Idaho Ocular Tissue Recovery Specialist

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The Idaho Tissue Recovery Specialist is responsible for the excision of ocular tissue from deceased donors for the intent of transplantation. The role entails driving to the recovery site (e.g., county coroner’s office, funeral homes, hospitals), performing necessary assessments of the donor, performing the ocular excision procedure, and proper delivery of procured tissue to the correct facility. Additional responsibilities related to the recovery department may be assigned by the Recovery Manager based on recovery tier status.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining a valid driver’s license during time of employment.
• Driving to and from the recovery location in a safe and timely manner.
• Performing a detailed physical assessment of the potential donor; documenting any visible signs of communicable diseases.
• Observing the posterior side of the donor by rolling the cadaver and/or lifting extremities.
• Drawing Cadaveric blood; or obtaining pre-transfused samples from the admitting hospital when necessary.
• Performing sterile corneoscleral excision and aseptic preservation of tissue for the intent of transplantation.
• Packaging, labeling, and coordinating delivery of procured tissue to the appropriate facility.
• Assisting in the proper training of new Remote Tissue Recovery Specialist employees on proper technique, documentation, and technical skills.
• Conducting professional interactions with referring hospitals, funeral homes, law enforcement agencies, coroner offices, and Donor Connect.
• Maintaining a competent level of understanding of Standard Operating Procedures associated with the recovery department of the Utah Lions Eye Bank.
• Completing annual Learning Hub LMS training per University of Utah Health Academics policy.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. Certification as an Eye Bank Technician, Ophthalmic Technician or Tissue Bank Specialist is preferred.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS , AND ABILITY

• Prior experience in the medical or mortuary fields preferred
• Ability to tolerate strong smells and graphic / traumatic visuals.
• Ability to stand for long bouts of time
• Ability to perform a basic physical assessment of the decedent to EBAA and FDA standards
• Maintain donor confidentiality.
• Maintain a professional and customer-oriented friendly manner in the public on behalf of the Utah Lions Eye Bank.
• Basic working knowledge of PC & Microsoft Office
• Ability to follow current hospital and Office of the Medical Examiners policies and procedures regarding eye donation in accordance with current FDA / EBAA / OME / ULEB Policies and Procedures.
• Uphold University Health Academics core values by adhering to the PROMISE standards.
• Ability to maintain good working knowledge of all University of Utah Health / ULEB / FDA / EBAA Policies and Procedures.

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in…