Founded in 1974, Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA) plays a vital role in the recovery of donated organs and tissues for transplant. We are part of a nationwide network of agencies that are responsible for coordinating the recovery and allocation of organs and tissues within our federally designated service area. Since our founding, we’ve recovered more than 35,000 organs and saved or enhanced the lives of more than 100,000 people.
We believe that life is a gift, and our purpose is to save lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Care and compassion is at the heart of what we do - OUR TEAM across the state is committed to being passionate, selfless team players. Together, we save lives.
GENERAL STATEMENT (Summary of Duties and Responsibilities):
The Family Care Specialist is responsible for providing support and education regarding donation opportunities to families of potential donors and guiding them through their entire donation process. They will be the face of donation for families in ICU hospital settings, always navigating their grief and decision-making process in a respectful and sensitive manner. In addition to meeting the needs of families, they will frequently engage with hospital staff, including nurses, doctors, and social workers to comprehensively meet the care team's needs alongside the family. Additionally, they will collaborate with STA's internal teams to foster, promote, and sustain cross-departmental collaboration in support of optimal donation outcomes.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor’s degree (required), or above (preferred), with professional training or experience in Nursing or Medicine, Psychology, Counseling, Grief/Bereavement/Crisis Intervention, Sociology, Public Health, Social Work or Chaplaincy. Candidates with relevant work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.
2. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a clinical or healthcare related setting (required), with prior experience in organ procurement or transplantation, end-of-life care, conversations, or family support, or verbal de-escalation training (preferred)
3. Maintenance of licensure/certification as applicable to prior education and work experience, or achievement of professional certifications related to grief counseling, trauma-informed care, bereavement support, crisis intervention, or verbal de-escalation techniques, (as approved by leadership), within 12-24 months of onboarding, preferred.
4. Certified in or Fellow in Thanatology (CT or FT) through the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), required, within 12-24 months of onboarding.
5. Spanish-speaking, preferred. Certification for Medical Interpreter required within 6 months of onboarding.
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Must have the ability to communicate diplomatically with all stakeholders utilizing culturally sensitive language.
7. Able to navigate multiple, potentially opposing perspectives while advocating for life-saving donation opportunities.
8. Demonstrates respect for the confidentiality surrounding sensitive and personal information.
9. Demonstrates accuracy, dedication, and professionalism
10. Working knowledge of standard office equipment (computer, phone, copier, fax).
11. Ability to deescalate highly tense scenarios and handle high levels of stress with a heavy workload.
12. Ability to travel in light and commercial aircraft or drive
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Family Care Specialist
1. Rotates 12–24-hour call responsibilities with other Family Care team members.
2. Provides family support and assistance through sensitive and respectful consideration of culture, beliefs, and the grieving process.
3. Responds to donor hospital referrals on-site and by telephone to provide education and facilitate the referral, donor, or family support process.
4. Attends Designated Requestor Training as scheduled.
5. Maintains an acceptable authorization rate as determined by STA Leadership.
6. Makes a positive presentation regarding the donation process and options with the objective of achieving authorization for donation. Demonstrates the use of essential elements of Dual Advocacy.
7. Appropriately consults STA leadership, including, but not limited to, FOC, RS, or CS, to obtain guidance prior to approaching a family.
8. Completes all medical and legal documentation necessary for organ/tissue/eye donation, demonstrating proficiency in iTransplant.
9. Collaborates with and includes the healthcare team to assess family readiness for the donation conversation and makes a plan for family interaction. Provides the family with updates and expectations throughout the donation process.
10. Other functions as assigned or required to meet department or organizational need.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- On call
- Weekends as needed
Work setting:
Education:
Experience:
- Case management: 1 year (Preferred)
- Social work: 2 years (Preferred)
- Ministry: 1 year (Preferred)
- Physiology: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person