The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI) are seeking a Purchasing Agent to procure goods and services in support of the facility. This is a full-time position with a Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 schedule and opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.

The position reports to the CMHI Business Manager and works with a Lead Purchasing Agent and Budget Analyst routinely. The Purchasing Office supports both CMHI and the Civil Commitment Unit for Sex Offenders (CCUSO), a sister HHS facility located on the CMHI campus. The successful candidate for the Purchasing Agent position should enjoy working in a fast paced environment and have excellent organizational and decision making skills. Some responsibilities include:

• Procuring goods and services for CMHI and CCUSO in compliance with State of Iowa policies and codes.
• Providing excellent service to internal and external customers.
• Determining the most efficient and cost-effective means to procure goods using master agreements, service contracts, and approved vendors.

CMHI provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care. The facility offers several services including individualized treatment plans. Support for patients with special education needs to continue their education is provided, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well.

We have a great total compensation package, including:

• Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) (Employee contributes 6.29%/State of Iowa contributes 9.44%)
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan) (State of Iowa matches up to $75/month)
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (See below for additional information)
• Vacation Leave (96 hours/year to begin, and increases with years of service)
• Sick Leave (144 hours/year)
• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance ($20,000 paid for by the State of Iowa)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from high school, or G.E.D., and experience equal to four years full-time work in the procurement of standardized, expendable/non-expendable items;

graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, accounting or economics;

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of the required experience for each year (30 semester hours or one year) of the required education.