About this role
Summary
In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan’s core purpose and core values, the Organ Allocation Specialist I collaborates with internal and external stakeholders. This position includes but is not limited to organ allocation, transportation logistics, and recovery coordination. The Organ Allocation Specialist I maintains knowledge of UNOS policy and is the organ placement expert.
Duties & Responsibilities
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:
- Allocate directed organs to potential recipients nationwide for transplant in compliance with Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) policy. Screen and allocate organs and tissue for research to applicable researchers.
- Manage direct communication between multiple teams of medical professionals, external organ procurement organizations, and the UNOS Organ Center.
- Facilitate the logistics for organs, blood/nodes for serological and histocompatibility testing, biopsies, surgical supplies, and transplant teams.
- Coordinate multiple cases through the allocation process including documentation of recovered organs, biopsies, transportation, chart review, placement, and feedback, in accordance with OPTN policy.
- Serve as the primary source of information during the allocation and procurement process.
- Determine donor risk factors according to OPTN policy to ensure accurate recipient match run for transplant.
- Perform timely organ allocation to reduce cold ischemic time and allow for maximization of organ placement.
- Analyze donor charts and upload all necessary clinical and social information to UNET ensuring accuracy to generate match runs.
- Report laboratory test results, including serologies, ABO, crossmatches, and cultures. Communicates these results in a timely manner and in accordance with Gift of Life and OPTN policy.
- Verify donor demographics and ensure documentation is completed according to hospital and OPTN policy.
- Utilize electronic medical record systems and complete thorough documentation of all case events and communication.
- Participate in performance improvement initiatives as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred
- Prior experience in a healthcare organization, transplant center, or organ/tissue procurement organization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)
- 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.
- Proficiency in verbal and written communication
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 of Universal Precautions.
- Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality in all areas dealing with sensitive, protected, and confidential information.