Forensic Pathologist

Description

The principal function and responsibility of an employee in this class is to assist the Coroner in caring out the statutory functions of the Charleston County Coroner’s to investigate, sudden, unattended, unexpected, or violent deaths within Charleston County. Considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective relationships internally and externally with the law-enforcement community, court officials, appropriate medical personnel, other County employees and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in the autopsy room with some exposure in the field. This employee may be exposed to health and environmental hazards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Examines human bodies in order to determine the cause and manner of death using various sources of information a well as the performance of an autopsy.
• Determines the cause of all violent, sudden, accidental, traumatic, or unusual deaths; unattended deaths; death in which a criminal act is suspected, and other deaths as provided in South Carolina statutes.
• Reviews cases and provides input based on medical judgement to determine if an autopsy needs to be conducted.
• Observed, records, and preserves any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication and suicide notes, DNA, evidence, fingerprints, trace evidence fibers etc.
• Examines scenes of death/crime at the request of the Coroner
• Provides assistance to law enforcement agencies, organ procurement agencies and communicates directly to investigative team of the Coroner’s Office in cooperation with the Coroner.
• Provides expert testimony in criminal proceedings related to deaths which were investigated by the Coroner’s Office.
• Keeps abreast of current research, principles, practices, standards, and new developments in assigned work area and assists with the formulation of policy for the same
• Assists Locum Tenens with investigations/testimony/case completion if necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a licensed as a physician to practice medicine in the State of South Carolina.
• Must be a pathologist certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology or board eligible in forensic pathology within (6 months of hire).
• Forensic pathologists in fellowship training may be considered eligible in lieu of above.
• Knowledge of anatomy, pathology, anthropology and other related disciplines for identification and investigative purposes
• Knowledgeable of firearms and other instruments of death
• Knowledgeable of rules of evidence and court procedures.
• Knowledgeable of vehicular crash analysis
• Adhere to NAME autopsy performance standards and requirements
• Knowledgeable of federal, state, and local laws related to the operation of the county coroner’s function
• Skilled in performing autopsies, external examinations, and medical records reviews of decedents.

Physical Requirements

• Clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively with medical and law-enforcement personnel, funeral directors, and the general public.
• Vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee operate photographic equipment to investigate, identify, preserve, and maintain evidence.
• Manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate computers and other general office equipment.
• Personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a vehicle, lift heavy objects, and to easily move about in a way that will not disturb evidence.
• Able to stand for extended amounts of time in different conditions.

Charleston County Offers

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

Employer

Charleston County Government
Address: 4045 Bridge View Dr
Charleston, South Carolina, 29405
Phone: 843-958-4700
Website: http://www.charlestoncounty.org