Summary Statement

Incumbent is responsible for providing full support during autopsies and external body examinations. Work includes developing radiographs, handling and recording specimens in accordance with strict chain of custody, transporting decedents, and maintaining autopsy equipment.

This work involves significant exposure to unpleasant sight, sounds, and odors, including exposure to disease and hazardous body fluids, gases, and chemicals.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.

Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Assists in the conduct of autopsies and other internal / external examinations by independently using a variety of equipment and techniques;

prepares skeletal remains and assists with their examination.

Places bodies on the autopsy table, tags, weighs, measures, refrigerates and records required data / prepares necessary paperwork on bodies undergoing autopsies and / or external body examinations / inspections.

Performs post exam cleaning and prepares body for release.

Photographs bodies and takes and develops radiographs using an x-ray machine for identification; lifts and manipulates bodies for x-rays to obtain evidence;

and cleans x-ray equipment to eliminate cross contamination.

• Measures and records body fluid volumes removed during postmortem exam to ensure adequate quantities are provided for the evaluation of those fluids.
• Prepares fixation solutions that are used to prevent rapid decomposition of autopsy tissue for slide preparation; stores specimens in sterile containers and / or uses proper solutions depending on testing.
• Prepares, logs, labels and transfers or releases specimens and other evidence to the appropriate lab for further testing, or to law enforcement officials, following strict chain of custody protocol.
• Ensures all biohazard wastes are collected, stored and disposed of accordingly and maintains proper storage of reagents for safe handling.
• Ensures proper maintenance and cleaning of the scrubs, linens, laundry room, autopsy room, table, floors and equipment, refrigeration facilities and other related areas to eliminate cross contamination and prepare for the next autopsy.
• Participates in quality assurance standards established by the National Association of Medical Examiners by performing secondary reviews of post mortem worksheets and documentation to ensure information on the forms for the decedents and evidence of samples collected is accurate.
• Uses an automated forensic information system and standard computer software to enter, modify, delete, retrieve and report on autopsy data;

prepares the toxicology request, body sheets, and maintains a log book.

• Maintains pathology inventory and orders supplies for all autopsy and inspection related tools and equipment.
• Ensures that the decedent's clothing and personal effects are collected and go to the funeral home with the body.
• Contacts include internal agency personnel, as well as funeral homes, law enforcement, laboratory and medical personnel to answer questions, verify information, and coordinate the disposition of decedents, specimens, samples and evidence.
• Performs scene response with Forensic Investigators during special circumstances; transports decedents between morgue locations, reports to scenes and hospitals to assist with lifting, transfer, and / or transport of decedents.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Forensic Morgue Assistant

Applicants must have education, training and / or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas :

• Knowledge of collecting, tagging, securing, and preserving forensic samples, specimens, or other evidence in accordance with infection control laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of forensic photography which includes scene, autopsy, and macro imaging documentation as well as awareness of legal developments relating to digital and multimedia evidence.
• Knowledge of medical and biological terminology.
• Knowledge of weighing and measuring.
• Six months experience in record keeping.
• Six months experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware’s .

More information will be shared at the time of interview.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

As a Condition of Hire, a satisfactory background check (including a fingerprint-based background check administered by the Delaware State Police) is required.

The selected candidate will be required to submit a buccal swab for DNA upon employment and subjected to randomized drug testing during the term of their employment.

Benefits

Last updated : 2024-06-26