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 Tissue Donation Specialist (TDS) is a true donation advocate.  They are responsible for screening tissue donor referrals from hospitals and other agencies throughout Wisconsin.  They speak to various hospital staff collecting details on potential donors to determine tissue donation suitability.  The TDS also approaches families to choose the legacy of tissue donation for their loved one.   At Versiti, this is achieved through compassion and working closely and effectively alongside other Versiti Organ and Tissue staff.

Essential Responsibilities

• Evaluates potential tissue donors through medical chart review, staff interviews, and medical examiner/coroner reports using predefined criteria
• Presents tissue donor information to affiliated tissue processing and/or research agencies
• Obtains both legal informed authorization for tissue donation and a thorough medical and behavioral health history on potential tissue donors
• Follows communication protocols to ensure effective interactions with stakeholders including Eye Banks, Funeral Homes, Medical Examiners, and Hospital Staff
• Maintains records of all tissue referrals and donors and ensures all necessary information is shared with eye banks and tissue processing facilities
• Follows applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures that impact specific job responsibilities

Recommended Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience in a health care, science, or funeral home field

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in a tissue bank/donation setting
• Experience working with grief, loss, or end of life care

Educational Requirements:

• Associate's Degree in a related healthcare field
• Bachelor's Degree in a related healthcare field
• 3+ years of health care experience In lieu of degree

Licenses and Certifications

• American Associate of Tissue Banks (AATB) certification within 3 years of hire. required