Referral Specialist

In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan's core purpose and core values, the Referral Specialist completes timely initial and subsequent evaluations of organ referrals. This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing medical records, reviewing patient condition and plan of care with the hospital care team, participating in patient care conferences and communicating with appropriate personnel.

The following job duties and responsibilities are stated in broad terms and not intended to be inclusive. Those in bold are essential duties of the position:

• Act as an ambassador between Gift of Life Michigan and donor hospitals, building strong relationships through daily education, support, and referral response. Partner with hospital staff to facilitate donation by responding to referrals, securing authorization and advancing the donation process.
• Manage active organ referrals across assigned hospitals, ensuring timely response and follow-up aligned with Gift of Life Michigan's mission.
• Evaluate referrals for potential to advance the donation process. Engage with potential organ donor's hospital care team to assess the clinical situation, plan of care, and evaluate family dynamics as it relates to brain death evaluation or withdrawal of support.
• Referral Evaluation and Follow-up:
  
  
  
  • Respond to dispatches, onsites and phone follow-ups within established timeframes
  • Adhere to dispatch instructions, including HD attachments/special instructions and hospital policy information
  • Conduct evaluations of potential organ donors through review of hospital records to assist in determining medical eligibility/suitability
  • Review patient condition and plan of care with hospital care team
  • Document findings and follow-up plans per established guidelines
  • Collaborate with hospital medical team to maximize the donation opportunity by identifying and implementing the next steps
  • Facilitate necessary testing and services, at the direction of the AOC/Medical Director
  • Develop solutions to issues that impede the donation process
  
  
  
  
• Communicate clinical information to TC/AOC team in a complete, timely and thorough manner
• Maintain relationships with key physicians and hospital staff during referrals and cases
• Facilitate the authorization process for donation by engaging families of potential donors-primarily in person and on-site. Apply best practices, complete legal documentation, and guide families to make informed decisions. Coordinate with hospital staff to assess family dynamics, overcome barriers, and ensure timely, compassionate approaches. Honor first-person authorizations and conduct Donor Risk Assessment Interviews to support safe and respectful donor evaluation.
• Complete authorization process/paperwork with legal decision maker and educate the family about specifics relevant to each authorization for the family to make an informed decision about donation; or, in the case of registered donors, acknowledge to family members and/or others the descendant's documented decision to donate.
• Ensure adherence to CMS, OPTN, and other governing agency standards throughout the donation process by maintaining accurate documentation and organizational records. Uphold quality and regulatory requirements by monitoring donor care and recording compliance measures within assigned hospitals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• One year in allied health with acute care setting experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education and other formal healthcare training.
• Knowledge of or training in medical terminology

• A post-secondary degree in a clinical area such as nursing, respiratory therapy or other related field.
• Active licensure as a Licensed practical nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Paramedic (EMT-P). If licensed, an active license must be maintained while in the position.
• Prior experience in a transplant center, or organ/tissue procurement organization.

• Written and verbal fluency in English.
• Ability to exercise initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook and Teams and other technology systems used in business operations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
• Demonstrate attention to detail.
• Assist in education of new clinical and hospital development employees both in the office and in the field.

• Demonstrate the competencies of Professional, Determined and Compassionate.
• Maintain a motivated and positive attitude.
• Support an inclusive work environment.
• Ability to successfully collaborate and work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Actively seek improvements.
• Always maintain a safe working environment and use of Universal Precautions.
• Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality in all areas dealing with sensitive, protected, and confidential information.