Referral Specialist

About the Role

The Referral Specialist plays a vital role in Gift of Life Michigan’s mission by completing timely reviews of viable organ referrals. This includes receiving updates on patient conditions, reviewing hospital EMRs for clinical status, and communicating with appropriate personnel.

Responsibilities

• Complete timely response to viable organ referrals, understanding that presence is vital to GOLM’s mission.
• Engage with potential organ donor’s hospital care team to assess clinical situations, plan of care, and evaluate family dynamics related to brain death evaluation or withdrawal of support.
• Educate hospital care and organ recovery teams on the organ donation process, including preparation, equipment, sterilization, staff utilization, critical timing, and surgical recovery procedures.
• Assist in the education of new clinical and Hospital Development employees both in the office and in the field.
• Maintain proper documentation during the donation process and provide necessary information to maintain organizational records.
• Respond to potential donor referrals and approach families regarding donation in a timely manner with on-site assignments.
• Serve as an ambassador and partner with hospital care providers through education and support to obtain authorization for organ, tissue, and eye donation.
• Complete authorization process/paperwork with the legal decision-maker and educate families about specifics relevant to each authorization for informed decisions about donation. For registered donors, acknowledge the descendant’s documented decision to donate.
• Direct the comprehensive critical care medical management of critically ill organ donors in the ICU as needed.
• Conduct physical assessments and examinations as needed.
• Search organ donor registry(ies) for documentation of the patient's decision to donate.
• May assist the donation coordinator team with core duties to move donation forward.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), or Paramedic (EMT-P) with 18 months of acute and/or critical care experience, or a combination of relevant education and other formal healthcare training.
• Prior experience in a healthcare organization, transplant center, or organ/tissue procurement organization (preferred).

Skills

• Written and verbal fluency in English.
• Ability to exercise initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• 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.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.

Organizational Culture Expectations

• Demonstrate the competencies of Professional, Determined, and Compassionate.
• Maintain a motivated and positive attitude.
• Support an inclusive work environment.
• Ability to successfully collaborate and work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Actively seek improvements.
• Always maintain a safe working environment and use Universal Precautions.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality in all areas dealing with sensitive, protected, and confidential information.