Family Advocate I (Region 1: New Orleans/Covington)

Job Title: Family Advocate I

Department: Family Services

Reports to: Family Support Services Manager

Exemption: Non-Exempt

Date Revised: November 2023

Position Summary

Family Advocate staff will aid families and hospital staff to understand the donation process. Support donor families through grief process so they feel supported in end of life decisions. Family Advocates are specialized in the authorization process and work towards meeting LOPA’s annual authorization goal.

Essential Functions

● Has knowledge of all aspects of LOPA’s organ and tissue referral processes, recovery processes, and procedures, including but not limited to LOPA’s aftercare family support services

● Maintains an understanding of LOPA’s clinical triggers and referral criteria. Is able to educate hospital staff on the importance of a timely referral.

● Responds to referrals, on site or remotely, as defined in LOPA policy and procedures.

● Effectively communicate with the appropriate hospital staff, in an acute care setting, regarding the current status of a potential donor, their family’s understanding of prognosis, and the current plan of care. (Donation Assessment Huddle, Family Support Huddle, Family Outcome Huddle).

● Effectively communicates pertinent and time sensitive referral or case information with appropriate LOPA staff

● Explains all aspects of the donation process to the family during the approach conversation.

● Utilizes grief support, communication skills, and additional Family Support Practices when supporting a potential donor family

● Explains the difference between donation after Brain Dead and Donation after Circulatory Death

● Reviews potential medical records and documents all required information related to the referral in the Clinical Database.

● Access the donor registry and print the registry form when applicable.

● Identify an acceptable brain death note according to LOPA and referring hospital policy

● Proficient in completing documentation related to authorization, including but not limited to electronic authorization, DRAI and Directed Donation.

● Utilizes discretion and sensitivity with respect to the circumstances, views and beliefs of others in all interactions and when initiating support of potential donor families.

Job Role Expectations

● Adheres to all current LOPA policies

● Contributes to the incline of LOPA authorization rates.

● 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.

● 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

● Progression to Family Advocate II includes 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: 288 hours per month (12 days, 24 hour shifts)

● Holiday call coverage

Education and Experience

● Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

● Requires experience working with families in crisis, strong organizational skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the flexibility to work odd hours.

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.

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