Forensic Physician Assistant

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.

The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.

• Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
• Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
• Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
• Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
• Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs
  
  

Duties

The Physician Assistant (PA) will work under the supervision and direction of licensed physician Medical Examiners within the Pathology Division of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The PA plays a crucial role in assisting Medical Examiners with accurately determining the cause and manner of death. This includes performing examinations of decedents, collecting specimens and evidence, issuing death certificates and reports, and communicating with families and agencies to gather and convey case information and findings. Typical duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform forensic examinations, including views and autopsies, under the supervision and direction of a Medical Examiner.
• Respond to scenes for follow up investigation visit at the request of a Medical Examiner
• Order and interpret ancillary tests, such as toxicology, microbiology, and radiology.
• Collect, document, and preserve specimens and evidence to maintain chain-of-custody standards.
• Draft, finalize, and prepare detailed reports on forensic examinations and investigations, incorporating findings, ancillary test results, and conclusions, and ensure timely submission and filing.
• Certify and amend electronic death certificates, ensuring accurate documentation and communication of findings and updates to interested parties.
• Review all case-related findings and records, including but not limited to medical documents and investigative reports to accurately determine and document cause and manner of death.
• Communicate findings and collaborate with families, law enforcement, and other agencies to address inquiries, clarify results, and ensure confidentiality.
• Complete all case documents associated documentation, including case worksheet, examination notes, evidence and toxicology forms, and maintain accurate records in the Case Management System (CMS).
• Review and confirm positive identification of decedents through analysis of medical records, dental records, fingerprint comparisons, and other methods, and document findings accurately.
• Participate in daily triage meetings, case conferences, identification review committee meetings, and other continuing education opportunities.
• Provide professional testimony in court proceedings, depositions, and legal forums.
• Participate in teaching and administrative duties, including training of visiting students and OCME staff, supporting departmental operations, and evaluating and supervising subordinate staff.
• Assist with obtaining fingerprints, photography, imaging, and other forensic casework as required.
• Develop new policies, methods and techniques in the investigation, examination, and certification of deaths.
• Work at any designated OCME pathology centers or disaster morgues as required.
• Respond to mass fatality incidents as an essential position to support disaster response and operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Operate motor vehicles as needed.
  
  

PHYSICIANS ASSISTANT - 52700

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

A current New York State Registration as a Physician's Assistant.

Special Note

To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level II, individuals must have 3 years of satisfactory, full-time experience as a Physician's Assistant. NCCPA board certification may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.