Description

Summary

The Director of Family Support Services (DFSS) oversees and conducts services related to potential or actual donor family support and the authorization process of the deceased organ, eye, and tissue donor. This position is responsible for the overall strategic management of the Donor Family Support Services Department within We Are Sharing Hope SC (SHSC).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the Family Support Administrator On-Call (FS-AOC) as needed. Is available by cell phone and expected to answer calls immediately and voicemails as soon as possible
• Develop and maintain an overall strategic vision for the Family Support Department. This includes assessing and identifying areas for innovation within the department.
• Create precise goals and objectives for the overall Family Support Services program's strategic plan, while adhering to AOPO standards, UNOS policies, and CMS guidelines. Ensure that these goals and objectives are met, monitored, and maintained and are within the overall strategic objectives of the organization.
• Ensure that the donation approach and authorization process system(s) allow for donation documentation to be accurate and thorough and that the process is effective and sensitive to and compassionate for the donor family.
• Develop, participate, and modify (as needed) a value-added system for post-approach case review to identify and evaluate successes and/or areas of opportunities.
• Develop methodology to capture specific aspects of the family care process. Develop a system(s) to constantly evaluate the process and ensure that SHSC family care is consistent and maintained to the highest standard. Ensure that SHSC is approachingall families that have an option for donation.
• Develop and monitor a system(s) to track and trend barriers and successes to donation authorization - including hospital, family, and other barriers or value-added elements- and identify reasons authorization was/ was not obtained for the purpose of process improvement.
• Ensure that all Family Support Counselors (FSCs) complete required paper and electronic documentation thoroughly, accurately and in a timely manner. This documentation must be maintained in the donor medical record and completed according to SHSC policies and procedures.
• Develop and monitor a system for training and continuous development of FSC staff. This will include developing an effective preceptor program.
• Develop and monitor the SHSC system(s) to ensure professional competency among the FSC staff in family care, donor evaluation, and donation approach and authorization.
• Develop and regularly review departmental processes and policies to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Monitor donation approach and authorization processes to ensure the option is presented in a compassionate manner and that donation authorization is free from any form of coercion.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor a system to evaluate the FSC staff's ability to provide an initial clinical evaluation of the potential for organ and tissue donation.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor a system to evaluate the ability of the FSC staff to effectively work through both hospital and family barriers to facilitate the optimal donation authorization process.
• Monitor the schedules of the FSC staff. Ensure that the FSC staff are effectively managed and that there is parity among FSCs regarding on-call days and additional donation related duties.
• Conducts and/or monitors FSC staff performance reviews. Update job descriptions (as needed).
• Work with established and emerging department leaders to ensure effective leadership withinthe department. This includes professional development, coaching, and other opportunities for leadership development within the department.
• Work with other SHSC department leaders to provide continuing education, as required by AOPO, CMS, and UNOS and maintain up-to-date credentialing for FSCs.
• Develop local, regional, and national relationships with other internal and external leaders to help increase and improve donation outcomes in the state.
• Work positively, effectively, and collaboratively with other SHSC leaders to improve and maintain a positive internal culture and improve and expand the donation process/options throughout the state.
• Work positively, effectively, and collaboratively with their department team members to maintain a positive and effective professional culture that leads to demonstrated success.
• Ensure the FSC department is maintaining a posture of financial stewardship with regards to department expenses and other financial expenditures. This should include, ensuring that the department is within the established budget.
• Able to maintain the skills and responsibilities of the Family Support Counselor (FSC) and acts as an FSC (when necessary).
• Represents SHSC at local, regional, and national meetings as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications, Education, & Experience

• BS degree required
• Three (3) years of experience in counseling or other emotional support services required
• Five (5) years of experience as an Family Support Counselor (or similar position)in an OPO
• Three (3) years of experience in management
• RN license preferred
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered