Forensic Supervisor

Position Summary

Overview:

Duties:

• Oversees and engages in initial investigation, reporting, and subsequent follow-up investigations and interviews (including scene visits) of all deaths.
• Oversees autopsy, histology, investigation, and evidence-receiving staff and operations to ensure all necessary tasks are completed on a timely/daily basis.
• Communicates with decedents' families, police agencies, funeral home staff, news media, legal entities, and other agencies as needed.
• Issues death certificates and cremation authorizations.
• Prepares and issues supplemental reports and forms.
• Supervises forensic investigation staff and insures that death calls, initial investigations, and follow-up investigations are completed and properly documented.
• Develops and implements educational programs conducted by the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner.
• Administers the Medical Examiner's unclaimed bodies program.
• Covers records storage and retrieval.
• Controls inventory of personal effects of decedents, forensic evidence collected by forensic investigators, specimens and evidence collected during autopsy, all decedents' remains, and evidence submitted to the Medical Examiner.
• Oversees release of decedents' remains to funeral homes, crematories, etc.
• Participates on committees within the OME to address development and operational issues.
• Assists in developing the Medical Examiner's and Laboratory Information Management System (MEIMS and LIMS).
• Develops and writes protocols, procedures, and policies for Medical Examiner operations to include investigation, histology, autopsy, and evidence-receiving duties.
• Affords assistance in the training of new employees and the re-training of current employees.
• Coordinates and participates in continuing education programs.
• Performs and develops X-rays.
• Orders and stocks supplies and equipment for use by autopsy, histology, investigation, and evidence-receiving staff.
• Covers general building maintenance and security.
• Affords assistance with staff scheduling.
• Performs other related duties as required or requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Supervisory techniques and practices
• Computer software and Microsoft Office products
• Medical and legal terminology and procedures
• Investigative techniques, principles and practices used in the research of cause and manner of death

Skills

• Prioritize workload in a fast paced work environment
• Supervise the work of others
• Lift and carry one hundred (100) pounds
• Remain calm, even tempered, decisive, accurate, and emotionally unattached
• Work effectively under stressful conditions
• Pass criminal background check and drug screen
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Fulfill annual continuing education requirements as mandated by the PA State Coroner's Education Board

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice, Medical Technology, Biological Science or related field AND three (3) years of experience in forensics, mortuary science or death investigations experience. One (1) year of supervisory experience is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• College transcripts required at the time of application.
• Applicants must possess and maintain a valid PA Driver's License throughout employment.
• Preference will be given to applicants who meet the above requirements and have knowledge and experience with anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, funeral home policies and procedures, post mortem examinations and / or digital photography. Who are certified through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI).
• Applicants selected for employment will be required to attend training and successfully pass the Pennsylvania State Coroner's Education Board examination.

Benefits

It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status, and drug/medical examinations as required for the position. The pre-employment drug screen must be completed within 48 hours of the acceptance of the conditional offer of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D