Organ Recovery Specialist I

In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan’s core purpose and core values, the Organ Recovery Specialist (ORS) is present during an organ procurement to perform the preservation, packaging and labeling of organs and other specimens. The ORS also recovers organs for research, tissues, and specimens in accordance with Gift of Life policies and the Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN). 

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:

• Perform abdominal, thoracic, and vascular composite allograft (VCA) preservation during Gift of Life donor cases to assist and facilitate organ recovery for transplant, research programs, clinical trials, and education.
• Perform abdominal and thoracic preservation services for United States transplant centers including kidney paired donation and import organs.
• Perform and oversee the packaging and labeling of organs, tissues and VCA according to OPTN and Gift of Life policies.
• Recover organs, VCA, and tissues for research programs, clinical trials, and education.
• Display mastery of aseptic technique, surgical instrumentation, setting up organ tables, and passing of instruments.
• Communicate articulately with Gift of Life team members and transplant center staff to facilitate organ and tissue donation.
• Record and upload documentation of organ recovery in United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) and Gift of Life electronic donor record per OPTN and organizational policies.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot organ preservation devices for organ optimization.
• Transport organs and organ recovery supplies as directed.
• Participate in performance improvement initiatives as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Certified Surgical Technologist or associate degree in related field or combination of equivalent education and experience.
• One year as an organ preservationist or as a Certified Surgical Technologist.

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

• 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.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills.
• Understanding of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation with asepsis and instrumentation.
• Ability to set up surgical trays for various procedures.
• Ability to appropriately pass surgical instruments successfully.

• 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.