Tissue Procurement Specialist I

Summary

In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan’s core purpose and core values, the Tissue Procurement Specialist I will recover musculoskeletal and dermis tissue from deceased donors throughout the state, in addition to acquiring placental tissue from authorizing birth mothers. The individual in this role also maintains stock and cleanliness of our surgical center recovery suites, coordinates receipt and release of donors, reviews medical records, conducts physical examination of donors, draws blood, preparing the recovery site, preparing the donor for recovery, recovering tissue, maintaining a sterile environment, to include aseptic technique.

Duties & Responsibilities

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:

• Aseptically excise musculoskeletal, dermis, and related tissues.
• Acquire and aseptically package placental tissue (may include travel).
• Aseptically package recovered tissue for shipping according to protocols.
• Aseptically perform gowning and gloving.
• Review pertinent medical records for accuracy, verify donor identification and authorization, and evaluate donor suitability.
• Prepare all storage, prep solution(s), donor, and recovery site.
• Perform physical assessment of donor and obtain blood samples for serologic testing and/or medical examiner specimens.
• Receipt and release of donors at Ann Arbor facility in accordance with Gift of Life policy.
• Remain current with Gift of Life’s tissue processors’ policies, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Good Tissue Practices, American Association of Tissue Bank standards, and industry regulations.
• Maintain clinical expertise in tissue recovery, in accordance with applicable standards.
• Maintain stock and cleanliness of recovery suites and prep room.
• Exhibit courtesy, professionalism, and willingness to follow host hospital protocols and maintain positive relations with staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate degree in biological sciences, emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, or paramedic certification plus six months’ experience as an allied health professional, funeral assistant, or medicolegal death investigator, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a healthcare organization, transplant center, or organ/tissue procurement organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Written and verbal fluency in English.
• Ability to exercise initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• 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.
• Knowledge and application of sterile technique. 
• Knowledge with or demonstrated ability to learn aseptic technique, surgical instrumentation, and gross anatomy.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task in challenging and stressful situations

Organizational Culture Expectations

• 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.