Donor Family Support Advocate

Gift of Life Michigan; Michigan; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Gift of Life Michigan is seeking a Donation Support Specialist to compassionately support donor families, guide them through the donation authorization process, and collaborate with hospital staff to ensure timely and respectful conversations. The role emphasizes sensitivity to grief, clear communication, and adherence to protocols.

The ideal candidate brings extensive related experience, strong English communication, and the ability to work in high-stress situations while maintaining a

Qualifications

• Combined total of 7 years’ work experience and education.
• Experience in mental health-related fields, nursing, first responder roles, pastoral/spiritual care, or healthcare.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to exercise initiative, critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work with families in crisis and advocate for donation authorization.
• Self-directed with sound judgment and the ability to seek guidance when needed.

Responsibilities

• Approach families of potential donors primarily in person and onsite.
• Educate and support hospital care providers to obtain authorization for organ, tissue, and eye donation.
• Maintain an individual authorization rate and complete the authorization process with the legal decision maker.
• Coordinate with the family and educate them about donation specifics for informed decisions.
• Collaborate with hospital care teams to engage families promptly and overcome barriers.
• Coordinate with Gift of Life clinical personnel for family conversations when triggers indicate readiness.
• Determine when referrals require escalation and seek appropriate guidance.
• Assess donor history using the Donor Risk Assessment Interview (DRAI) with family members.
• Post-donation follow-up and adherence to department expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Initiative and problem solving

Multitasking and organization

Empathy and crisis communication

Education

Postsecondary Education

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams)

Job description

Gift of Life Michigan is seeking a Donation Support Specialist to compassionately support donor families, guide them through the donation authorization process, and collaborate with hospital staff to ensure timely and respectful conversations. The role emphasizes sensitivity to grief, clear communication, and adherence to protocols.

The ideal candidate brings extensive related experience, strong English communication, and the ability to work in high-stress situations while maintaining a