Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Versiti Organ and Tissue is a federally designated Organ Procurement Organization, (OPO) supporting the transplant community in southeastern Wisconsin. While we recover organs for life-saving transplant, we prioritize a family-centered process, supporting both our donors and their families throughout the end-of-life, donation, and bereavement processes.  We educate both the public and medical professionals about the tremendous need for organ and tissue donors. We are guided by an advisory board that includes members from the community and affiliated transplant centers. Our service area includes 50 critical care hospitals and 3 transplant centers for a population of 2.3 million people in a 12-county region. We are the region’s primary, most current source of information about organ and tissue donation in collaboration with our state team, Donate Life Wisconsin.

More than 100,000 Americans are waiting for the organ they need to survive. 2,000+ of those individuals reside in Wisconsin. The need is great, and Versiti is committed to increasing the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue available for transplant to save and enhance lives.

The Family Support Specialist (FSS) is a true donation advocate. They are responsible for obtaining authorization from potential donor families to choose the legacy of donation for their loved one. At Versiti, this is achieved through high-caliber, compassionate, and collaborative family support, working closely and effectively alongside other Versiti OPO staff as well as hospital care teams to develop effective care plans to achieve goals. The FSS is committed to outcome-oriented care, ensuring the donation process remains family-centered while optimizing the OPO’s opportunity to save lives.

Essential Responsibilities

• Obtain authorization and complete legal paperwork for organ and tissue donation
• Maintain authorization rate consistent with department goals and outcome-oriented family care
• Work collaboratively and proactively alongside peers, clinical staff, and hospital care teams
• Build and maintain meaningful and partnering relationships with hospital care teams and key stakeholders
• Provide streamlined, personal, relational family support to donor families throughout end-of-life and donation processes
• Demonstrate competence and commitment to cultural and religious beliefs for all donors, families, and others
• Understands and performs all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements set forth by AOPO (Association of Organ Procurement Organizations), UNOS and CMS
• Understanding of/Commitment to the importance and legacy of organ and tissue donation

Recommended Qualifications:

• 1+ years previous experience working with family dynamics within a medical or health care setting, hospice, bereavement or grief counseling

Desired Qualifications:

• 2+ years experience working directly with end-of-life patients, families, and care teams (Palliative Care, Hospice, Funeral Services, Counseling, etc.)
• 2+ years experience in hospital (inpatient) setting – ICU/ER experience
• 1+ years hospital experience in related fields (Social Work, Chaplaincy, Medical Sales, Nursing, etc.)
• Demonstrated success in meeting performance goals/metrics in the workplace
• Demonstrated excellent and influential communication and listening skills

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or related field.

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