Family Advocate I - Lafayette

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency•Lafayette, LA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate I provides onsite response and is responsible for advocating for donation and support families through the organ and tissue donation conversation and process. Family advocates are responsible for recognizing and initiating family conversation triggers for timely donation conversation. They maintain authorization rates that are equivalent to or exceed LOPA’s annual organ authorization goals. This role utilizes discretion and sensitivity with respect to the circumstances, views and beliefs of others in all interactions and when initiating conversation of potential donor families. The Family Advocate may serve as the first responder for initial referral in the donor service area and supports and fosters the vision and core values of LOPA and its commitment to organ and tissue donation.

Requirements

Registered Nurse, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Medical Social Worker, Clinical Psychologist, Crisis Social Worker or Crisis Specialist, Crisis Therapist, Victim Advocacy, mental health professional, or related field.
Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university preferred, or one to two years of related education or work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education
Requires experience in working with families in crisis, strong organizational skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the flexibility to work odd hours.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Ability to deliver effective and professional verbal and written communication.
Ability to apply common sense understanding and to solve problems.
Ability to be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to communicate lab values and diagnostic procedures.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Plans, implements, and documents family approach plan.
Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Responsible for high quality trauma and crisis support to potential donor families.
Rapid on-site support for donor families at hospitals in assigned regions and at times in other regions as directed.
Initiates timely donation conversation with authorized person (AP) either in person or telephonically in collaboration with hospital partners provides information related to family dynamics, identified support systems and plans for the donation conversation.
Educate the potential donor’s AP about donation options and the legacy of the decision.
Responsible for educating the potential donor’s AP about the opportunity for donation and requesting authorization.
Responsible for advocating and guiding families through the donation conversation around FPA decisions made by the patient.
Efficient communication in explaining the difference between donation after neurological determination of death (brain death) and donation after circulatory determination of death (DCD).
Maintains accurate knowledge of the organ and tissue recovery process and educate families on the potential usage of the gifts.
Obtains authorization or notification and conducts a Donor Risk Assessment Interview with appropriate identified individual(s).
Educates families about the LOPA family service department.
Maintains proficiency in completing documentation related to authorization, notification in person or telephonically recorded, DRAI and directed donation.
Rapidly responds to referrals and obtains referral updates as assigned on site or remotely as directed by OCC or AS staff.
Clearly communicates and educates hospital staff on current clinical triggers and referral criteria.
Effectively communicates pertinent and time sensitive referral or case information to AOC or AS.
Reviews medical records, and documents all required information related to the referral in the EMR.
Access the donor registry and print the registry form when applicable.
Identify an acceptable brain death note according to LOPA and referring hospital policy.
Adheres to all current LOPA policies.
Contributes to the increase and overall success of LOPA yearly goals in authorization.
Maintains effective communication with essential departments within the agency: Quality, HR, Education, Development, Finance and Community.
Attends required department meetings, educational opportunities and other relevant meetings.
Completes all training assignments as required within set timeframes.
Maintains usability of all designated EMR access regardless of usage needs.
Participates in hospital staff and community education.
Participates in at least one community event per year.
Upholds LOPA core values of selfless, authentic and passionate.
Use constructive and positive communication.
Be a team player.
Hold yourself and others accountable.
Keep a positive attitude.
Be respectful of others.