Autopsy Technician

Job Opening: Autopsy Technician
Department: Medical Examiner
Posting Date: 10/15/2021
Pay Rate: $19.75 per hour
Shift: 8 hour shifts to including weekends, and holidays.

The Office of the Medical Examiner: The office of the Medical Examiner is a 24-hour environment, that is responsible for determining the cause and manner of deaths that fall under its jurisdiction. The Medical Examiner’s Office investigates deaths that are due to Homicide, Suicide, Accident, Death in police custody, Sudden Unexplained Infant Death and other deaths deemed suspicious in nature.

The Autopsy Technician is an entry level class of the series. Incumbents work under immediate supervision of a Forensic Pathologist and undergo training to eventually perform autopsies independently.

Qualifications

High School Diploma

At least 1 year work experience as an autopsy technician Medical Examiner/ Coroner’s Office environment, diener in a in a hospital or experience as an EMS/EMT or Nurse with knowledge of Medical Terminolog

Preferred Qualifications

Associates Degree or higher with major course work in Nursing, Mortuary Science, EMT with training in evisceration of cadavers

Bachelor’s degree in any related fields with experience in a hospital, Medical Examiner or Coroner’s office

1 year work experience or practical internship experience

Work experience can be substituted for education requirement on a year-by-year basis

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology

Photograph organs and perform radiographic procedures of decedents as required

Draw biological fluid samples

Ability to handle foul odors

Photograph body and clothing of decedents for identification purposes, noting any trauma or wounds as well as photographing tattoos or scars.

Assist Forensic Pathologist in autopsies and limited autopsies to include weighing decedents, eviscerating bodies, weighing organs, removing foreign objects such as projectiles and sewing up the bodies after examination

Prepare toxicological samples, such as vitreous, cardiac blood, urine, liver, spleen, kidney, femoral blood, and other samples as necessary.

Label, organize, and store all retained specimens to ensure their proper retention

Assist Pathologist in the proper packaging and labeling of evidence to preserve the chain of custody

Works with histology specimens and glass slides

Maintain confidentiality of information on all cases; abides by HIPAA Rules

Releasing bodies to the funeral homes and completing the necessary paperwork

Use computer programs to input data and photographs into a Case Management System

Use instrumentation and maintain a clean environment of the Morgue

Must be able to stand for long periods of time, lift and move bodies approximately 100 pounds or more, be exposed to unpleasant smells, hazardous chemicals, biological fluids, and extreme weather conditions when conducting scene investigations

Must be able to work any shift as necessary in a 24-hour period, including weekends and holidays. Initially work hours will include 12 hours but as staffing increases will be reduced to 8 hour shifts

Must be COVID-19 vaccinated and follow mask mandates. Those who are not COVID-19 vaccinated may be required to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing

Must submit to a drug test upon hire and random drug testing throughout your employment

Residency Requirement: Must be willing to reside in Delaware County within 3 months of hire and maintain Delaware County residency throughout employment with the Medical Examiner's Office.

Please send resume and/or application to County of Delaware Personnel Department at BrownM@co.delaware.pa.us.