In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan’s core purpose and core values, the Authorization Specialist has the primary responsibility of approaching legal next of kin (LNOK) via telephone for tissue, placenta and/or organ donation, communication with tissue partners, ME’s and funeral homes, evaluation of donor logistics, and completion of tissue authorization and Donor Risk Assessment Interview (DRAIs). Additional activities include data entry, assistance with various reports, troubleshooting, and process improvement activities.
Duties & ResponsibilitiesThe following job duties and responsibilities are stated in broad terms and not intended to be inclusive. Those in bold are essential duties of the position:
- Ability to perform all duties of the Donor Operations Specialist (DOS) role.
- Timely approaches to potential donor families by telephone regarding their options to donate.
- Complete donor risk assessment interviews with the appropriate historian to collect accurate medical, demographic, and social information on potential organ and tissue donors.
- Timely Evaluation and communication for potential organ and/or tissue donors.
- Evaluate donor eligibility per tissue processor expectations and communicate with the tissue recovery team.
- Responsible for placenta donors, up to and including initial referral, authorization, and DRAI.
- Ability to handle stressful, fast paced, and sensitive work involving mechanism of death with a high level of compassion and composure.
- Perform peer review of tissue authorization and DRAI.
- Complete documentation in the Gift of Life EMR.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Associate degree in health sciences, related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 4-5 years of experience as a First Responder, 911 Dispatcher, Nursing, or related field.
- Bachelor’s Degree in health sciences or related field
- Prior experience in a healthcare organization, transplant center, or organ/tissue procurement organization.
- Written and verbal fluency in English.
- Ability to exercise initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- 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.
- Demonstrate attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient active listening skills.
- Ability to read and understand medical terminology.
- 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 of Universal Precautions.
- Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality in all areas dealing with sensitive, protected, and confidential information.
Skills Required
- Associate degree in health sciences, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 4-5 years of experience as a first responder, 911 dispatcher, nurse, or in a related field
- Bachelor's degree in health sciences or a related field
- Prior experience in a healthcare organization, transplant center, or organ/tissue procurement organization
- Written and verbal fluency in English
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, and other business technology systems
- Ability to read and understand medical terminology
- Strong organizational, communication, active listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain confidentiality of sensitive and protected information
What We Do
Gift of Life Michigan is Michigan’s federally designated nonprofit organ and tissue donation program. Operating 24/7/365 statewide, it serves as a liaison among donors, hospitals, and transplant centers. The organization connects people needing vital organ and tissue transplants with donors, fulfills donor wishes, and helps save and improve lives through donation. Its nearly 400-person team includes medical, scientific, quality, communications, logistics, and administrative professionals.
