Family Advocate I

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

Job Title : Family Advocate I

Department : Family Services

Reports to : Family Support Services Manager

Exemption : Non-Exempt

Date Revised : March 2024

Location : Baton Rouge

Position Summary

Family Advocate provide onsite response and is responsible for advocating for donation and support

families through the organ and tissue donation conversation and process. Family advocates are

responsible for recognizing and initiating family conversation triggers for timely donation conversation.

Maintains authorization rates that are equivalent to or exceeds LOPA’s annual organ authorization

goals. Utilizes discretion and sensitivity with respect to the circumstances, views and beliefs of others

in all interactions and when initiating conversation of potential donor families. May serve as first

responder for initial referral in the donor service area. Supports and fosters the vision and core values

of LOPA and its commitment to organ and tissue donation.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for high quality trauma and crisis support to potential donor families.
• Rapid on-site support for donor families at hospitals in assigned regions and at times in other regions as directed.
• Initiates timely donation conversation with authorized person (AP) either in person or telephonically in collaboration with hospital partners provides information related to family dynamics, identified support systems and plans for the donation conversation.
• Educate the potential donor’s AP about donation options and the legacy of the decision.
• Responsible for educating the potential donor’s AP about the opportunity for donation and requesting authorization.
• Responsible for advocating and guiding families through the donation conversation around FPA decisions made by the patient.
• Efficient communication in explaining the difference between donation after neurological determination of death (brain death) and donation after circulatory determination of death (DCD).
• Maintains accurate knowledge of the organ and tissue recovery process and educate families on the potential usage of the gifts.
• Obtains authorization or notification and conducts a Donor Risk Assessment Interview with appropriate identified individual(s).
• Educates families about the LOPA family service department .
• Maintains proficiency in completing documentation related to authorization, notification in person or telephonically recorded, DRAI and directed donation.
• Rapidly responds to referrals, on site or remotely as directed by OCC or AS staff.
• Clearly communicates and educates hospital staff on current clinical triggers and referral criteria.
• Effectively communicates pertinent and time sensitive referral or case information to AOC or AS.
• Reviews medical records, and documents all required information related to the referral in the EMR.
• Access the donor registry and print the registry form when applicable.
• Identify an acceptable brain death note according to LOPA and referring hospital policy.

Job Role Expectations

Organizational Expectations

Role Progression

Work Environment

Physical Demands

Work Hours

Requirements :

Education and Experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities