Tissue Donation Specialist

Overview

Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

Position Summary

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Versiti Organ and Tissue is a federally designated Organ Procurement Organization, (OPO) supporting the transplant community in southeastern Wisconsin. While we recover organs for life-saving transplant, we prioritize a family-centered process, supporting both our donors and their families throughout the

end-of-life, donation, and bereavement processes. We educate both the public and medical professionals about the tremendous need for organ and tissue donors. We are guided by an advisory board that includes members from the community and affiliated transplant centers. Our service area includes 50 critical care hospitals and 3 transplant centers for a population of 2.3 million people in a 12-county region. We are the region’s primary, most current source of information about organ and tissue donation in collaboration with our state team, Donate Life Wisconsin.

More than 100,000 Americans are waiting for the organ they need to survive. 2,000+ of those individuals reside in Wisconsin. The need is great, and Versiti is committed to increasing the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue available for transplant to save and enhance lives.

Position Summary:

As a Tissue Donation Specialist (TDS), you will play a vital role in honoring donor wishes, supporting families, and ensuring safe, high‑quality tissue for transplant. Under the direction of the Supervisor, you will guide the donation process from referral to completion, collaborating with hospitals and partner agencies across Wisconsin.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Evaluates potential tissue donors through medical chart review, staff interviews, and medical examiner/coroner reports using predefined criteria.
• Presents tissue donor information to affiliated tissue processing and/or research agencies.
• Obtains both legal informed authorization for tissue donation and a thorough medical and behavioral health history on potential tissue donors.
• Follows communication protocols to ensure effective interactions with stakeholders including Eye Banks, Funeral Homes, Medical Examiners, and Hospital Staff.
• Maintains records of all tissue referrals and donors and ensures all necessary information is shared with eye banks and tissue processing facilities.
• Coordinates and/or participates in various donation related community activities/events as assigned.
• Maintains competence through attendance at mandatory and other job-related educational opportunities.
• Actively participates in Lean and continuous improvement activities.
• Follows applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures that impact specific job responsibilities and functions set forth by AATB (American Association of Tissue Banks), FDA (Food and Drug Administration, AORN (The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and JCAOH (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations).
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements

Required Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience in health care, science, or funeral home field

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in a tissue bank/donation setting preferred
• Experience working with grief, loss, or end of life care preferred

Educational Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in a related healthcare field
• 3+ years of health care experience in lieu of degree with approval of manager and HR
• American Associate of Tissue Banks (AATB) certification within 3 years of hire

Total Rewards Package

Compensation
The target salary is based on internal averages. Versiti sets salary ranges aligned to local markets in which the job is performed. Compensation decisions take into account internal salary averages and differentiation based on education, experience, skills, and performance. Specific salary and benefits information is shared at the time of the phone screening based on your location and qualifications.

Benefits
Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates potential tissue donors through medical chart review, staff interviews, and medical examiner/coroner reports using predefined criteria.
• Presents tissue donor information to affiliated tissue processing and/or research agencies.
• Obtains both legal informed authorization for tissue donation and a thorough medical and behavioral health history on potential tissue donors.
• Follows communication protocols to ensure effective interactions with stakeholders including Eye Banks, Funeral Homes, Medical Examiners, and Hospital Staff.
• Maintains records of all tissue referrals and donors and ensures all necessary information is shared with eye banks and tissue processing facilities.
• Coordinates and/or participates in various donation related community activities/events as assigned.
• Maintains competence through attendance at mandatory and other job-related educational opportunities.
• Actively participates in Lean and continuous improvement activities.
• Follows applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures that impact specific job responsibilities and functions set forth by AATB (American Association of Tissue Banks), FDA (Food and Drug Administration, AORN (The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and JCAOH (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations).
• Demonstrates Core Values: Do Right Always, Find a Better Way, Make Results Happen and Strengthen the Team.
• Contributes to core and wider teams in consistently proactive and cooperative manner.
• Consistently displays positive approach to working with others, and where appropriate, passes constructive feedback to colleagues.
• Proactively seeks continued professional development.
• Other duties, as assigned.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's Degree degree in a related healthcare field. required
• Bachelor's Degree degree in a related healthcare field. preferred

Experience

• 1-3 years In lieu of degree, experience required: 3+ years in health care with manager and HR approval. required
• 1-3 years of experience in a health care, science, or funeral home field. required
• Experience in a tissue bank/donation setting preferred
• Experience working with grief, loss, or end of life care preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use a personal computer, Microsoft Office and the internet for data entry and retrieval of information. required
• Strong attention to detail and ensures accuracy in completing paperwork. required
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task in challenging and stressful situations, and utilizing conflict resolution skills to provide a productive work flow. required
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology, medications, disease processes and human anatomy. required
• Excellent interpersonal communication and rapport-building skills including the ability to listen actively and respond with empathy, tact, and sensitivity. required
• Ability to apply judgment and fact finding to solve problems. required
• Takes a positive approach to working within a team and is flexible with others. required

Licenses and Certifications

• American Associate of Tissue Banks (AATB) certification within 3 years of hire. preferred

Tools and Technology

• General office equipment (computer, printer, fax, copy machine). required
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). required