Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Coordinates donor referrals, surgically removes and processes donor tissue for transplant and research.

Qualifications

Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry or other scientific discipline in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Certification as an Eye Bank Technician, Ophthalmic Technician or Tissue Bank Specialist is preferred. Experience with aseptic technique and medical terminology also preferred.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Performs surgical procedures to remove and prepare human corneal tissue for transplant and research.
2. Coordinates the placement of approved tissue for transplants with surgeons.
3. Evaluates the processed cornea to determine suitability of tissue for human transplant.
4. Coordinates referrals from other agencies and the call center for potential donors.
5. Determines donor suitability of corneal tissue for transplantation by investigating patient’s medical and social background utilizing all available resources.
6. Approaches families regarding the option of donation of corneal tissue for transplantation, research and education purposes.
7. Conducts quality control.
8. Manages and maintains laboratory supplies and reagents.

Problem Solving

This position resolves concerns of grieving families and facilitates donation in a sensitive, caring and respectable manner.

Comments

The Eye Bank Technician position has four skill levels. Eye Bank Technician is the entry level, and Eye Bank Technicians I-III are divided into two area-specific job titles of Donor Coordinator and Recovery Technician.

Guidelines have been established for advancement within these 4 levels of the Eye Bank Technician job code.  Specific job descriptions for these levels are housed within the department.  Please contact Human Resources for appropriate details regarding the skill levels.

This position is required to develop a thorough working knowledge and understanding of the current good tissue practices as outlined by FDA codes 1270 and 1271, the Eye Bank Association of America standards and the Utah Lions Eye Bank Standard Operating Procedures.

This position will require working days, nights, weekends, holidays and on-call hours.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.