STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Laboratory Assistant 1 (Part-Time)

Recruitment #200526-5237HN-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is recruiting for a part-time Forensic Technician Laboratory Assistant 1 position to work 24 hours per week during various weekday, weekend and shift hours. Holiday coverage is also required. Located in Farmington, we are an independent State agency responsible for the investigation of sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths in the State of Connecticut. 

Applicants will be provided with the schedule of the position during the interview process and must be flexible and open to all shifts.  The Laboratory Assistant:

  • Answers incoming calls and inputs and/or edits cases into computerized system;
  • Coordinates removal, transport and release of bodies with funeral homes or hospitals;
  • Acts as liaison to police departments, hospitals and physicians;
  • Types and assembles related paperwork;
  • Checks and documents personal property and evidence;
  • Relays information to public;
  • Assists with preparing bodies for identification;
  • May clean and sterilize glassware, utensils and laboratory instruments;
  • May operate basic laboratory equipment;
  • May prepare simple solutions and reagents;
  • May be required to properly handle evidence, prepare biological samples for transportation to outside laboratories, assist with procedures in the in-house histology and anthropology laboratories and transport biological evidence to and from OCME;
  • Performs related duties as required.

Individuals will be required to handle deceased human remains and body fluids and will be exposed to emotional situations over the telephone and from time to time, in person.  Also, individuals may be exposed to unpleasant odors.

Selection Plan

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application with their submission.  Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Should you have questions pertaining to any phase of this recruitment, please contact the hiring agency's human resources office:  Rachel Fein, fein@ocme.org, (860) 679-3982.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state health, academic or diagnostic laboratory this class is accountable for receiving training in and performing with increasing independence routine technical laboratory work with emphasis on solution and sample preparation or performing processing and laboratory functions for investigated cases.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Receives training in basic technical laboratory procedures and techniques; prepares simple solutions, stains, culture media and/or reagents according to written instructions; prepares specimens and/or samples for examinations; maintains records of work performed; may perform simple and routine tests and examinations under supervision; performs related duties as required.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER

Answers incoming calls and inputs and/or edits cases into computerized system; coordinates removal, transport and release of bodies with funeral homes or hospitals; acts as liaison to police departments, hospitals, physicians and Assistant Medical Examiners; types and assembles related paperwork; checks and documents personal property and evidence; relays information to public; assists with preparing bodies for identification; may clean and sterilize glassware, utensils and laboratory instruments; may operate basic laboratory equipment; may prepare simple solutions and reagents; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Some knowledge of laboratory equipment, procedures, techniques and terminology; some knowledge of medical terminology; interpersonal skills; ability to carry out written and oral instructions; ability to apply policies and procedures; some typing ability; ability to carry out simple calculations and keep simple technical records; manual dexterity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of experience in a laboratory or medical setting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

Graduation from high school with courses in mathematics and science may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Proficiency with medical terminology preferred.  Work-related proficiency using a multiline telephone, MS Office, including Excel, and Adobe Acrobat also preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class must be willing to undergo periodic tests or immunizations for communicable diseases as necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may occasionally be required to lift standard laboratory equipment and supplies, may be exposed to some risk of injury from such elements as toxic vapors or broken glass and may be exposed to disagreeable conditions including communicable infectious diseases.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.