Donation Support Specialist

Duties & Responsibilities

The Donation Support Specialist approaches families of potential donors primarily in person and onsite, while also responding to onsite assignments of potential donor referrals. They serve as an ambassador and partner with hospital care providers through education and support, aiming to obtain authorization for organ, tissue, and eye donation. The role requires maintaining an individual authorization rate that demonstrates best practice skills in obtaining authorization, completing the authorization process/paperwork with the legal decision maker, and educating the family about the specifics relevant to each authorization.

To honor the loved one's decision to be a donor, the specialist works with the legal next of kin in cases where the potential donor has indicated their decision to be a donor by first-person authorization. They collaborate with the hospital care team to evaluate and understand family dynamics, aiming to overcome any barriers and prepare for engaging with families as timely as possible. The specialist also collaborates with Gift of Life clinical personnel to coordinate family conversations when response and readiness triggers have been indicated. They determine when a referral may require consultation/escalation, seek appropriate assistance, and follow provided guidance.

The role involves assessing donor history by accurately completing a Donor Risk Assessment Interview (DRAI) with family members or other appropriate historians. Post-donation follow-up is performed as scheduled. The specialist adheres to department expectations and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Combined total of 7 years’ work experience and education in a mental health-related field, nursing, a first responder role, pastoral and/or spiritual care, or healthcare.
• Prior experience in a healthcare organization, transplant center, or organ/tissue procurement organization.
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or Arabic.

Preferred qualifications include postsecondary education and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook and Teams, and other technology systems used in business operations. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple and competing priorities are also preferred. The specialist must demonstrate attention to detail, self-directedness, and the ability to work with families in crisis, advocate for donation authorization, and respect individual family circumstances. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, along with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse public and healthcare population, manage difficult situations, and work in a fast-paced environment. The role also requires the ability to learn and understand medical terminology and maintain appropriate confidentiality in handling sensitive information.