Tissue Recovery Specialist - Casual - M-F 5am - 2pm - 3 shifts a week (19 hours a week)
Overview:
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.
Position Summary:
The Tissue Recovery Specialist (TRS) plays a pivotal role in the life-saving and life-enhancing process of tissue donation. As a TRS, you will be at the forefront of recovering vital tissues, such as skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons, from donors, directly contributing to transplant and research efforts that transform lives.This role requires precision, compassion, and dedication as you navigate the delicate balance between honoring donors' legacies and ensuring the highest quality standards for tissue recovery. You’ll collaborate with medical teams, work in sterile environments, and manage time-sensitive procedures that require both technical expertise and adaptability.
This is more than a technical job—it’s an opportunity to make a profound impact every day by providing recipients with a second chance at life.
Responsibilities:
- Acquires donated placentas and umbilical cords for transplant and research following Versiti Organ and Tissue procedures and protocols.
- Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with hospital to maximize donation opportunities and promote organ and tissue donation awareness.
- Coordinates and/or participates in various donation related community activities/events as assigned.
- Maintains competence through attendance at mandatory and other job-related educational opportunities.
- Actively participates in Lean and continuous improvement activities.
- Follows applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures that impact specific job responsibilities and functions and performs assigned job functions in accordance with them to include those set forth by AATB (American Association of Tissue Banks), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), AORN (The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations).
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
- Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
- Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures
Qualifications:
Education- Associate's Degree degree from an accredited college or university in a related healthcare field required
- Equivalent combination of education and related clinical (or commensurate) experience (3-5yrs) may be substituted for the degree with the approval of Tissue Bank Management and Human Resources required
- Surgical Technologist, Surgical Assistant, Circulating Nurse or similar certification may be substituted for the degree with the approval of Tissue Bank Management and Human Resources required
- 1-3 years of operating room and/or patient care experience as a Surgical Technologist, Surgical Assistant, Circulating Nurse or similar position preferred
- Strong attention to detail and ensures accuracy in completing paperwork. required
- Ability to organize and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task in challenging and stressful situations, and utilizing conflict management. required
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication and rapport-building skills including the ability to listen actively and respond with empathy, tact, and sensitivity. required
- Ability to apply judgment and fact finding to solve problems. required
- Takes a positive approach to working within a team and is flexible with others. required
- Familiarity with sterile technique and venipuncture skills preferred required
- Knowledge of basic medical terminology, medications, disease processes and human anatomy. required
- Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and access to a vehicle required
- American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) certification required within 3 years of hire required