Tissue Distribution Specialist-Entry Level (Eye Bank)

Make a difference in the lives of others by helping give the gift of sight!

VisionGift (VG) is a non-profit organization founded in 1975 by Lions Clubs of Oregon, which recognized the need for an eye bank to provide ocular tissue for transplants, research and medical education. Since its inception, over 65,000 people have received the gift of sight from tissue procured and screened by VisionGift, which works closely with transplant surgeons. Additionally, ocular tissues have been utilized for valuable research projects and surgical training.

Please visit www.visiongift.org for more information on our organization.

VG has an opening for a challenging and rewarding full-time Tissue Distribution Specialist I (TDS) position in our Portland location. The TDS, under the supervision of the Transplant Distribution Manager, will work as part of a team to: ensure timely evaluation, suitability determination, and distribution of donor tissue for transplant utilization. TDS is the primary contact during normal business hours for surgeons, schedulers, and other affiliated organizations. The position is a day shift position, and upon training completion includes being part of an on-call rotation to potentially cover evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays needs.

This is a great opportunity for individuals who support donation, possess strong problem-solving skills, and have an excellent attention to detail. While we encourage those who meet the requirements to apply, we have had successful candidates from a variety of working and educational backgrounds. This is a fast-paced role where mastery and ownership of important processes is gained quickly.

A successful TDS will have the opportunity to carry out the following functions for VG :

• Learn how to evaluate transplant-potential corneas to determine surgical suitability through various methods, including specular microscopy and slit lamp microscopy
• Develop skills in matching transplant corneas with patients and surgeons, taking into account surgery type, surgical suitability, surgeon preferences and VG processing schedule
• Build and manage the VG surgery calendar by processing tissue requests
• Network with other eye banks and partner entities to facilitate fulfillment of transplant needs domestically and internationally
• Prepare for and arrange tissue shipments, both outbound and inbound, including international shipments
• Learn to navigate and maintain a highly developed database to carry out daily functions
• Assist with face-to-face interactions with surgeons and surgery center staff as needed
• Maintain a professional demeanor and interact well with others
• Other duties as assigned

Starting Pay: $21.20/hour plus shift differentials for weekends.

In addition to the hourly wage, VisionGift offers a generous benefit package including, but not limited to:

• Medical and vision with an employer paid plan option
• Dental benefits
• $20,000 employer-paid life insurance policy
• Employer-paid short-term disability
• 401K match
• 7 paid holidays, 1 DEI holiday and 1 floating holiday
• Sabbatical leave
• Shift differentials for nights & weekends
• Paid Leave
• Voluntary benefits such as Dependent Care and FSA and more

A successful candidate will have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent;
• Computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office software;
• A superb attention to detail;
• Excellent customer service skills;
• Ability to multi-task;
• Excellent time management skills;
• Willingness to follow standard operating procedures.

Many skills for this position are learned through extensive on-the-job training, however preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:

• Prior experience with cornea, organ, or tissue donation; the death care industry; or a related field.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the job post. We are more interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed. If you are unsure if you meet the qualifications of this role, please email to discuss your application.

Disclaimer: Please read this job description carefully and ask for clarification if you have difficulty understanding the functions of this job. Please describe any accommodations that you need in order to perform this job.