Blood Donor Specialist
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
This role performs volunteer apheresis procedures and whole blood collections to provide blood products for St. Jude patients. Recruits, interviews, and processes volunteer donors for apheresis and whole blood collections. Responsible for the prompt, efficient, and accurate performance validation and reporting of waived laboratory test results used to determine blood donor eligibility. Complies with all requirements of the institution, regulatory agencies and adheres to the Blood Donor Center Quality Program. Performs translational/basic research and development activities.
Job description
Position will work M-F 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May work an occasional Saturday or holiday. Shifts can rotate; Shifts can start at 7:30 am-4 pm or 9:30 am-6 pm.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience with apheresis or plasmapheresis machines
- Experience in a blood donor center or plasma center
Job Responsibilities:
- Independently perform and report pre-analytic and post-analytic activities for waived testing.
- Resolve donor collection process problems with minimal assistance and provide assistance to others in the donor center as needed.
- Independently execute activities within own area (e.g., requisitioning and processing specimens for reference laboratories, data retrieval, reporting, preparation of files, waste stream management, and planning of inventory).
- Assist with ongoing quality control and compliance tracking and related activities and report problems to testing/supervisory personnel.
- Support equipment maintenance and troubleshooting as directed.
- Contribute to maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), forms, and systems.
- Recruit, interview, and process volunteers for apheresis and whole blood collections.
- Perform apheresis procedures and whole blood collections on volunteer donors.
- Conduct translation/basic research and development activities.
- Participate in the orientation and training process. Assist in maintaining documents.
- Assist in evaluating and validation of new procedures, equipment, and maintenance processes.
- Ensure continuity of donor care.
- Participate in the inventory management process.
- Perform other related duties as assigned or directed to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance
Minimum Education and/or Training:
- High School Diploma required.
- Associate's degree preferred.
Minimum Experience:
- High School Diploma with 4+ years of experience in a volunteer or commercial blood donor center (OR) Associate's degree with 2+ years of experience in a volunteer or commercial blood donor center.
- 3 years of phlebotomy experience required.
- Volunteer donor whole blood collection or donor apheresis experience preferred.
- Prior experience in laboratory procedures and principles (e.g., cleaning and sterilization of laboratory materials, pre-analytic and post-analytic assistance, equipment operation and maintenance) preferred.
- Experience working with laboratory personnel, understanding technical language, and supporting lab needs preferred.
- Proven performance in earlier role/ comparable role
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
- Phlebotomy certification is required within 6 months of hire date.
- Medical Assistant certification is acceptable in lieu of phlebotomy certification
- CPR certification is required within 6 months of hire date.
Requirements
- High School Diploma required
- Associate's degree preferred
- High School Diploma with 4+ years of experience in a volunteer or commercial blood donor center OR Associate's degree with 2+ years of experience in a volunteer or commercial blood donor center
- 3 years of phlebotomy experience required
- Volunteer donor whole blood collection or donor apheresis experience preferred
- Prior experience in laboratory procedures and principles preferred
- Experience working with laboratory personnel, understanding technical language, and supporting lab needs preferred
- Phlebotomy certification required within 6 months of hire date
- Medical Assistant certification acceptable in lieu of phlebotomy certification
- CPR certification required within 6 months of hire date
Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric research and treatment institution headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to advancing cures for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, it stands as the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted exclusively to children. The hospital operates on a unique funding model where families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food, with costs exceeding $2 billion annually primarily supported by donations through its fundraising organization ALSAC. St. Jude treats approximately 8,600 patients each year from all 50 states and around the world, with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, sickle cell disease, and infectious diseases. The institution employs over 7,000 staff members and maintains eight affiliate clinics across the United States. Through its St. Jude Global initiative, the hospital shares research and treatment protocols internationally, partnering with more than 350 institutions in over 90 countries. St. Jude has been instrumental in increasing childhood cancer survival rates from 20% in 1962 to over 80% today, while maintaining a robust research program that includes gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and precision medicine approaches.