Deputy Coroner - Autopsy Technician

Duties

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Assists the medical examiner in performing autopsies to include surgically opening of head and body cavities and evisceration. Collects tissue and toxicology samples. Weighs all organs; opens and exposes organs for gross examination.
• Responsible for cleaning and disinfecting the autopsy suite, including mopping and sanitizing surfaces as well as the laundering of autopsy gowns and proper disposal of contaminated/biohazard waste.
• Prepares decedent and autopsy suite for autopsies by weighing, measuring, and photographing the decedent; prepares tools, supplies, and evidence gathering equipment.
• Assists the investigator with pertinent autopsy paperwork, including labeling folders and completing autopsy forms and diagrams. Prepares labels/specimen containers for toxicology, evidence, and tissue; transports samples to the hospital.
• Responsible for maintaining official Coroner records for the State. Maintains confidentiality while accurately recording information (including spelling of names and case numbers) and receiving/storing bodies for autopsy; ensures bodies are correctly toe tagged (labeled). Ensures bodies received and released are properly recorded.
• Maintains detailed and accurate records and chain of custody when collecting, receiving, storing, or transferring/releasing bodies, evidence, toxicology, and specimens; serves as the custodian of all evidence collected during the autopsy. Ensures accuracy when entering case information in the case management system. Assists with standard record keeping and filing.
• Notifies funeral home and prepares the decedent for release including the documentation and release of decedent's personal property and evidence to law enforcement officials.
• May greet the public, answer telephone calls, and perform administrative tasks as required.
• Prepares and provides professional testimony in court in relation to certain cases as directed.
• Serves as member of disaster team when designated by Coroner.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised:

• This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received:

• Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Strong organization and time management skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work with deceased persons.
• Ability to learn and understand medical and legal terminology as well as medical procedures related to autopsies.
• Ability to maintain professional composure when communicating with the Coroner's staff, hospital staff, law enforcement agencies, funeral homes, families of decedents, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, County staff, law enforcement, hospital and funeral home staff, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and calculators.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Coursework in biology, anatomy, or physiology.
• Experience in the medical or emergency medical field (i.e., emergency medical technician, certified nursing assistant or higher).
• Experience in assisting in performing autopsies or transporting the deceased.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, drug screen, and physical examination.

Work Conditions

• Duties are performed in the morgue/laboratory and in an office setting. May be exposed daily to chemical and biological hazards. Work may be performed under constant emotional stress from dealing with decedents. Constantly utilizes eye, hand, and finger coordination to perform job tasks. Normal color vision is required, due to need to examine and classify evidentiary materials and to process and interpret photographic and electronic images. Must be able to safely lift, push, pull, and carry 100 pounds, including deceased bodies in tight quarters. Position requires frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, balancing, climbing, and often while simultaneously lifting. Coroner’s Office employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation prior to date of hire. Must be able to work changing and rotating schedules, including various days, shifts, weekends, and holidays. May be activated to respond to disaster situations, potentially in rough, unimproved terrain and in extreme weather.

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