OPO Donor Family Advocate

The Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency at the University of Miami/UHealth is currently seeking a full time OPO Donor Family Advocate. The Organ Procurement (OPO) Donor Family Advocate provides hospital on-site response in person to advocate for donation and support families through the organ and tissue donation process. This position has the highest impact upon consent while engaging families face to face to ensure the highest level of care and maximize the gift of life during an extremely sensitive time.  The OPO Donor Family Advocate interfaces with hospital staff to assess and influence case progression.  This position supports and educates the potential donor’s legal next-of-kin (NOK) regarding donation options.  The OPO Donor Family Advocate conducts discussion of authorization by donor designation (i.e., first-person authorization via the donor registry, when applicable) or requests authorization for donation from legal NOK.  This position assists with Hospital Development strategies and activities to improve the donation process.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                           

• Immediately responds in person to referral notifications, rapid on-site identification and clinical/social evaluation of potential donors and participates in the discussion of authorization by donor designation (when applicable) or request for authorization for donation from legal next of kin, in all Donor Service Area Hospitals within the confines of: Dade, Monroe, Broward, Collier, Palm Beach, St. Lucie counties and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.  (Over 90 hospitals).

• Works in strong collaboration with hospital staff, LAORA Resource Triage Coordinator (TC), Administrator-on-Call (AOC), and clinical staff to evaluate and determine the best time to discuss the opportunity for donation with potential donor families.

• Responsible for educating potential donor next-of-kin (NOK) about donation options, the status of donor designation, or requesting authorization for donation from legal NOK.

• Conducts a Uniform Donor Risk Assessment Interview (UDRAI) with the appropriate surrogate of the potential organ donor, working closely with the donor family and LAORA clinical staff to complete accurate answers to UDRAI.

• Completes accurate and timely documentation of donor-related activities in computerized confidential donor record and forms according to established policies and procedures.

• Participates in notification of, and interaction with, administrator on-call, triage coordinator, and hospital development as appropriate and according to established policies and procedures.

• Ensures strong collaboration with the Clinical, Community, Aftercare and Hospital Development departments to ensure the maximization of organ and tissue donation opportunities.

• Works closely with Hospital Development to ensure a cohesive approach to hospital interactions. Refers donor families to LAORA’s Aftercare Program, following the donation case completion.

• Serves as family support resource for Organ Donation Services, Hospital Development Department, donor hospitals, and donation partners including providing education and training.

• Assists with responses to entire LAORA service area to perform job functions via personal automobile.

• Attends and participates in conference calls and organizational meetings as directed.

• Successfully completes Dual Advocacy training and implements techniques.

• Participates in annual or biennial approach training and implements updated techniques.

• Maintains confidentiality of donor and recipient information according to established policies and procedures.

• Interacts with other DFA, DMC, TC, AOC, and HD roles for information exchange regarding case activity and management.

• Interacts with After Care Coordinators to provide information regarding family/donor specifics, as appropriate.

• Submits research for professional meetings and publications regarding family support activities, as appropriate.

• Stays current in transplant related trends through pursuit of educational opportunities and participation in national organizations (UNOS, AOPO, NATCO, etc.).

• Participates in continuous quality improvement and/or research projects Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

• Use of personal vehicle required with mileage reimbursement.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                                    

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Certification and Licensing:

CPTC, Credential as RN, CRT, Foreign MD, EMT or Paramedic preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 2 year of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.

• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

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