Family Services Coordinator I

WE ARE SHARING HOPE SC•West Columbia, SC

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The role of a Family Services Coordinator I (FSC I) is a crucial and hands-on position that involves providing on-site support to advocate for organ and tissue donation. This role serves as a compassionate bridge between individuals in need of life-saving organs and the generous donors who have the potential to provide the gift of life. The FSC I plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting families through the organ and tissue donation process, a journey that can be emotionally challenging and deeply impactful. In this way, the FSC I becomes an integral part of the mission to save lives through organ and tissue transplantation, ensuring that every family receives the care, understanding, and guidance they need during this critical process.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement.
A strong passion for the cause of organ donation and transplantation is essential.
The ability to professionally communicate, both in written and verbal forms, with diverse constituencies, including families, medical professionals, healthcare leadership, and law enforcement representatives, is vital.
Strong attention to detail, and a conviction to maintain the confidentiality of donor and recipient PHI.
Comfort with public speaking and delivering influential presentations to a variety of key audiences as a subject matter expert on organ and tissue donation is required.
A valid state driver's license is a prerequisite.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in the medical or healthcare field, sales, marketing, is preferred.
Other advocacy or professional experience will also be considered.
Fundamental understanding of situations where brain death and the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment are likely to occur. This knowledge is essential for determining donor suitability at a basic level.

Responsibilities

Provide prompt and extensive on-call response to potential organ and tissue donation referrals within the designated service area (DSA).
Offer comprehensive support to the donor family throughout the donation process, including effective communication and collaboration with SHSC staff, Administrators on Call (AOCs), physicians, and hospital personnel to plan and initiate donation conversations.
Assess family dynamics and work closely with the hospital team to advocate for brain death testing when necessary, and develop plans for donation conversations.
Advocate for organ donation and transplantation, maintaining a genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need.
Facilitate the authorization process for potential organ and tissue donor families, furnishing necessary information to secure authorization or explaining the process while advocating for registered donors.
Review the patient's current and past medical history, collect accurate medical and social history, and collaborate with the Administrator on Call (AOC) to determine suitability for organ donation.
Establish and nurture relationships with hospital staff while on-site, offering support, addressing queries, and representing SHSC positively.
Ensure effective communication and strong collaboration with donor families, hospital personnel, physicians, and other SHSC staff.
Provide ongoing support to Donor Families, Legal Next of Kin (LNOK), and/or Authorizing Individuals throughout and after the donation process, as required.
Handle situations where there is opposition to donation (FPA Opposition) by assisting hospital and SHSC staff in implementing the FPA Opposition Algorithm.
Demonstrate flexibility in managing an unpredictable work schedule, including participation in a rotating call schedule, to provide 24/7 response services for patient referrals in the OPO's Designated Service Area (DSA) hospitals. This includes availability during nights, weekends, and holidays.
Appropriately respond to calls and inquiries from donor families with concerns or questions, referring them to relevant community resources, providing SHSC materials and information, and directing them to the Donor Family Services (DFS) Aftercare Advocate for further assistance.
In collaboration with the DFS Aftercare Advocate, provide a seamless transition for donor families from in-hospital family support services to the Aftercare Program, including communicating and documenting family information, legacy items provided, and tributes performed while in the hospital.
Collaborate with Donor Family Services to help plan and participate in donor family events, memorials, and celebrations.
Perform additional duties as assigned.