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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORENSIC AUTOPSY TECHNICIAN WHATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION: Forensic Autopsy Technician RANGE: 140.0 DEPARTMENT: Medical Examiner FLSA: NE REPORTS TO: Medical Examiner EEO: 5 SUMMARY Assists with autopsies; collects and preserves physical, biological, and toxicological evidence, performs histology related work; x-rays and photographs human remains; transports remains, maintains records, supplies, inventory, and evidence. Performs specialized tasks within the Medical Examiner’s Office, balancing team and individual responsibilities with minimal supervision and within established guidelines. Complies with legal standards and requirements. Answers questions pertaining to departmental functions and technical matters and provides technical assistance and information as authorized. Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform some or all of the following duties, which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this position. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES Prepares bodies for autopsy; weighs and measures human remains; incises body; dissects and removes organs; takes tissue and fluid samples from the body and forwards related information and samples to laboratories for further analysis; restores organs to body; and sutures and cleans body. Assists Medical Examiner or other forensic pathologist in the collecting and handling of trace, physical, and biological evidence and finger and palm prints. Ensures proper handling, transfers, labeling, and storing of histological specimens (tissue, blocks, slides). Performs computer data entry and retrieval. Prepares and files medicolegal evidence forms; and maintains accurate and organized records and data of work performed. Cleans and maintains work areas. Does laundry and related activities. Implements safety and biohazard control measures and recordkeeping. Mixes, handles, stores, and disposes of chemicals. Operates x-ray equipment; takes photographs of human remains; coordinates handling, storage, and transfer of film and photographs; and maintains all related records and files. Maintains inventory of morgue supplies, equipment, tools, instruments, and other replacement supplies. Transports human remains from hospitals, nursing homes, and other locations. Releases bodies to funeral homes and other organizations. Docusign Envelope ID: 760289A6-5701-43A0-9C24-8FF86AC110BB Documents and transfers personal property and evidence and keeps records. Assists the Medical Examiner in the removal, handling, and reconstruction of skeletal remains. Provides testimony in court or other legal proceeding as needed. Prioritizes and plans own work activities. Uses resources effectively. ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES Assists with the development of procedures and tasks, as assigned. Performs duties of lower-and similarly-classified positions and other duties, as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Requires Associate’s degree with coursework in biology, anatomy, and/or or physiology AND 2 years of experience working with bodies in a morgue, mortuary, funeral home, hospital pathology or similar setting. At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein. Requires knowledge of: Autopsy procedures and practices, human anatomy, equipment and supplies necessary to maintain and operate a morgue facility. Pathology laboratory practices and procedures. The use and operation of photographic and x-ray equipment. State and local laws regarding deaths and human remains. Methods, techniques, equipment and practices of handling deceased individuals. Approved methods and procedures for evidence collection and processing. Standard office practices and chain of custody procedures. Computer operation and a variety of software including word processing, spreadsheet, database and other applications related to the area of assignment. Safety precautions, practices and procedures applicable to the area of assignment. Requires the ability to: Promote a respectful work culture of equity and inclusion. Deal with death and human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease, and trauma; handle the psychological effects of death; assist in autopsies. Maintain detailed reports, records, and storing of evidence information. Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear, concise Docusign Envelope ID: 760289A6-5701-43A0-9C24-8FF86AC110BB language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed. Use tact, discretion, respect and courtesy to gain the cooperation of others and establish and maintain effective working relationships and rapport with co-workers, volunteers, loved ones and family members of decedents, representatives of other agencies and businesses, other departments, officials and diverse members of the public. Fulfill the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, inter- and intra- departmental customer service. Be attentive to detail, maintain a high degree of accuracy, make mathematical calculations, check data and prepare and review material in reports and correspondence. Recognize, resolve and correct discrepancies in data or information. Read, understand, interpret and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions, policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment. Organize, prioritize and coordinate work assignments. Work effectively in a multi -task environment. Take appropriate initiative. Apply good judgement, creativity and logical thinking to obtain potential solutions to problems within the scope of knowledge and authority or refer to the appropriate source. Exhibit reliable attendance and punctuality. Initiate, compile, compose and/or edit correspondence, records, narrative, statistical and financial reports and other applicable documents and assure all pertinent information from appropriate sources is included and accurate. Proficiently operate office and other equipment standard to the area of assignment. Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping technical skills up to date. Work independently or cooperatively as a member of a team. Maintain confidentiality. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment. Background check must meet County criteria. Must obtain a First Aid/CPR Card within six months of employment and maintain throughout employment. Must pass job-related tests. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in office, morgue and laboratory settings. Sits or stands for long periods of time. Lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds; lifts, maneuvers and transports human cadavers with assistance. May be required to attend meetings or perform duties outside of normal Docusign Envelope ID: 760289A6-5701-43A0-9C24-8FF86AC110BB office hours. Moves throughout the County’s facilities. Frequently drives motor vehicle to perform duties at other sites or travel out of the County. Regular exposure to disease, illness, biohazardous materials, bloodborne pathogens and environmental and chemical allergens common to the autopsy environment. Regular exposure to graphic evidence and possible exposure to hostile and offensive language from members of the public. Uses appropriate personal protective and safety equipment and follows established work safety policies, practices and procedures. The statements contained herein reflect, as of the date signed, general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Whatcom County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military service, genetics, and any other legally protected class. Whatcom County also complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. Employee Status: This is an FLSA non -exempt position and, as such, is paid hourly and is entitled to overtime. _____________________________________ _________________ Signature Date Administrative Use JDE Job Entry JDE Special Requirements Job Code: F600 Job Group: W/C Code: 1501 Group: 1000 Reason for Change: New position Security: Level 2 Driving: Frequently CDL: N BBP: Y Cash Handling: N Medical Privacy: Y Physical Capacity: Y Physical: N Polygraph: N Psychological: N Forensic Autopsy Technician BA 8/5/24 Docusign Envelope ID: 760289A6-5701-43A0-9C24-8FF86AC110BB 8/5/2024