Autopsy Assistant (LTE)

Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Chief Medical Examiner, responsible for the day-to-day administration of the morgue; assists with autopsies; completes postmortem X-rays; performs work involving specimen preparation and packaging; maintains the cleanliness of the morgue; performs other duties as required.

Essential Duties

• Assists Forensic Pathologist in the performance of Medicolegal autopsies, including opening and closing of the body, photography, basic radiology, collection and documentation of evidence or specimens.
• Coordinates with Chief Medical Examiner or Forensic Pathologist with the scheduling of autopsies including notification to appropriate law enforcement personnel.
• Assists in identification of bodies including obtaining fingerprints, using specialized procedures for decomposed bodies and assists to retain services of identification experts, such as forensic dentist.
• Registers and inventories all bodies and their personal property.
• Maintains autopsy facility, equipment and supplies in a clean/sanitary condition.
• Prepares bodies for release.
• Releases bodies and property to the appropriate agency, funeral director, or family member and secures a receipt of the transaction.
• Maintains morgue supply inventory including the ordering of supplies.
• Provides testimony as to decedent identification, chain of custody and evidence gathered if required.
• Completes and timely files all morgue related forms and reports.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Associate’s degree from a recognized technical college in biological or medical science, anatomy, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of work experience as a Pathology Assistant or Autopsy Assistant or in a closely related area.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of procedures involved in medico-legal autopsies.
Considerable knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology especially pertaining to death and varying forms of trauma.
Working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures for the handling and preparation of evidence for chain of custody control.
Working knowledge of the procedures for sterile specimen collection.
Working knowledge of technology, department program software, internet access and database, spreadsheet and word processing programs.
Ability to utilize word processing, database, internet and spreadsheet programs.
Ability to prepare, present and maintain accurate, objective and thorough reports and records.
Ability to maintain specimens and evidence logs and to maintain supplies in an orderly fashion.
Ability to perform laboratory tasks such as specimen transfers and handling preserved specimens.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Medical Examiner staff, law enforcement officers, funeral directors, decedent family members and medical personnel.
Ability to work the required hours of the position