Central Supply Clerk Job Description

Central Supply Clerks in Nursing Homes

A nursing home central supply clerk is responsible for selecting vendors, negotiating prices and creating purchase order forms for all items they order, including diapers, underwear, bed pans, call bells, examination gloves, wheelchair cushions, walkers, pillows, linens and bath benches. The proper departments are charged for specific orders. In addition, central supply clerks make changes to the wrong items when they are shipped and store supplies according to nursing home standards.

The central supply clerks at the nursing home research new equipment and arrange for demonstrations. Most assist nursing home departments with keeping their expenses within their budget. The central supply clerks in nursing homes usually need a high school degree.

Employers may prefer hiring people with a lot of experience in purchasing, inventory management and cost control. The American Hospital Association has a certification exam for supply clerks with at least seven years of experience. The qualities that are essential to succeed in the job are attention to detail, organization, communication and computer skills.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have a job category for central supply clerks. The 1 percent increase in employment from 2012 to 2022, which is much slower than the 11 percent projected growth rate for all occupations, is for Material Recording Clerks. The 21 percent increase in jobs expected for nursing assistants is a better indicator of central supply clerks.

As a central supply clerk in a nursing home, you are responsible for planning and directing the procurement of nursing supplies, such as examination gloves, patient lifts, bed pans, adult diapers, mattresses and medical supplies. You evaluate suppliers, research and negotiate contracts. Material recording clerks can research new products and submit bids.

They work under the direction of a supervisor to ensure that orders are confirmed and correct. A central supply clerk issues supplies to specific staff or departments and makes sure they have the appropriate safety sheets and materials. They keep a reference of procurement procedures, standards and regulations, as well as ensure that departments are charged for equipment or supplies.

They help organize storage areas, place items in storage bins, and supervise the use of supplies in accordance with federal law. Knowledge of strategic planning and resource allocation principles is required. Basic math and accounting skills are needed for budgeting.

A central supply clerk needs to communicate and negotiate with vendors. An eye for detail is helpful in looking at incoming products. Vocational classes on cost control could beneficial, although the minimum requirement for a supply clerk in a nursing home is usually a high school diploma.

Entry-level positions in nursing homes typically have on-the-job central supply coordinators training. A bachelor's degree is required to pursue a career in central supply coordination, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. BLS doesn't give specific information about nursing home central supply clerk salary and job growth.