What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Autopsy Transport Technician position at DC Department of Human Resources?
Job Summary
This position is located in the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
(OCME), Office of the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Medical Examiner Transport
Team Unit.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide services related to body transport and
processing, equipment and supply maintenance, and fleet support. In addition, the
Incumbents will also assist with post-mortem examinations, as requested.
Duties And Responsibilities
Responds to notifications by the Forensic Investigations Unit for routine transport of
decedents from hospital and nursing home facilities, and scenes of unusual circumstances. As instructed, transport remains for the purpose of “public disposition.”
Complies with chain of custody policies for the transport of remains. Drives agency’s
transport vehicles for body recovery and staff transport to and from the OCME.
Assists Medico-Legal Investigators (MLI), Forensic Investigators (FI), or Medical
Examiners (ME) at death scenes by performing initial examination of remains.
Performs the intake of remains processes, including automated and manual
documentation of body transport, height/weight measurements, personal property, and
placement of remains in refrigerated storage; verifies decedent’s tentative identification
and placement of identification bands/tags on remains; properly label body bag;
arranges paperwork such as the anatomical diagrams, the autopsy report protocols,
requisition and consultation forms; assembles scales, case labels, DNA blood cards,
fingerprint cards, toxicology bags, and prepares specimen containers, etc. Maintains
decedent logbooks for intake and storage of remains.
Advises Funeral Directors of the process to complete the chain of custody documents
and automated tracking for receipt of remains and corresponding personal property.
Follows established procedures for release of decedents to funeral home. Ensures that
the appropriate body and decedent’s personal effects are included in the properly
labeled body bag and released to the funeral home. Maintains the decedent logbooks for the release of human remains.
Assists in the performance of digital anatomical and dental x-ray procedures of remains
with varying levels of decomposition and trauma. Performs digital fingerprint
procedures, as well as ink fingerprinting techniques on remains with varying levels of
decomposition and trauma; collects sterile specimens for DNA blood cards and DNA
analysis; and documents chain of custody and storage of procedures completed.
Qualifications And Education
Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled.
OR
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Works under the supervision of the Supervisory Forensic Mortuary Technician or
designee for all assignments related to body transport, intake and release of remains,
autopsy room tasks and related administrative duties; and receives supervision from
The Pathologist, Lead Autopsy Assistant, and the ME when providing mortuary support to complete autopsies and external examinations in accordance with the Mortuary Unit
Standard Operating Procedures. Independently carries out assignments, resolving
problems on own initiative in accordance with standard operating procedures,
instructions, regulations, etc. Unusual situations that do not have clear precedents, completed assignments are evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness, and
conformity to protocol and adherence to agency instructions, procedures, guidelines,
and governing policies and laws.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines are primarily general in nature and require considerable interpretation. They
include agency policies and directives, International, Federal, and State laws, and
regulations; accrediting, certifying, and regulatory agency requirements; manufacturer’s
catalogs and specifications; and professional journals and literature. Judgment requires
evaluating unusual circumstances and recommending new procedures to accommodate the same.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
The purpose of contacts is to receive, exchange, and provide information and/or advice
relative to medico-legal death investigation, autopsy performance, identification of
decedents, and use of requisite instruments and equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion, including but not
limited to long periods of standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, and lifting. The
incumbent should be able to lift, move and position bodies weighing from 100 to 200
pounds or more with assistance. Scene investigations may involve carrying specialized
equipment while walking and/or climbing through various remains. Also, the incumbent
should have the physical ability to lift and carry 30-40 pound filled containers. The work
assigned is also emotionally demanding, therefore, the incumbent should be
emotionally stable and possess the ability to professionally and compassionately
execute assigned duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The examinations and release of remains are performed at the OCME in an autopsy
suite, medical laboratory, specimen storage, or x-ray room. The incumbent may be
exposed to health and safety risks related to forensic environments and must remain
aware of precautions. The work involves regular and recurrent exposure to hazards
such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, WMD agents, potentially
carcinogenic and corrosive substances, malfunctioning electrical appliances, open
flames, and pressurized gas, etc.
The incumbent must wear the appropriate and/or OSHA certified protective equipment
when performing hazardous duties. Work in the field related to body recovery is
performed under a variety of conditions and from various locations. Locations include, but are not limited to hospitals, private/group homes, crowded public spaces, crime
scenes, burned and abandoned buildings, underground tunnels, train tracks, natural
and man-made disaster scenes. There is also a possibility of physical harm from grief-stricken and hostile family members during body removal and identification procedures.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Incumbent works on a variable rotating schedule
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-640-08
Salary Range: $63,709.00 - $79,891.00; based on available funding
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.
Area of Consideration: Open to the public
Position Designation: This position as been designated as security-sensitive under the guideline of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
This position is located in the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
(OCME), Office of the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Medical Examiner Transport
Team Unit.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide services related to body transport and
processing, equipment and supply maintenance, and fleet support. In addition, the
Incumbents will also assist with post-mortem examinations, as requested.
Duties And Responsibilities
Responds to notifications by the Forensic Investigations Unit for routine transport of
decedents from hospital and nursing home facilities, and scenes of unusual circumstances. As instructed, transport remains for the purpose of “public disposition.”
Complies with chain of custody policies for the transport of remains. Drives agency’s
transport vehicles for body recovery and staff transport to and from the OCME.
Assists Medico-Legal Investigators (MLI), Forensic Investigators (FI), or Medical
Examiners (ME) at death scenes by performing initial examination of remains.
Performs the intake of remains processes, including automated and manual
documentation of body transport, height/weight measurements, personal property, and
placement of remains in refrigerated storage; verifies decedent’s tentative identification
and placement of identification bands/tags on remains; properly label body bag;
arranges paperwork such as the anatomical diagrams, the autopsy report protocols,
requisition and consultation forms; assembles scales, case labels, DNA blood cards,
fingerprint cards, toxicology bags, and prepares specimen containers, etc. Maintains
decedent logbooks for intake and storage of remains.
Advises Funeral Directors of the process to complete the chain of custody documents
and automated tracking for receipt of remains and corresponding personal property.
Follows established procedures for release of decedents to funeral home. Ensures that
the appropriate body and decedent’s personal effects are included in the properly
labeled body bag and released to the funeral home. Maintains the decedent logbooks for the release of human remains.
Assists in the performance of digital anatomical and dental x-ray procedures of remains
with varying levels of decomposition and trauma. Performs digital fingerprint
procedures, as well as ink fingerprinting techniques on remains with varying levels of
decomposition and trauma; collects sterile specimens for DNA blood cards and DNA
analysis; and documents chain of custody and storage of procedures completed.
Qualifications And Education
Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled.
OR
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Works under the supervision of the Supervisory Forensic Mortuary Technician or
designee for all assignments related to body transport, intake and release of remains,
autopsy room tasks and related administrative duties; and receives supervision from
The Pathologist, Lead Autopsy Assistant, and the ME when providing mortuary support to complete autopsies and external examinations in accordance with the Mortuary Unit
Standard Operating Procedures. Independently carries out assignments, resolving
problems on own initiative in accordance with standard operating procedures,
instructions, regulations, etc. Unusual situations that do not have clear precedents, completed assignments are evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness, and
conformity to protocol and adherence to agency instructions, procedures, guidelines,
and governing policies and laws.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines are primarily general in nature and require considerable interpretation. They
include agency policies and directives, International, Federal, and State laws, and
regulations; accrediting, certifying, and regulatory agency requirements; manufacturer’s
catalogs and specifications; and professional journals and literature. Judgment requires
evaluating unusual circumstances and recommending new procedures to accommodate the same.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
The purpose of contacts is to receive, exchange, and provide information and/or advice
relative to medico-legal death investigation, autopsy performance, identification of
decedents, and use of requisite instruments and equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion, including but not
limited to long periods of standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, and lifting. The
incumbent should be able to lift, move and position bodies weighing from 100 to 200
pounds or more with assistance. Scene investigations may involve carrying specialized
equipment while walking and/or climbing through various remains. Also, the incumbent
should have the physical ability to lift and carry 30-40 pound filled containers. The work
assigned is also emotionally demanding, therefore, the incumbent should be
emotionally stable and possess the ability to professionally and compassionately
execute assigned duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The examinations and release of remains are performed at the OCME in an autopsy
suite, medical laboratory, specimen storage, or x-ray room. The incumbent may be
exposed to health and safety risks related to forensic environments and must remain
aware of precautions. The work involves regular and recurrent exposure to hazards
such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, WMD agents, potentially
carcinogenic and corrosive substances, malfunctioning electrical appliances, open
flames, and pressurized gas, etc.
The incumbent must wear the appropriate and/or OSHA certified protective equipment
when performing hazardous duties. Work in the field related to body recovery is
performed under a variety of conditions and from various locations. Locations include, but are not limited to hospitals, private/group homes, crowded public spaces, crime
scenes, burned and abandoned buildings, underground tunnels, train tracks, natural
and man-made disaster scenes. There is also a possibility of physical harm from grief-stricken and hostile family members during body removal and identification procedures.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Incumbent works on a variable rotating schedule
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-640-08
Salary Range: $63,709.00 - $79,891.00; based on available funding
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.
Area of Consideration: Open to the public
Position Designation: This position as been designated as security-sensitive under the guideline of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Salary : $63,709 - $79,891
