

Performs other duties as required.

Basic Knowledge:

High School diploma or equivalent required or greater than five years relevant experience.

The ability to exercise considerable independent judgment in the performance of most daily duties.

A high level of interpersonal skills to effectively represent Brown University Health and Supply Chain in interaction with all levels of personnel within and outside the organization.

Ability to properly use distribution equipment including electric pallet jacks and reach trucks.

Ability to comprehend and follow instruction manuals for operating, checking, and cleaning any necessary equipment. Mechanical ability to make minor adjustments on equipment and to recognize more complex problems.

Numerical and clerical ability to check gauges, read charts, and prepare departmental records.

If performing an assignment that requires driving, must have a good driving record, meet and maintain the appropriate and valid driver's license in order to operate motor vehicles as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in accordance with the Brown University Health Fleet Risk Control Policy.

Experience:

Three to six months on the job training to gain supply chain competency including applicable equipment and processes to support supply chain operations services to the organization.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Physical ability to stand and walk continuously for long periods of time.

Must have the ability to lift fifty pounds, carry, push, and/or pull moderately heavy store supplies, materials, and equipment.

Some exposure to the outside elements and some heat and cold discomfort.

Exposure to contaminated items, strong detergents, and antiseptic solutions.

Any potential hazard is minimized by adherence to safety procedures and the use of protective clothing and equipment as directed by the department.

Independent Action:

Functions independently within broad scope of department policies and procedures; refers specific problems to Supply Chain leadership only where clarification or exception may be required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None