Decedent Affairs Coordinator

This position provides functional direction and monitoring for the OHSU Decedent AffairsProgram, including daily operations, auditing, reporting and compliance. The Decedent AffairsCoordinator acts as the principal Administrator for the Oregon Vital Events Registration System(OVERS) for the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS) and obtains death certification forevery hospital death. The Program Coordinator ensures compliance with regulatory requirements,Oregon law and Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board Rules and Regulations. This role isresponsible for coordination of organ and tissue donation, OHSU autopsy, release of human remainsto the Medical Examiner, designated funeral director or Next of Kin, and supports research initiativesrelated to the Program. The Program Coordinator compiles and reports data to internal stakeholdersfor continuous improvement purposes.The Decedent Affairs Program Coordinator has daily contact with distressed individuals experiencing the loss of a loved one either in person or by phone, often through an interpreter. The coordinator collaborates with internal and external customers to ensure an individualized approach to family needs with respect to religious and cultural norms and personal preference, facilitating unique arrangements when possible and providing viewing of the deceased when appropriate.Provides program direction through coordination of functions and employeesengaged in program activities, including:Designs systems and processes to efficiently manage decedent affairs activitiesTrack's location and status of human remain of patients who die at OHSUCoordinates organ and tissue donationCoordinates autopsy and distribution of reports to providers and Next of KinWorks with legal next of kin (NOK) to develop disposition plans for deceasedProvides for family viewing of deceased as appropriateReleases human remains to NOK, funeral homes, cremation services, and Medical Examiners (ME) in accordance with legal standards · Obtains electronic death certification from pronouncing providers Verifies accuracy of all relevant communication and documentation Supports specialty services by creating and implementing processes unique to specific patient population needs, including special arrangements for fetal remains Provides support to the Women and Children's Division by implementing and creating processes to best serve this unique patient population, including special arrangements for fetal and neonatal losses. Facilitates consent and processes for the OHSU Neuropathology Develops Decedent Affairs processes to support new research projects as identifiedPrincipal OHSU Administrator for the Oregon Vital Events Registration System(OVERS) for the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS)Enrolls and instructs medical certifiers on electronic death certificationCreates, maintains and implements processes for onboarding medical certifiers new to OHSU, including house staff during annual GME turnoverActs as OHSU resource to local system administrators in ambulatory practicesActs as the primary contact for the Oregon State Office of Vital Records on EDRS at OHSUGathers, compiles and provides documentation to the OHSU Birth Clerk for complete and accurate fetal loss reporting in OVERSCompiles and submits a monthly report of OHSU hospital deaths to the Oregon State Office of Vital RecordsRegulatory and Legal ComplianceEnsures compliance with regulatory requirements and lawsEnsures required disclosures of Protected Health Information specific to Decedent Affairs are entered in the OHSU Accounting of Disclosures data base in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)Ensures OHSU compliance with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation (COP) regarding organ and tissue donationEnsures OHSU demonstrates respect for patient rights as defined by CMS related to organ and tissue donationEnsures complete and accurate documentation of organ/tissue donation disclosure, consent, decline or medical rule-out in the Integrated Health RecordMaintains Morgue Surge Plan readiness in the Healthcare Emergency Operations PlanEnsures compliance with Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board Rules and RegulationsReportingCompiles and reports Decedent Affairs Program data for use by internal stakeholders, including:Trauma Surgery regarding ME and OHSU autopsy for program development and survey by the American College of SurgeonsThe Adult Palliative Care Consult service used to trend consultsThe Knight Oncology services used to trend autopsy rates Pediatric Palliative Care 'Bridges' for bereavement follow up YesSchool of Medicine (SOM) Chairs to trend mortality rates by providerSOM Residency Directors use of autopsy reports in GME II. MonitoringEnsures functional status of facilities and physical plant processes related to Decedent Affairs Monitors and ensures preparedness of the hospital morgue Reports functional compromise of morgue refrigeration Collaborates with Public Safety and Facilities to maintain funeral home access to Basic Sciences' morgueFive years of experience with responsibility for program or project monitoring and coordination. The experience must have included program evaluation responsibility.A bachelor’s degree in business administration, Management, Public Administration, or a field directly related to the position will substitute for two years of the required experience.Oregon Funeral Director's license Oregon Licensed Funeral Service PractitionerJob Related Knowledge,Skills and Abilities(Competencies):Exceptional communication skills Demonstrated ability to work with distressed individuals experiencing the loss of a loved one.Mortuary Science degreeThe Decedent Affairs Coordinator works in an environment where exposure to human tissue and body fluidsis routine.Benefits:Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employeeTwo separate above market pension plans to choose fromVacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of serviceSick Leave- up to 96 hours per year8 paid holidays per yearSubstantial Tri-met and C-Tran discountsAdditional Programs including Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or .

Created: 2026-03-07