Referral Specialist

In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan’s core purpose and core values, the Referral Specialist completes timely review of viable organ referrals. This includes but is not limited to, receiving updates on patient condition and plan of care, reviewing hospital EMR for clinical status updates and communicating with appropriate personnel.

The 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:

• 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 the clinical situation, plan of care, and evaluate family dynamics as it relates to brain death evaluation or withdrawal of support.
• Educate hospital care and organ recovery teams on organ donation process, such as preparation, equipment, sterilization, staff utilization, critical-timing, and review overall procedure for surgical recovery of organs.
• Assist in 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 with a goal of obtaining authorization for organ, tissue, and eye donation.
• Complete authorization process/paperwork with legal decision maker and educate the family about specifics relevant to each authorization for the family to make an informed decision about donation; or, in the case of registered donors, acknowledge to family members and/or others the descendant’s documented decision to donate.
• Direct the comprehensive critical care medical management of the critically ill organ donor in the ICU as needed.
• Conduct a physical assessment and examination as needed.
• Search organ donor registry(ies) for documentation of the patient's decision to donate.
• May be required to assist the donation coordinator team core duties to move donation forward.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Paramedic (EMT-P) with 18 months 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.

• 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.
• Demonstrate attention to detail.
• Assist in education of new clinical and hospital development employees both in the office and in the field.

• 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.