Tissue Recovery Specialist

At HonorBridge, our mission is to build connections that save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation. Every day, donor families make an extraordinary decision that creates hope for others, and behind every donation is a dedicated team committed to honoring that gift with compassion, precision, and excellence.

We are seeking a Tissue Recovery Specialist (Per Diem) to join our team at our state-of-the-art tissue recovery facility in Chapel Hill. This is an opportunity for someone who wants more than just a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a mission that impacts lives every day by helping transform the gift of donation into healing for countless recipients.

Whether you are an EMT, Paramedic, Surgical Technologist, Operating Room Technician, Patient Care Technician, or another healthcare professional looking for meaningful work, HonorBridge provides extensive on-the-job training and the opportunity to build a rewarding career within the donation and transplantation field.

The Opportunity

As a Tissue Recovery Specialist, you will work alongside a highly skilled team to support the tissue donation process from recovery through documentation and coordination. Working in an operating room environment, you'll help ensure each donation is handled with the highest level of respect, quality, and professionalism while supporting our mission to save and heal lives.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop specialized skills in tissue recovery, surgical techniques, donation coordination, and donor case management while working directly in support of life-changing donation outcomes.

• Per diem team members are required to provide availability for eight primary shifts per month (days and nights), including at least four weekend shifts during the training period. 
• Applicants must live within 40 miles of the assigned office located at 7000 Millhouse Road, Chapel Hill, NC

What You'll Do

In this role, you will:

Support Tissue Recovery Operations

• Perform tissue recovery procedures in an operating room environment under established protocols and standards.
• Learn and demonstrate proper aseptic technique and surgical practices.
• Utilize surgical instruments, equipment, and recovery tools safely and effectively.
• Prepare operating rooms and recovery spaces, ensuring appropriate supplies and equipment are available for each case.
• Assist with packaging, preservation, and shipment of recovered tissue.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case documentation.
• Ensure donor records and recovery documentation are completed thoroughly and in a timely manner.
• Participate in pre-procedure and post-procedure room preparation and cleaning activities.

Coordinate Donation and Recovery Processes

• Support the overall tissue donation process from case assignment through completion.
• Communicate effectively with hospitals, funeral homes, transportation providers, and recovery partners.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure seamless execution of donor cases.
• Collect, organize, and maintain donor-related documentation and medical records.
• Utilize electronic medical records (EMR) and other technology platforms to obtain, review, and manage donor information.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of donor, recipient, and patient information.

Contribute to Team and Operational Excellence

• Collaborate effectively with recovery team members in a professional and respectful manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, continuing education, skills labs, and training opportunities.
• Assist with onboarding and training of team members as experience grows.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain inventory, monitor supply levels, and help ensure clinical spaces remain organized and ready for use.
• Support compliance with quality, regulatory, and organizational standards.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who combines technical aptitude, attention to detail, compassion, and a strong commitment to teamwork. The ideal candidate is energized by meaningful work and thrives in a mission-driven healthcare environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in a clinical or healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining attention to detail.
• Experience completing documentation accurately and thoroughly.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Surgical Technologist, Surgical Technician, Operating Room Technician, EMT, EMS, Paramedic, Patient Care Technician, or related healthcare experience.
• Associate degree in a healthcare-related field.
• Experience working in surgical, procedural, emergency, or critical care environments.
• Familiarity with electronic medical record systems.
• CTBS certification or willingness to obtain certification within two years of successfully completing training.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position involves work in both clinical and operating room environments and requires:

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and movement throughout procedures.
• Periods of prolonged standing and sitting.
• Regular lifting, positioning, pushing, and transferring of donors, equipment, and supplies.
• Occasional travel within HonorBridge's service area.
• Participation in day, night, weekend, and on-call scheduling requirements as assigned.

Why HonorBridge?

Donation is more than a healthcare process. It is a final act of generosity that creates healing and hope for others. At HonorBridge, you'll be entrusted with helping honor that gift while working alongside compassionate professionals dedicated to saving and improving lives.

You'll gain specialized skills, work in a unique healthcare setting, and become part of a mission-driven organization where every role contributes directly to a meaningful outcome.

If you're looking for a career that combines healthcare experience, hands-on clinical work, teamwork, and purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

What's In It For You?

• 100% Company-Paid Employee Medical Premiums: Coverage for employees, with the company covering a significant portion of spouse and family premiums.
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA): Helps reduce your medical deductible and out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
• Company-Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability Insurance, plus voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance.
• Up to 8% Employer Retirement Match after one year of employment.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and 2 floating holidays.
• $500 Annual Work-Life Balance Benefit
• $500 Annual Mental Health Benefit
• Dental & Vision Insurance