UNIV - Autopsy Technician and Assistant - Department of Path & Lab

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

28d•Onsite

About The Position

General Nature of Work/Position Purpose: Perform advanced prosection procedures to remove all human internal organs from chest and abdominal cavities as well as brain to allow examination by pathologist. Provide rotating responsibility for autopsy and call coverage 7 days/week . Assist in the administrative operations of the gross autopsy. Assist in the administration coverage of the autopsy office. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Classified Cost Center CC001005 COM PATH Forensic Pathology CC Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Grade University-05 Pay Range 39,764.00 - 56,670.00 - 73,576.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description Autopsy Technician and Assistant State Title: Technical Medical Associate II Classified Non-Exempt, Band 5: Min: $39,764 Mid: $56,670 Max: $73,576 EC2505-University - Technical Medical Associate II MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements: A high school diploma and two years experience or training within the specific work area. Some positions require certification in CPR by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Preferred Experience (Education, Work Experience, Licensure, Registry and/or Certifications): At least 3 years journey-level technical experience in an autopsy facility and/or anatomic pathology laboratory and/or death investigation. A bachelor’s degree in a related scientific discipline may be substituted for the required work experience. Physical Requirements: Must possess excellent eye/hand coordination, vision and hearing to within normal limits, able to wear protective equipment to include masks, gloves, glasses and gowns. Detailed knowledge of biohazard safety practices. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Requires extended periods of standing and must be able to lift and move bodies for autopsy and transportation. Requires a person willing to work with not only deceased individuals but also with contagious diseases, decomposed bodies and harsh chemicals. Receives minimal supervision, however, must be able to work independently and also under the direction of the Attending Pathologist and Anatomic Pathology Manager. This position requires rotating on call with co-workers and working overtime during evenings, nights, holidays and weekends. PILLAR: Provide a safe, clean and equipped work environment in the autopsy room 1.1 Handles bodies for autopsy and performs advanced prosection procedures to remove all human internal organs from the chest, abdominal, and pelvic cavities as well as the neck and brain to allow examination by pathologist.

Requirements

A high school diploma and two years experience or training within the specific work area.
Some positions require certification in CPR by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
Must possess excellent eye/hand coordination, vision and hearing to within normal limits, able to wear protective equipment to include masks, gloves, glasses and gowns.
Detailed knowledge of biohazard safety practices.
Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Requires extended periods of standing and must be able to lift and move bodies for autopsy and transportation.
Requires a person willing to work with not only deceased individuals but also with contagious diseases, decomposed bodies and harsh chemicals.
Receives minimal supervision, however, must be able to work independently and also under the direction of the Attending Pathologist and Anatomic Pathology Manager.
This position requires rotating on call with co-workers and working overtime during evenings, nights, holidays and weekends.
Computer literacy.
Ability to work rotating shifts.
Ability to work overtime as required.
Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years journey-level technical experience in an autopsy facility and/or anatomic pathology laboratory and/or death investigation.
A bachelor’s degree in a related scientific discipline may be substituted for the required work experience.

Responsibilities

Remove internal organs from the chest, abdominal, and pelvic cavities as well as the neck and brain using advanced prosection techniques.
Performs complete prosection, removal of organs, tissue fixation and storage, x-ray, identification, documentation, and body transfer to and from the morgue and/or funeral home.
Ensures safety regulation compliance.
Keeps medical and medicolegal information confidential.
Cleans autopsy suite after autopsies have been performed in compliance with all safety regulations.
Acquires and disposes of autopsy linens.
Maintains equipment by sharpening knives and keeping saws in working order and updates safety equipment.
Monitors supply levels weekly and report supply requests to the supply manager.
Register decedents for autopsy into the electronic registration system (Co-Path, Beaker/EPIC Electronic Health Record).
Enters patient information correctly and accurately.
Labels autopsy decedents with appropriate information.
Labels autopsy paperwork, evidence, and other ancillary autopsy products with appropriate information.
Corrects John and Jane Doe name spellings upon verification of identity.
Prepare designated autopsy workstations daily based on case type and possible cause and manner of death scenarios (including all autopsy paperwork, identification placards, blood and fluid procurement devices and dispensation containers, evidence collection instruments, fully charged cameras, appropriate measurement tools, etc.) and ensure all relevant paperwork and ancillary study requisitions are completed at the close of designated autopsies.
Facilitates medical record retrieval.
Ensures completion of all properly labeled autopsy worksheets, transfer forms, and requisition sheet paperwork as well as all required computer order entries at the end of designated gross autopsies.
Assists in maintenance of pathologist autopsy resources to include autopsy station supplies, digital document library and forensic histologic glass slide archives.
Collect and ensure proper dispensation of all designated autopsy products, to include decedent personal effects, evidence, radiologic imaging, toxicological and microbiologic samples, histologic specimens, digital photographs, and other autopsy data.
Act as liaison between coroners, pathologists, other medical staff, procurement agencies, and law enforcement in include receiving and handling incoming autopsy related inquiries, including gathering standard information regarding coroner, hospital, and family autopsy requests and coordinating daily autopsy scheduling.
Receives and addresses incoming office calls, requests and inquires with distribution of mail, faxes, and phone messages as appropriate.
Assists with the preparation of preliminary and final medical and forensic autopsy reports and folder materials.
Format transcribed autopsy reports in the electronic health record.
Problem solve and perform work related tasks in a responsible and efficient manner and perform other duties as requested by the Medical Director of the Autopsy Service or other pathology faculty.
Exhibits a cooperative spirit that reflects concern for the Department and its customers.
Works as a team with other Medical Center and University employees.