Recovery Technician, Per Diem, Independent Contractor

This position is responsible for the safe recovery of donated ocular tissue (in situ corneal excisions and whole eye enucleations) utilizing sterile/aseptic technique. Recovery Technicians (RTs) must travel to recovery location and maintain communication with donor coordinator regarding case circumstances and unique observations.

1. Travel to location of donor (e.g. hospital, ME/Coroner office, funeral home)
2. Review and verification of legal authorization
3. Screen donors through review of available medical records/information
4. Assess eligibility of donors for recovery according to EBAA Medical Standards, FDA regulations and GEB Standard Operating Procedures
5. Identification of the donor (e.g. ID band, toe tag, morgue cooler label)
6. Perform and document detailed physical inspection
7. Always adhere to Standard Precautions during entire recovery process
8. Obtain adequate blood samples (pre and postmortem) that are eligible for infectious disease testing
9. Perform recovery (enucleations and in situ corneal excisions)
10. Collect vitreous for Coroners/MEs
11. Perform donor restoration
12. Perform all required documentation in a thorough, complete and professional manner
13. Package tissue, blood samples, and documentation appropriately for transportation to GEB laboratory
14. Ensure effective and positive communications are maintained with hospital staff, MEs/Coroners, tissue banks, OPO, and funeral homes
15. Attend required meetings and training sessions

Decision Making Authority:
• Follow all GEB SOPs as outlined in manuals, training documents and memos/e-mails from Recovery Services & Training Supervisor as well as Manager of Technical Operations
• Consult supervisor or SOC as needed

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
• HS Diploma or equivalency required
• Bachelor’s degree in science, RN, surgical tech or other healthcare professionals (EMT/Paramedics, ER techs, etc.) preferred
• Expertise, skills and knowledge of ophthalmology or eye bank procedures also preferred
• Valid drivers license and insured/safe motor vehicle

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities necessary to perform essential functions:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strict attention to detail
• If not previously acquired, expectation to establish and maintain good understanding of medical terminology
• Ability to learn and follow all GEB SOPs regarding donor recovery
• Compassionate demeanor when dealing with grieving families
• Ability to effectively multi-task
• Flexible work schedule including nights, weekends and holidays
• Must maintain confidentiality and integrity of all donor-related information and GEB business practices
• Dedication and commitment to eye banking and fulfilling the wishes of donors and their families

Physical/Environmental Demands of the Position:
1. Physical Activities – reaching, fingering, grasping, precision dexterity, feeling, talking, seeing, hearing, writing, driving and walking
2. Level of Physical Requirements – moderate work. Must be able to lift 50 lbs independently
3. Environmental Conditions – generally in hospital, ME/Coroner office or funeral home
4. Exposure to computers, cell phones and other office equipment. Exposure to cornea preservation media and other recovery supplies and reagents.