Organ Allocation Coordinator I

Donor Network West’s mission is to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation and research. At Donor Network West, we're looking for people who embody our core values: passion, excellence, equity and inclusion, and relationships. We welcome diverse perspectives and foster an environment of collaboration and service. POSITION SUMMARY The Organ Allocation Coordinator I (OAC I) manages the organ donor allocation processes and is responsible for overseeing utilization of all recovered grafts. The OAC I will gain knowledge related to United Network of Organization Sharing (UNOS) regulations, donor evaluation and management, authorization, and organ allocation for transplant and research/education. The OAC I manages direct communication between multiple teams of medical professionals, outside organ procurement organizations (OPOs), and the UNOS Organ Center. The OAC I collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Clinical Operations Manager (COM) and Organ Allocation Coordinator II (OAC II) teams to prevent the loss of transplantable organs and minimize potential patient safety risk. OAC I’s work collaboratively with regional transplant physicians, infectious disease specialists, clinical laboratory scientists, transplant nurses, and outside OPO management/administrators. For this audience the OAC I serves as the single point of contact for Donor Network West. The OAC I effectively identifies and communicates relevant clinical information both prior to and after organ transplant. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Clinical Responsibilities Manages the allocation process and ensures all aspects are performed to optimal levels in adherence with regulatory policies and organizational procedures. Oversees chain of custody over transported blood samples, tissue specimens, and recovered organs for transplant or research. Effectively communicates relevant donor information to members of the recipient care team to minimize organ cold ischemia time and ensure improved transplant recipient outcomes. Manages import organ referrals for designated transplant hospitals, analyzes clinical data to accept/decline organ offers, and serves as an allocation consultant to these facilities when communicating with outside OPOs. Participates in cross organizational activities to improve organization performance as appropriate. Consults the COM, OAC II and/or OAC Lead to identify case-specific barriers to organ utilization to minimize risk of organ loss and maximize opportunities for transplantation. Non Clinical Responsibilities Identifies and reports adverse events and identifies process improvement opportunities with an emphasis on improved organ utilization and patient safety. Completes all QA and documentation records required for organ donation. Participates with data collection and reporting as it relates to improving the allocation process and increasing organ utilization Develops and presents education regarding organ donation to physicians, nurses, hospital administrators, and other stakeholders in the donation process. Participates in the orientation and training of new OACs and new transplant center medical staff. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Participates in the continuous review of training processes and recommends and implements modifications to training program. Actively participates in continuing education opportunities such as research focused training workshops (abstract writing, seminars, etc.), clinical didactic, Internal Research Council or committee participation. Assists in the investigation of inquiries by regulatory agency (UNOS, AOPO, etc.). Represent the organization on national industry levels (AOPO, NATCO, etc.). Contribute to constant policy alignment with national regulations and industry best practices. Other Duties and Responsibilities Maintains professional relationships and rapport with colleagues, clinical and ancillary staff within and outside the organization. Participates in operational schedule as necessary; to include nights, weekends and holiday coverage. Attends staff meetings, training programs, and or in-services deemed necessary. Ensures compliance with current federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations including Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), and United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Meets Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) standards, and DNWest’s policies and procedures (P&P). Cultivates and grows external stakeholder relationships and engagement by supporting DNWest’s brand, ensuring responsive service delivery and enhancing our reputation as a trusted partner. QUALIFICATIONS Possess highly developed interpersonal skills and respectful communication ability with all staff and colleagues. Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills required, to include active listening and supportive recognition and respect for differing viewpoints. Conveys a sense of urgency when appropriate; persists in the face of obstacles; strives for excellence and drives to outcomes that reflect meeting or exceeding a standard of excellence. Ability to read and interpret documents such as procedures, standards, regulations, protocols, validations, policy guidance documents, etc. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Required: Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. 3-5 years’ experience in a related Organ Donation field may substitute for educational requirement. Preferred: At least 3 years’ experience within an OPO, preferably within an organ allocation work system. Customer relations experience. Organ allocation experience. Minimum 2 years related work experience in related field or healthcare work experience relating to family and/or patient care. Education may substitute for work experience. Donor Network West takes a market-based approach to pay. All candidates' starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications and interview performance. Our job listings’ compensation ranges include location-based differentials but may not be reflective of a candidate’s final base salary. Location differentials are determined by an employee’s home address, associated market data provided by government reporting and processed by Payroll. If selected, Donor Network West’s Recruiting & Compensation Team will provide further detail! Salary data provided by third party sites do not accurately reflect our pay structure.