Tissue Recovery Specialist 1

INFINITE LEGACY•Baltimore, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Regional Supervisor, Tissue Recovery, and in accordance with organizational protocols, policies and procedures, AATB and FDA requirements, processor SOPs, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines, the Tissue Recovery Specialist 1 performs duties associated with the surgical recovery of corneas and split-thickness and full-thickness skin for transplantation and/or research. The specialist assists Tissue Recovery Specialist 2s, Team Leaders, and Team Leader 2s in the operating room by preparing the body for surgery, prepping and draping, circulating, and packaging and labeling tissue grafts for shipment. The role requires adherence to operating-room etiquette and universal precautions. The position participates in a 12-hour rotating on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and employees must arrive onsite at the start of their shift. Mandatory and regulatory competencies, training, and meeting attendance may require additional time beyond scheduled shifts. The position may also involve conducting physical assessments to help determine clinical suitability and performing morning rounds at the OCME. Travel is required to Infinite Legacy regional offices and hospitals within its donor service area. The specialist works under the direction of the on-call Team Leader, supports tissue recovery and donor assessment, prepares and maintains recovery supplies and equipment, and completes required documentation and tissue packaging in accordance with organizational and processing-partner procedures. The position may require additional shifts when the department is short staffed, with compensation according to employee handbook guidelines or as approved by organizational leadership. Employees must be fully vaccinated and able to provide proof.

Requirements

Experience in allied health or science, or experience in tissue banking.
Ability to work in a dynamic team environment and perform in stressful situations.
Knowledge of computers and software, including Microsoft Office applications.
Valid driver’s license, ability to obtain a Maryland license, proof of car insurance, and ability to be insured under Infinite Legacy’s master policy.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally, by email and text, and in writing.
Ability to work well with others, take direction, and establish and maintain a professional working environment.
Good problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to function for extended periods of 12 hours or more and to work and/or take calls seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Ability to travel throughout Infinite Legacy’s Donor Services Area.
Ability to lift at least 75 pounds.
Ability to participate in a 12-hour rotating on-call schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays, and to arrive onsite at the start of the shift.
Ability to meet additional time commitments outside scheduled shifts for mandatory and regulatory competencies, training, and meetings.
Must be fully vaccinated and able to provide proof.

Nice To Haves

College coursework in biology, chemistry, or a similar subject.
Understanding of sterile technique and general duties performed by a circulator or scrub technician in an operating room setting.
Knowledge of and experience related to tissue recovery.

Responsibilities

Participate in recovery of split-thickness and full-thickness skin grafts and corneal tissue, from surgical preparation through reconstruction of the deceased donor, using established aseptic technique in an operating room or similar environment.
Maintain a rotating on-call schedule across the donor service area; work additional shifts when required by staffing needs, with compensation under applicable guidelines.
Prepare and ensure the availability of recovery and reconstruction supplies and equipment, including transporting instruments and supplies for sterilization.
Represent the organization professionally during off-site recoveries.
Help secure recovery sites, communicate with pathology or security staff, obtain medical records, and participate in Hospital/OCME huddles when needed.
Follow Hospital/OCME rules and regulations, including displaying proper identification and wearing appropriate attire.
Package and ship specified tissues, including full-thickness skin grafts and corneal tissue and blood, in accordance with processor and organizational policies and procedures.
Clean the body and assist with its transport to the appropriate location.
Clean recovery rooms before and after recoveries, clean used tissue instruments, and ensure proper disposition of soiled equipment and supplies.
Enter required case information into True North, including notification of consented corneal cases, ocular recovery time, and case completion.
Assist peers in reviewing and obtaining Medical/Social Authorization forms or hospital/EMS records, plasma dilution logs, cooling log information, and Medical Examiner/funeral home restrictions before recovery.
Identify the body using a toe tag, wristband, and/or shroud tag, and complete required documentation.
Perform comprehensive donor physical assessments before corneal and skin graft recovery and complete required documentation.
Independently visit the Medical Examiner’s Office to assess potential deceased donors.
Dispose of blood samples appropriately and ensure a follow-up plan when needed.
Expedite required information to determine tissue availability for transplantation in compliance with SOPs and participate in quality review to support timely release of donor records to tissue processors.
Participate in training, meetings, continuing education, and other duties assigned by leadership or required to maintain clinical expertise and certification status.