Job Description
Duties and Requirements Click to read more
Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assists medical examiners with external examinations and completes full autopsies by preparing work materials and body for examination using established procedures and respectful and diligent care. Eviscerates bodies and performs complex dissection for the removal of organ and tissue samples. Performs post examination procedures including skilled sutures to return the body to its natural anti-mortem appearance and cleansing of all biological fluids. Collects photo documentation and uploads autopsy photos to digital imaging management system (DIMS) to be included as legal documentation for master case file. Maintains and operates various instruments and equipment within the laboratory including autopsy saw, digital camera, organ and body scales, and digital radiology systems.
- Collects and labels specimens and evidentiary materials. Prepares tissue for histological studies under the supervision of the forensic pathologist.
- Maintains a clean and organized workspace with daily sterilization of equipment and workstations.
- Restocks consumable supplies at autopsy workstation and morgue.
- Prepares specimens for non-routine laboratory reference lab testing with proper requisition paperwork for external agencies including but not limited to Public Health, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Public Safety (DPS). Delivers specimens to Public Health for testing.
- Maintains chain of custody as required by each case.
- Stores and maintains security of evidence held by the unit.
- Adheres to quality management policies and safety standards required by accrediting bodies as well as regulatory agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This includes proper use of personal protective equipment during examinations using universal precautions for exposure to highly contagious diseases associated with biological fluids, inhalation of air-borne pathogens and bone dust, and hazardous chemicals used during procedures.
- May testify in court regarding items of evidence.
- May enter evidence information into laboratory information management system (LIMS).
- Performs specialized methods of fingerprint evidence collection for analysis and evaluation of fingerprint evidence using standardized, professional, industry, and legally acceptable techniques. Provides decedent fingerprints to law enforcement agencies for verification and confirmation of deceased.
- Processes and packages biohazard material and waste produced in the morgue for proper pick up and disposal in accordance with Texas Administrative Code biohazard medical waste regulations.
- Itemizes property received with human remains. Secures items including valuable jewelry, wallets, and money and hangs clothing to dry. Packages property to be released with body. Evaluates property that would contain evidentiary materials to be analyzed for forensic testing. Matches property back to decedent after examination is completed.
- Coordinates the release of body to funeral home. Verifies authorization paperwork from family. Retrieves body from outgoing cooler and transports to garage bay. Assists funeral home staff in verification process to ensure accurate release of decedent and property are made. Completes journal transaction and electronic transfer in laboratory information management system (LIMS).
- Calibrates, operates, and troubleshoots full body scanning system (LODOX). Lifts and properly positions bodies within the parameters of the system to obtain a full-body scan, then obtains images for pathologist to view during examinations. Stores images on EVO system as a legal document in case file. Copies stored images on CD as requested by external agencies through records requests.
- Actively participates in the preventive and corrective action processes established for morgue services as required.
- Collects soiled linens for laundry service.
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Three (3) full-time years of performing autopsy examinations, medical/surgical procedures, or postmortem mortuary procedures.
- Current and valid driver license.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team environment.
- Extreme attention to detail is mandatory.
- Ability to communicate and listen effectively to medical examiner directing medical procedure.
- Advanced knowledge of human anatomy is essential.
- Knowledge of advanced technology such as full-body scanning, photography, fingerprinting techniques are required.
- Proper use of PPE and skills for using sharp objects during medical procedures are required.
- Knowledge of proper techniques for discarding hazardous waste and chemicals are mandatory.
- Must have ability to dissociate violent and graphic images associated with the nature of the position.
- Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and other required computer software including a laboratory management information system (LIMS) for case management.
- Must be adaptable and capable of working in a fast-changing environment.
Physical Demands and Work Environment & Other Requirements
- While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to bend, grasp/squeeze, use hand tools, use hazardous machinery, tolerate cold inside temperatures, keyboard, lift below the waist, lift to the side/twist, use material handling equipment, tolerate noise, pull, push, be exposed to radiation, reach, perform repetitive tasks, sit, be exposed to solvents, stand, stoop, talk, and walk. Daily exposure to biological organs, tissues, blood, urine, bile, and bone dust during evisceration of human remains. The hazards associated with this position include handling of human remains that may be decomposed, odorous, charred, mutilated, or infectious with highly contagious diseases. There is routine exposure to visually graphic situations. This position requires routine exposure to sharp and heavy objects in addition to bodies that may weigh up to 800+ pounds. Daily use of hazardous chemicals for sterilization is mandatory.
Tarrant County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudication in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.
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Job Tags
Full time,