First Responder

Join LifeLink — Join a Life Saving Team!

About LifeLink
More than four decades ago, a visionary group of innovators, led by renowned nephrologist Dr. Dana Shires, made a life-changing commitment—to save lives through organ and tissue donation. From that bold beginning, LifeLink Foundation was established – founded with heart, purpose, and a mission that still guides us today.

What started as a nonprofit with big dreams has grown into a vision-driven organization of more than 700 dedicated professionals across west-central Florida, Georgia, parts of South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

At LifeLink, we are united by our mission: To honor donors and save lives through organ and tissue donation.

Our vision remains clear: To maximize the gift of life while giving hope to donor families and transplant patients.

We are grounded in the values that shape our work and culture—Compassion. Excellence. Legacy. People. Quality.

If you’re inspired by purpose, driven by impact, and ready to help save and heal lives, LifeLink is the place for you.

What You’ll Do
As a First Responder, you will directly contribute to LifeLink’s life-saving mission.  Primary responsibility is to respond to hospital referrals on-site for the purpose of evaluating potential for organ/tissue donation and donor family support. This position will include building and maintaining strong relationships with appropriate hospital professionals. Will work in collaboration with Referral Coordinators (RC), apply the policy and procedures of LifeLink in performing and documenting the timeliness, suitability and response to organ/tissue referrals. Effectively communicate with hospitals, Administrator on Call (AOC), Authorization Administrator on call ( A-AOC) Medical Director on Call (MDOC), management staff, FCC, ORC and HD staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Keeps current with hospital required EMR access, updates and training.
• Performs first responder responsibilities in coordination with the appropriate recovery staff, which may include:
  • Initial onsite response to referrals for evaluation of potential donation
  • Assess hemodynamic status with medical team
  • Review of patient’s medical records (EMR)
  • Completion of physical assessment in collaboration with nursing staff, as appropriate
  • Identification of LNOK in the order of priority per state statute
  • Communicate findings to the RC/A-AOC/AOC and MDOC, as directed
  • Timely documentation of on-site evaluation in iTransplant
  • Communicate LL plan to hospital personnel
• In collaboration with RC/A-AOC/AOC, provide recommendations to hospital staff on implementation of catastrophic brain injury guidelines (CBIG), if applicable.
• In conjunction with A-AOC, determine appropriate timing for Family Care Coordinator or other LifeLink staff to respond onsite. As directed, and when necessary:
  • Facilitate brain death testing
  • Communicate donation opportunities to potential donor family
  • Complete authorization or donor designation forms ensuring the order of priority is followed per state statute
  • Complete medical/behavioral history utilizing approved questionnaire
• Family Support coordinator responsibilities which may include:
  • Support family during flag raising
  • Honor walks with large family support needed
  • Memory making
  • Family support for ongoing cases
  • DCD family support
  • After case family follow-up for funeral and/or case outcome
• Participate in continuing education courses and seminars necessary to obtain appropriate CEUs to maintain certifications and licensure.
• Participate in OPO meetings, activities, and other assignments as directed by management.
• Maintains a professional demeanor and attitude at all times.
• Responsible for participating in quality assessment performance improvement (QAPI) activities for the OPO as outlined in the OPO Quality Assessment Performance Improvement Plan.
• Other duties as assigned.

Who You Are

• Passionate about helping others and making a difference
• Aligned with LifeLink’s core values of Compassion, Excellence, Legacy, People, and Quality
• Minimum of two years in a related LifeLink position and/or appropriate credentialing and experience which may include medical-related degree/certification or appropriate experience in a medical environment or family/social services field, BA/BS degree preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Current driver license with good verifiable driving record.
• Residing within assigned service area is preferred. Primary home/hospital/office location may be assigned within service area if applicable.

• A collaborator who thrives in a mission-first environment

Working Conditions

Most of daily activity spent in contact with hospitals, hospital personnel. Rotating Schedule of 7a-4p, 11a-7p to include weekends. Daily ground travel required. Periodic high stress level. Cell phone accessibility during assigned hours

 OSHA Classification:  High

Why LifeLink?

• Be part of an organization with a legacy of saving lives and giving hope
• Join a passionate and supportive team across Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico
• COMPANY PAID Medical, Dental, Disability & Life Insurance
• Generous COMPANY PAID Pension Plan for your Retirement
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days & Holidays
• Growth opportunities in a mission-driven, high-impact nonprofit
• Work with purpose, knowing your efforts directly touch lives

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
LifeLink is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment that reflects the communities we serve.

Ready to Help Change Lives?
Your next career move could be the most meaningful one yet.