As a critical part of the organ donation for transplant process, the Family Support Specialist (FSS) is LifeCenter Northwest’s expert on assessment, intervention, and communication with families experiencing crisis and loss. The FSS works with LifeCenter teammates and hospital care teams to determine an appropriate time to introduce organ donation to a patient’s legal next of kin. The FSS leads the donation conversation, focused on providing a supportive experience while advocating for the gift of organ donation. The FSS may continue to provide support to a donor family throughout the donation process, including completing authorization paperwork, health questionnaire, memory making, and being present during end-of-life.
Experience that translates well into this role: The Organ Procurement Industry is unique, but generally we find that people with experience in the following industries can be successful in this position: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)Medical Social Worker, Clinical Psychologist, Crisis Social Worker or Crisis Specialist, Crisis Therapist, Victim Advocacy, mental health professional, or related field
The FSS offers professional development opportunities and extensive and fully paid training. You will learn:
- In-depth information on the process of organ donation for transplant
- How to navigate working in critical care settings as a member of the donation team
- How the donor registry works, and what it means when someone is a registered donor
- Best practice techniques for leading donation conversations
What you will do
- Work 13 12-hour on call shifts every four weeks
- Provide rapid on-site response to hospitals throughout our service area
- Work with families experiencing acute grief, crisis and trauma
- Educate a potential donor’s Next-of-Kin (NOK) about donation options, including informing NOK about donor designation (registry)
- Travel by personal automobile, commercial or chartered aircraft throughout LifeCenter’s donation service area which includes Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, and Washington
- Complete authorization paperwork with a patient’s NOK, disclosing and reviewing the donation process
- Conduct a medical and social history questionnaire related to the donor with an appropriate, knowledgeable party
- Ensure effective communication and strong collaboration with donor families, hospital personnel, physicians, related donation agencies, and other LifeCenter staff
- Work alongside LifeCenter and hospital staff to ensure families are provided with support and resources related to loss, grief, and trauma
- Participate in meetings, training, and professional performance reviews outside of work shifts
What you need
- Master’s degree required in Social Work, mental health, or related field; licensure preferred, two or more years of relevant industry experience may be considered as a substitute for a Master’s degree.
- 2 years experience in clinical assessment, intervention, crisis response, or trauma
- The ability to fulfill the on-call schedule and travel requirements
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or applicable medical or religious exemption will be required as a condition of employment upon offer. For those that need to complete the vaccination series, start dates will be adjusted
Who we want:
- Someone who shares our values: Integrity, Collaboration, Service, and Courage
- Spanish/ English Bilingual
- Experience working with patients or families in a hospital or critical care setting
- Experience working with patients or families at end-of-life
- Previous work experience with organ donation/organ procurement organization
