Forensic Autopsy Technician I

About the Role

The Forensic Autopsy Technician prepares bodies for postmortem examinations, assists pathologists during and after the examination, and prepares bodies for release to funeral homes. They provide medical photography services and support with the transfer, maintenance, and prosection of cadavers in the anatomy laboratory. The role also involves routine and non-routine activities related to the storage, filing, and preparation of slides for microscopic evaluation while adhering to established quality control criteria and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates workload to complete assignments within requested time frames.
• 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 compliance with WMed protocols and 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, documenting and maintaining evidentiary materials in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Collects, labels, documents, and packages specimens for toxicological analysis while maintaining chain of custody protocols and NAME standards.
• Documents external examinations, including verification of decedent identification, photographs, and documentation of personal belongings, medical treatment, and evidentiary materials.
• Under direct supervision of the assigned pathologist, performs in situ dissection of the autopsy procedure, including identification, observation, and evisceration of organs and tissues from the chest, abdomen, and head.
• Documents examination information, observations, weights, and measurements following established procedures.
• Photographs medical/forensic materials with accurate labeling and uploads digital photographs to the case management system.
• Prepares decedents for funeral homes, notifies funeral homes or transport services, and documents all communication.
• Oversees the release of decedents to funeral homes or appropriate transport services with supervision.
• Maintains morgue organization and cleanliness, ensuring surfaces are free of blood and body fluids, and disposes of hazardous waste appropriately.
• Maintains a daily log of cooler inventory of decedents and specimens, temperature monitoring, and laboratory supplies.
• Practices universal precautions and follows infection control policies and procedures.
• Assists in the Anatomy Laboratory, including support with the transfer and maintenance of cadavers and cleanliness.
• Assists in the Anthropology Laboratory as needed, transferring decedents/specimens for examination.
• Attends and engages in all unit and departmental meetings.
• Maintains a clean and well-organized work area.
• May be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from decedents/cadavers outside of the department.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, occasional overtime, or evenings to complete time-sensitive projects.
• Availability to provide on-call, overnight customer service with occasional response to the morgue for time-sensitive release procedures.
• Acquires knowledge of new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Wellness reimbursement.
• Continuing education and tuition reimbursement.
• Employer-funded retirement plan.
• Two medical plan options: PPO and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer HSA contribution.
• Flexible work solutions based on position and department.
• Up to four weeks of PTO accrual beginning in year one.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer time.
• Paid preferred holiday.

Schedule

• 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 the morgue for time-sensitive release procedures.