Organ Allocation Specialist

Summary

In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan’s core purpose and core values, the Organ Allocation Specialist 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 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.

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.