Reporting to: Manager, Provincial Resource Centre - Tissue

Classification: Tissue Coordinator

Worksite: Toronto (currently hybrid; subject to change)

Schedule: Combination of weekday and weekend 12 hour shifts

Positions Available: 2

Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), part of Ontario Health, is responsible for the coordination of organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario. Our mandate includes increasing public awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation, education of health care professionals, and ensuring a safe and effective donation and transplant system in Ontario. Working collaboratively with our stakeholders and fostering organizational and individual growth, we value honesty, trust, respect and compassion.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated full-time Tissue Coordinator (TC) for a 12 month contract. The incumbent shall provide professional services related to tissue donation in a manner consistent with the mission and values of TGLN. The Tissue Coordinator completes processes for donor screening, approaches families for consent to donate, secures acceptance of tissues by various tissue banks, coordinates recovery activities, and conducts family follow up post-donation for consented non-recovered tissues.

Here is what you will be doing:

• Responds to calls from referring hospitals received in the Provincial Resource Centre, conducts a preliminary assessment of the patient’s history and identifies all relevant donation options

• Provides consultation services as an expert in matters relating to tissue donation

• Assesses expert consultation regarding tissue suitability or other medical issues as appropriate

• Provides complete information to the tissue bank(s) concerning donor and tissue suitability for placement of tissues. The information is provided in a manner that complies with existing privacy legislation and TGLN confidentiality policies

• Timely completion of the medical-social questionnaire, usually at time of donation, occasionally at a pre-arranged date and time to minimize missed opportunities

• Liaises continuously with on-site personnel (i.e. Organ and Tissue Donation Specialist, health-care professionals and recovery staff) at referring hospital to complete risk assessment, screening, testing and evaluation of individual tissue suitability after consent

• Works with the coroner’s office to facilitate tissue donation and escalates cases to Regional Supervising Coroner on a case by case basis

• Obtains temporary surgical privileges for tissue recovery personnel, when necessary, in accordance with the policies of the referring hospital, ensuring compliance with the credentialing process is in place at the time

• Coordinates timing and confirmation of recovery facility (OR) availability and arrival of tissue recovery teams

• Conveys all relevant information regarding the donor to the appropriate tissue recovery personnel and relevant Tissue Bank

• Ensures relevant hospital department(s) are contacted following tissue recovery for timely transport of body to funeral home

• Maintains a professional and courteous demeanour with stakeholders at all times

• Performs other duties as required

Here is what you will need to be successful:

Education and Experience

• University degree or college diploma in health sciences, biological sciences or a recognized equivalent major is required

• Certification in eye or tissue banking (Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT)/Certified Tissue Banking Specialist (CTBS), blood banking, as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or a paramedic is an asset

• Minimum of three (3) years working experience in organ and tissue donation, health sciences or health care environment, tissue recovery and processing is preferred

• Experience in a healthcare setting or working with patients and their families at times of crisis is preferred

Knowledge and Skills

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

• Demonstrated superior written and oral communication skills

• In-depth knowledge of biological and health sciences as well as quality assurance standards is an asset

• Ability to maintain and protect patient confidentiality at all times, demonstrating use of discretion and sound judgment

• Accuracy and close attention to detail

• Strong computer skills

• Demonstrated time management skills with the ability and flexibility to prioritize multiple tasks and projects in a fast paced, results oriented environment

Rate of Pay: $31.86 to $39.82 per hour

Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time (12 month contract)

Employment Location: Toronto (currently hybrid; subject to change). All applicants must be a resident of Ontario to be considered for roles at Ontario Health.

Internal Application Deadline Date: February 15, 2023