Autopsy Technician

About the role

The Autopsy Technician will assist the Forensic Pathologist in the performance of autopsies, including preparation of the body for autopsy, photography, directly supervised dissections, cleaning and necessary paperwork.

Responsibilities

• Create labels with appropriate case numbers as well as set up all necessary forms and materials as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Appropriately document evidence/property to include change of custody form.
• Proper knowledge of photography of human remains, personal belongings and evidence using appropriate labels as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Absorb and communicate professionally as a representative of Lubbock County Medical Examiner (LCME) with officials from all agencies, as well as any individuals involved in each investigation as directed by LCME.
• Create a chain of custody and obtain transfer signatures for all evidence, personal belongings and biological specimens as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Create and maintain necessary paperwork, scene photographs and evidence/personal belongings, Chain of Custody information for all deaths reported to LCME where such requirements are mandated by policy.
• Take and process X-Rays as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Absorb and assist with evisceration and specialized dissections, and other autopsy needs, as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Cleanse and return human remains to cooler as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Secure remains for transport. Meet mortuary transport at LCME and document arrival and identification of remains and evidence/belongings in the appropriate required fashion.
• Prepare autopsy forms and/or requisitions for specimen/evidence submission for testing/analysis.
• Facilitate transfer/submission of specimens/evidence using proper chain of custody transfer forms, as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Must be available for release and acceptance of bodies and comply with all necessary documentation and verification.
• Prepare and mail letters to the decedent's next of kin regarding property in the custody of the medical examiner's office and how they may obtain it.
• Perform Duties as they are assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with emphasis on the medical sciences such as chemistry or biology AND at least five (5) years of practical dissection experience in a medical or laboratory environment.
• Knowledge Of Medical terminology and human anatomy as related to morgue activities.
• Autopsy procedures and practices.
• Safety procedures and practices in a morgue setting.
• Modern office/clerical practices, procedures and methods.
• Record keeping principles.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, databases, and a variety of software packages.
• Medical terminology.
• English, spelling, and arithmetic.
• Unit's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
• Department's casework software.
• Evidence collection and proper chain-of-custody techniques.
• Departmental policies and procedures.
• Autopsy procedures and practices, including evisceration.
• Using and caring of autopsy room equipment.
• Maintaining morgue cleanliness, inventory and equipment preventive maintenance with little or no supervision.
• Recording and compiling material for reports.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Autopsy procedures and practices, including evisceration.
• Using and caring of autopsy room equipment.
• Maintaining morgue cleanliness, inventory and equipment preventive maintenance with little or no supervision.
• Recording and compiling material for reports.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability To Work in morgue environment with daily contact with decedents, including those in a decomposed state.
• Handle the psychological effects of death.
• Work effectively with pathologists in the conduction of autopsies and demonstrate lead responsibilities as necessary.
• Follow written directions and instructions and carry out departmental instructions.
• Operate x-ray, dental x-ray, photographic, and fingerprinting equipment.
• Perform in a stressful environment, while maintaining a professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Skills

• In Autopsy procedures and practices, including evisceration.
• Using and caring of autopsy room equipment.
• Maintaining morgue cleanliness, inventory and equipment preventive maintenance with little or no supervision.
• Recording and compiling material for reports.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability To Work in morgue environment with daily contact with decedents, including those in a decomposed state.
• Handle the psychological effects of death.
• Work effectively with pathologists in the conduction of autopsies and demonstrate lead responsibilities as necessary.
• Follow written directions and instructions and carry out departmental instructions.
• Operate x-ray, dental x-ray, photographic, and fingerprinting equipment.
• Perform in a stressful environment, while maintaining a professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A