Forensic Autopsy Technician

Overview

The Forensic Autopsy Technician prepares bodies for postmortem examinations, assists pathologist during and after the examination, and prepares body for release to funeral home; provide medical photography services. Provides support with transfer of cadavers to anatomy laboratory and into storage, maintenance of cadavers and the anatomy lab, and assisting with prosections of cadavers, as needed. Performs routine and non-routine activities involved in the storage, filing, and preparation of slides for microscopic evaluation and adheres to established quality control criteria and established procedures.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates workload to complete assignments within requested time frame. Prepares paperwork and tools to accomplish the daily workload.
• Responsible for the receipt, identification and transfer of all decedents into and out of WMed, maintaining chain of custody protocols in accordance with WMed protocols and in compliance with standards set forth by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).
• Performs postmortem radiography according to safety standards, including Lodox ®, Carestream, computed tomography (CT) and assists with postmortem dental radiography, as needed.
• Responsible for the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biological evidence for forensic analysis. Documents and maintains evidentiary materials in accordance with established policies and procedures, including chain of custody protocols compliant with standards set forth by Supervisor.
• Responsible for the collection, appropriate labeling, documentation and packaging of specimens for toxicological analysis maintaining chain of custody protocols and in accordance with NAME standards.
• Documents external examination, including: verification of decedent identification, photographs and documents all personal belongings and items pertinent to examination, including medical treatment, decedent identifiers and evidentiary materials, if applicable.
• Under direct supervision of the assigned pathologist, performs in situ dissection of the autopsy procedure, including the identification, observation and evisceration of organs and tissues from the chest, abdomen and head.
• Responsible for the documentation of examination information, observations, weights, and measurements following established procedures. Photographs medical/forensic materials with accurate labeling, uploads digital photographs to case management system.
• Following examination, prepares decedent for funeral home and notifies funeral home and/or transport service, if applicable. Documents all communication.
• With supervision, oversees the release of decedents to funeral homes and/or appropriate transport services.
• Maintains morgue organization and cleanliness; ensures surfaces are free of blood and body fluids. Disposes of hazardous waste and specimen storage appropriately.
• Responsible for maintaining daily log of cooler inventory of decedents and specimens, temperature monitoring and laboratory supplies.
• Practices universal precautions and follows infection control policies and procedures accordingly.
• Assists in the Anatomy Laboratory, including support with transfer of cadavers, maintenance of cadavers, and cleanliness.
• Assists in the Anthropology Laboratory, as needed, transferring decedents/specimens and decedents for examination.
• Attends and engages in all unit and departmental meetings.
• Maintains a clean and well-organized work area.
• At times, may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from decedents/cadavers outside of department.
• Availability to work weekends and holidays.
• Availability to work occasional overtime or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Availability to provide on-call, overnight customer service with occasional response to morgue for time sensitive release procedures.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree; or two years of college in a scientific or applicable field, preferred.
• Knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, preferred.
• Previous volunteer or work experience in a medical or patient care setting, required.
• Experience labeling, managing, organizing, and shipping samples, preferred.
• Experience operating cassette and slide printing equipment, preferred.
• Experience operating laboratory equipment, including centrifuge and specimen labeling printers, preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS:

• Current valid Driver's License required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Comfortable communicating with grieving individuals.
• The ability to follow detailed oral and written directions and protocols.
• Ability to attend to human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease and trauma.
• Able to cope with the psychological effects of death.
• Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information.
• Ability to adhere to stringent sanitation and biohazard control measures.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The employee regularly works in a clean, well-lighted, temperature controlled, and smoke-free environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• High risk of exposure to biohazardous material.
• Exposure to victims of traumatic death. Noxious odors/toxic fume exposure. Respiratory protection gear required during specific conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The employee must be able to perform a combination of sitting, standing and walking.
• Must have the ability to hear within normal range and possess the physical capability and hand dexterity to operate basic office equipment.
• Occasionally lifts average of 55 pounds.
• Rotate and partially lift up to 150 pounds pre-employment physical and lift test required.

We believe in fostering growth and development within our team. For candidates with relevant prior experience, there is potential for placement in a Level 2 or higher role, offering an accelerated career path. Whether you're just starting out or bringing in seasoned expertise, we provide opportunities to advance and grow within the company.