Tissue Procurement Team Lead

Summary

In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan’s core purpose and core values, the Tissue Procurement Team Lead will facilitate, and lead tissue recovery teams focused on recovery of musculoskeletal, dermis, cardiovascular, and nerve 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:

• Facilitates and leads tissue recovery cases.
• Enters donor recovery data in designated EMR (Electronic donor management system).
• Facilitates the shipment of recovered tissue.
• Interacts with medical examiners and funeral directors.
• Aseptically excise musculoskeletal, dermis, cardiovascular, nerve and research tissues, as applicable.
• 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.
• Responsible for receipt and release of donors at Ann Arbor facility in accordance with Gift of Life Michigan policy.
• Remain current with Gift of Life Michigan’s tissue processor’s 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.
• Maintains 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Education and/or Experience

Required

• Associate degree in biological sciences, emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, or paramedic certification plus one year of tissue procurement experience that includes cardiovascular, skin, and musculoskeletal tissue recovery, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred

• Preceptor Training and/or experience (highly preferred).
• Leadership training and/or prior experience leading others.
• Internal candidates who have demonstrated initiative through active participation in optional trainings, engagement in cross-functional or special projects, and a consistent track record of stepping up to support the team or Gift of Life Michigan needs without being prompted.

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. 
• Advanced knowledge of and previous experience with aseptic technique, surgical instrumentation, and gross anatomy.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task in challenging and stressful situations
• Demonstrated knowledge of clinical evaluation and care of the donor.
• Demonstrated ability to lead others to accomplish tasks, solve problems, and execute improvement initiatives while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, management, other Gift of Life Michigan staff and outside agencies involved in the donation process.

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.