Donor Care Officer- South African National Blood Service x1
- Position: Donor Care Officer
- Reference Number: sanbs_003336
- Company: South African National Blood Service
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Remuneration: R502,542 per annum
- Business Unit: Bloemfontein Pick n Pay Hyper DC
Position Purpose
The Donor Care Officer is responsible for collecting safe, high-quality blood and blood products while ensuring excellent donor care and adherence to all clinical, operational, and safety standards. The role involves donor assessment, blood collection, stakeholder engagement, emergency response, record keeping, and supporting blood drive operations.
Key Responsibilities
Blood Collection and Donor Care
- Collect whole blood and specialised blood products according to set targets.
- Conduct donor assessments and screening procedures.
- Perform phlebotomy according to standard operating procedures.
- Prepare blood collection equipment and blood packs.
- Monitor donors throughout the donation process.
- Provide refreshments and post-donation care.
- Educate donors on blood donation processes and healthy donation practices.
- Ensure safe and accurate blood collection.
Donor Assessment and Screening
- Assist donors with completing donor questionnaires.
- Conduct confidential risk behaviour interviews.
- Perform basic physical health checks on donors.
- Record and document assessment findings accurately.
- Identify and report any irregularities or concerns.
- Educate donors regarding high-risk behaviour and donation eligibility.
Customer Service and Stakeholder Relations
- Welcome and assist donors professionally.
- Guide donors through the donation process.
- Address donor concerns and queries.
- Handle complaints and escalate issues when necessary.
- Build positive relationships with donors and stakeholders.
- Promote a positive donor experience.
Blood Drive Operations
- Assist with loading and offloading equipment and consumables.
- Set up blood drive venues before donor arrival.
- Support recruitment and booking of donors.
- Ensure blood drives operate efficiently and according to schedule.
- Assist in achieving collection targets.
Emergency Response
- Respond to donor reactions and medical emergencies.
- Administer First Aid and CPR when required.
- Support emergency medical personnel during incidents.
- Maintain donor safety throughout the donation process.
Administration and Documentation
- Complete donor documentation accurately.
- Maintain donation records and reports.
- Record physical assessment findings.
- Ensure compliance with documentation procedures.
- Assist with staff and equipment record management.
Leadership and Team Support
- Perform Clinic Supervisor duties when required.
- Participate in staff meetings and operational discussions.
- Assist with staff development and competency assessments.
- Support training and continuous professional development initiatives.
Governance, Compliance and Safety
- Ensure compliance with SANBS policies and procedures.
- Adhere to Standards of Practice for Blood Transfusion in South Africa.
- Manage medical waste according to prescribed procedures.
- Maintain a safe clinical environment.
- Ensure compliance with SHEQ requirements.
- Support quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in General Nursing Sciences.
- Registered Professional Nurse qualification.
Driver’s Licence
- Valid Code B or EB Manual Driver’s Licence.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Registered Professional Nurse.
Knowledge Requirements
Applicants should have knowledge of:
- Blood donation processes.
- Phlebotomy procedures.
- Donor care principles.
- Emergency response and first aid.
- Blood transfusion standards in South Africa.
- Clinical governance practices.
- Relevant healthcare legislation.
- SANBS policies and procedures.
Required Skills and Competencies
Clinical Skills
- Phlebotomy and blood collection.
- Donor screening and assessment.
- Patient care and monitoring.
- First Aid and CPR.
Administrative Skills
- Record keeping.
- Documentation management.
- Report preparation.
- Data accuracy and compliance.
Customer Service Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Donor relationship management.
- Complaint handling.
- Stakeholder engagement.
Communication Skills
- Verbal and written communication.
- Health education and counselling.
- Team collaboration.
Personal Attributes
- Compassionate and caring.
- Professional and ethical.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Adaptability and flexibility.
- Strong problem-solving skills.