Forensic Evidence Specialist

Duties

• Receives, documents, stores, and ensures proper custody and control of physical evidence/property in the custody of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Safeguards and maintains the integrity of all evidence and chain of custody as per the policies and procedures of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Captures and maintains manual and computerized records including evidence custody documents, chain of custody documents, property receipts, property control files, and related reports.
• Coordinates activity between submitting agencies and the Medical Examiner’s Office in the receipt, return, and handling of evidence.
• Acts as an interface between the Laboratory and customers. Provides administrative support functions to assist Medical Examiner Office Team: both Morgue Operations and Laboratory Operations.
• Appears in court to testify as to the procedures followed during receipt, storage, and transfer of evidence throughout the Laboratory.
• Conducts inventories of all evidence and oversees the release, destruction, and subsequent paperwork of same.
• Archives, maintains, stores, and organizes case folders.
• Works with a variety of hazardous items including weapons, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, toxins, body fluids, flammable and explosive materials, and unsanitary materials.
• Performs other related duties as required or requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Data entry.
• Laboratory information and management systems.
• Proper evidence handling, transport, and storage to limit loss, cross transfer, contamination or deleterious change.
• Skills in:
• Utilizing proficient verbal and written communicative, auditory, and visual skills.
• Establishing effective working relationships with managers, co-workers (Scientists, Pathologists, Autopsy/Histology Technicians, Forensic Investigators), law enforcement agencies, and other members of the Criminal Justice System.
• Abilities to:
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
• Pass a weightlifting test (50 lbs.).
• Use a personal computer (PC).
• Stand for a prolonged period of time and engage in frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
• Sit for prolonged periods of time and engage in typing, reading, reaching, talking, listening, and interacting with law enforcement.
• Walk for prolonged periods of time delivering evidentiary material.
• Work under adverse and extremely unpleasant conditions such as abnormal sights, sounds, and odors.
• Deal and work effectively with highly emotional situations and personnel.
• Maintain strict chain of custody in accordance with established protocol.
• Maintain proper storage of evidence and test items in accordance with established protocol.

Requirements

• An Associate’s degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Biology, Chemistry, or another related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, but a minimum of 24 credit hours must be in the area of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or other related course work as it applies to the Duties, Knowledge, and Skills of the job.

Residency

Allegheny County within 1 year.

Veterans' Preference

Will be awarded to eligible candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer

M/F/V/D