Family Advocate I

Job Title: Family Advocate I

Department: Family Services

Reports to: Family Support Services Manager

Exemption: Non-Exempt

Date Revised: March 2024

Position Summary

Family Advocate provide onsite response and is responsible for advocating for donation and support

families through the organ and tissue donation conversation and process. Family advocates are

responsible for recognizing and initiating family conversation triggers for timely donation conversation.

Maintains authorization rates that are equivalent to or exceeds LOPA’s annual organ authorization

goals. Utilizes discretion and sensitivity with respect to the circumstances, views and beliefs of others

in all interactions and when initiating conversation of potential donor families. May serve as first

responder for initial referral in the donor service area. Supports and fosters the vision and core values

of LOPA and its commitment to organ and tissue donation.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for high quality trauma and crisis support to potential donor families.
• Rapid on-site support for donor families at hospitals in assigned regions and at times in other regions as directed.
• Initiates timely donation conversation with authorized person (AP) either in person or telephonically in collaboration with hospital partners provides information related to family dynamics, identified support systems and plans for the donation conversation.
• Educate the potential donor’s AP about donation options and the legacy of the decision.
• Responsible for educating the potential donor’s AP about the opportunity for donation and requesting authorization.
• Responsible for advocating and guiding families through the donation conversation around FPA decisions made by the patient.
• Efficient communication in explaining the difference between donation after neurological determination of death (brain death) and donation after circulatory determination of death (DCD).
• Maintains accurate knowledge of the organ and tissue recovery process and educate families on the potential usage of the gifts.
• Obtains authorization or notification and conducts a Donor Risk Assessment Interview with appropriate identified individual(s).
• Educates families about the LOPA family service department .
• Maintains proficiency in completing documentation related to authorization, notification in person or telephonically recorded, DRAI and directed donation.
• Rapidly responds to referrals, on site or remotely as directed by OCC or AS staff.
• Clearly communicates and educates hospital staff on current clinical triggers and referral criteria.
• Effectively communicates pertinent and time sensitive referral or case information to AOC or AS.
• Reviews medical records, and documents all required information related to the referral in the EMR.
• Access the donor registry and print the registry form when applicable.
• Identify an acceptable brain death note according to LOPA and referring hospital policy.

Job Role Expectations

• Adheres to all current LOPA policies
• Contributes to the increase and overall success of LOPA yearly goals in authorization.
• Maintains effective communication with essential departments within the agency: Quality, HR, Education, Development, Finance and Community.
• Attends required department meetings, educational opportunities and other relevant meetings.
• Completes all Q-Pulse and Traincaster assignments as required within set timeframes.
• Maintains usability of all designated EMR access regardless of usage needs.
• Participates in hospital staff and community education.
• Participates in at least one community event per year.

Organizational Expectations

• Upholds LOPA core values of selfless, authentic and passionate.
• Use constructive and positive communication.
• Be a team player.
• Hold yourself and others accountable.
• Keep a positive attitude.
• Be respectful of others.

Role Progression

• Meets all criteria below to advance to a Family Advocate II.
• Performs all expected duties of as assigned Family Advocate I.
• Meets expected organ authorization goals for LOPA yearly authorization rate.
• Successful completion of LOPA’s preceptor program.

Work Environment

• Possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, pharmacological agents with the likelihood of harm if established health precautions are followed.
• Possible mental and visual fatigue associated with detailed work.
• This position requires travel as needed.
• This position has possible exposure to Blood-borne Pathogens and TB. Employees may at times be in a hospital setting and may have exposure to packaged organs and tissues for transplant and/or research.

Physical Demands

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Communicating with others verbally and electronically to exchange information.
• Considerable time spent walking.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Use of fine motor skills.
• Doing work that requires visual acuity.
• Need for ability to hear.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Light work that includes moving or lifting objects up to 20 pounds.

Work Hours

• Full time, on-call position
• Call requirements 10/24 or 12/16 hour shifts or combination of each
• Holiday and Weekend call coverage

Education and Experience

• The Organ Procurement Industry is unique, but generally we find that people with experience in the following industries can be successful in this position: Registered Nurse, 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.
• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university preferred, or one to two years of related education or work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education
• Requires experience in working with families in crisis, strong organizational skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the flexibility to work odd hours.
• Bilingual preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Ability to deliver effective and professional verbal and written communication.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding and to solve problems.
• Ability to be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to communicate lab values and diagnostic procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Plans, implements, and documents family approach plan.
• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.