Family Care Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Sierra Donor Services - New Mexico (SDS) is looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic team member to join us to save lives!! Our mission at SDS is to save lives through organ donation and we want professionals on our team that will embrace this important work!! Specifically, people with expertise in communicating in difficult situations and building relationships with patients and their families similar to counseling or patient relations. This position, Family Care Coordinator, will work with organ donor families, hospital personnel, physicians, and other team members from NMDS to work through the donation process for saving lives through organ and tissue donation. Primary work environment is in the hospital setting in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico hospitals. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats are a must.

What is a Family Care Coordinator?

Family Care Coordinators (FCCs) support and educate the potential donor’s next-of-kin regarding donation options. FCCs determine family dynamics and assess the family’s understanding of the patient’s prognosis to aid in the donation process. They work alongside other clinical team members and hospital staff to be both an advocate for donation and a resource to the donor’s family.

COMPANY OVERVIEW AND MISSION

New Mexico Donor Services is the designated organ procurement organization (OPO) for the state of New Mexico – and is a member of the DCI Donor Services family.

For over four decades, DCI Donor Services has been a leader in working to end the transplant waiting list. Our unique approach to service allows for nationwide donation, transplantation, and distribution of organs and tissues while maintaining close ties to our local communities. 

DCI Donor Services operates organ procurement/tissue recovery organizations: Sierra Donor Services and Tennessee Donor Services with operations in the states of California, New Mexico, and Tennessee. We also maximize the gift of life through the DCI Donor Services Tissue Bank and Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank. 

Our performance is measured by the way we serve donor families and recipients. To be successful in this endeavor is our ultimate mission. By mobilizing the power of people and the potential of technology, we are honored to extend the reach of each donor’s gift and share the importance of the gift of life.

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. With the help of our employee-led strategy team, we will ensure that all communities feel welcome and safe with us because we are a model for fairness, belonging, and forward thinking.

Key responsibilities this position will perform include:

• Determines family dynamics and assesses the family’s understanding of the patient’s prognosis when appropriate to initiate the donation discussion.
• Initiates the donation discussion and authorization process for potential organ and tissue donor families prior to, during and after death declaration. Provides families with the detailed information required to give legal informed authorization for anatomical donation.
• Responds on site independently and/or in conjunction with assigned staff to all appropriate hospital referrals within designated time outlined per policy and procedure. 
• Communicates with the attending physician and other members of the healthcare team to establish rapport and ensure a collaborative planned approach for the donation discussion and authorization process. 
• Obtains authorization for donation per UAGA and verifies appropriate medical and legal documentation necessary.
• Visually assesses donors, interpret charts, document information and communicate findings.
• Collaborates with hospital and medical staff to provide potential donor families with accurate and timely information regarding the patient’s current clinical course. Maintains communication with hospital staff and attending physician regarding the potential donor family’s understanding of the prognosis and acts as a family advocate to the health care team as necessary.
• Provides education to hospital staff regarding authorization, family care process and donation process.
• Responsibilities may be affected by increased donor activity. Performs other duties as assigned.

The Family Care Coordinator will work between 12 – 15 days per month – and be on call for periods of up to 24 hours.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree
• 2 – 4 years of healthcare experience with families, counseling, bereavement, and/or crisis intervention
• Knowledge of medical and legal principles of authorization, donor evaluation, and management.
• Exceptional teamwork, communication, and conflict management skills.
• Valid Driver’s license with ability to pass MVR underwriting requirements.

We offer a competitive compensation package including:

• Up to 184 hours of PTO your first year
• Up to 72 hours of Sick Time your first year
• Two Medical Plans (your choice of a PPO or HDHP), Dental, and Vision Coverage
• 403(b) plan with matching contribution
• Company provided term life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Wellness Program 
• Supplemental insurance benefits such as accident coverage and short-term disability
• Discounts on home/auto/renter/pet insurance
• Cell phone discounts through Verizon
• Meal Per Diems when actively on cases

**New employees must have their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by their potential start date or be able to supply proof of vaccination.**

You will receive a confirmation e-mail upon successful submission of your application. The next step of the selection process will be to complete a video screening. Instructions to complete the video screening will be contained in the confirmation e-mail. Please note - you must complete the video screening within 48 hours from submission of your application to be considered for the position.

DCIDS is an EOE/AA employer – M/F/Vet/Disability.