$37.44-$45.50 Hourly / $6,489.00-$7,887.00 Monthly / $77,870.00-$94,640.00 Yearly
According to the Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.
1. Assists the board-certified forensic pathologist in performance of medico-legal autopsies; assists the forensic pathologist and/or other forensic consultants in forensic examinations, such as dental or anthropology examinations.
2. Assists in the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biologic evidence for forensic analysis, including forensic toxicology, clinical chemistry, serology and microbiologic testing; packages and prepares evidence and specimens for storage or transport within a legal chain of custody; ensures proper biohazard waste disposal according to protocol.
3. Assists in the identification of deceased persons, including those that are badly decomposed; takes readable fingerprints from cadavers.
4. Registers the storage position of all deceased persons, and inventories those cases stored; confirms the identity and legal release of all deceased persons in accordance with departmental policies.
5. Maintains the autopsy suite and related facilities, supplies and equipment in a manner that ensures a safe worksite, free of biohazards; orders and stocks necessary supplies for the proper function of the facility.
6. Testifies in criminal courtroom proceedings as necessary.
7. Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of: procedures and protocols for assisting a physician in autopsies; general microbiology theory and human anatomy; universal biohazard standards and bloodborne biohazard precautions; proper use, care and maintenance of surgical and autopsy equipment, including equipment for cleaning and sterilization; techniques for aseptic and antiseptic cleaning and disinfecting; procedures and precautions for using potentially toxic disinfectants and chemical preservatives.
Ability to: effectively assist in forensic autopsies; safely move and lift to chest height bodies weighing 125 pounds; learn and apply procedures for handling and preparing evidence for chain of custody control; properly maintain facilities, equipment and supplies; work reliably and effectively as a member of a multi-faceted professional team; deal courteously and effectively with staff, co-workers, funeral directors and members of the public; read and fully understand department procedures, protocols, detailed sequential instructions, labels, identification, and other work- related materials, including Material Safety Data Sheets; understand work-related verbal instructions from departmental staff; listen effectively and ask appropriate clarifying questions; speak clearly and effectively in order to communicate work- related information; write clearly and maintain accurate records according to department policies and procedures.
One year of experience or formal training in a hospital or mortuary facility assisting in the care and handling of bodies as an autopsy assistant or technician.
Special requirements: Nature of duties may require sustained physical effort involving manual skill, dexterity, hand/eye coordination, standing for long periods of time and ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies. Work environments entail exposure to deceased persons with severe traumatic injury, decomposed bodies and infectious cases, biohazards such as AIDS, tuberculosis, meningitis, hepatitis or any other human infectious agent; exposure to potentially toxic chemicals, live steam and frequent use of personal protective equipment and respirators. This work requires strict compliance with the department policies pertaining to blood-borne pathogen exposure prevention, biohazard exposure prevention, toxic chemical exposure prevention, evidence handling policy and security requirements on evidence, standards and information. Because of the special and privileged information available about potentially sensitive matters, confidentiality is required. Inappropriate release of information could lead to a criminal charge of impeding an investigation.