Eye and Tissue Donation Specialist

VisionGift is a non-profit organization founded in 1975 by Lions Clubs of Oregon, which recognized the need for an eye bank to provide ocular tissue for transplants, research and medical education. Since its inception, over 65,000 people have received the gift of sight from tissue procured and screened by VisionGift, which works closely with transplant surgeons. Additionally, ocular tissues have been utilized for valuable research projects and surgical training.

We currently have a NIGHTSHIFT opening for a FULL-TIME Donation Specialist(DS) in our Donor Referral Line (DRL). Shifts are 12 hours in duration, working 3-4 days a week. The DRL is a 24/7 hybrid remote call center serving not only VisionGift, but multiple anatomical donor agencies in the Pacific Northwest. The primary function of the DRL is screening recently deceased individuals, as notified from hospitals and other death reporting entities. This is followed by speaking with their Next of Kin(NOK), to obtain authorization for anatomical donation and complete medical/social history questionnaires. The DRL also receives contact from hospitals for vented patients, initiating the process for the Organ Procurement Organization(OPO) to screen for potential organ donation.

This is a great opportunity for individuals who believe strongly in and support anatomical tissue donation and have prior experience in the allied medical, social service, and/or call centers. Successful Donation Specialists enjoy a fast-paced working environment, excel in multi-tasking various parts of progressing cases, and have compassionate customer service skills to navigate difficult discussions with grieving families.

Although this work is rewarding, there are times when the Next of Kin(NOK) may process their grief in a variety of ways, as directed to the donation specialist over the phone. This can be distressing, along with general exposure of this role to real death and dying situations. Skills and ongoing support to navigate these aspects of the job are addressed, ensuring our staff have the necessary tools for giving families a choice in situations often beyond their control. Our work ensures donor families' loved one's legacy can live on, creating a bridge between loss and hope in providing recipients of donor tissue a better life.

Essential functions for a Donation Specialist:

• Receive new donor referrals from a variety of sources, including hospitals, funeral homes, and coroner offices.
• Perform initial donor screenings of referrals by gathering the donor's medical information from a variety of sources, including hospitals and next of kin.
• Approach and communicate with the families of deceased potential donors by phone to complete consent paperwork and a medical/social screening questionnaire.
• Become familiar and fluent with changing contraindications in donor suitability criteria for VisionGift and our partner agencies whom utilize our call center services.
• Coordinate tissue recoveries and logistics of tissue arrival from various parts of OR, SW WA, and surrounding Boise ID.

In addition to the hourly wage, VisionGift offers a generous benefit package including, but not limited to:

• Shift differentials for nights & weekends
• 3 weeks PTO in the first year which increases with tenure
• 7 holidays, 1 floating holiday and 1 DEI day
• Medical, dental, and vision benefit options
• $20,000 employer-paid life insurance policy
• Employer-paid short-term disability
• Voluntary benefits
• 401K with employer match
• Paid leave
• And more

Starting Pay: $21.20/hour plus shift differentials for nights and weekends.

Requirements:

A successful Donation Specialist candidate will have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to type 50 words per minute.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Willingness to follow standard operating procedures.
• Ability to navigate difficult conversations with NOK.
• Ability to work at least one weekend shift.

This position is learned through extensive on-the-job training, however preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:

• Prior experience with cornea, organ, or tissue donation; the death care industry; or a related field.
• Two or more years of call center or referral center experience.
• College-level coursework or experience in the biological sciences or allied health.
• Experience with medical terminology.
• Demonstrated experience navigating time-sensitive or high-pressure situations.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the job post. We are more interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed. If you are unsure if you meet the qualifications of this role please email to discuss your application.

Please read this job description carefully and ask for clarification if you have difficulty understanding the functions of this job.

Please describe any accommodations that you need in order to perform this job.

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