Autopsy Technician - Casual

County of Marathon•Wausau, WI

2d•$28

About The Position

The Autopsy Technician - Casual is responsible for assisting with the daily administration of morgue services. Primary responsibilities include assisting the pathologist with autopsy procedures, aiding in the intake and release of decedents, performing radiologic exams, maintaining facilities and equipment in a sterilized and disinfected manner, organizing and cataloging autopsy tissue and specimens, and preparing and ensuring the completeness of all required documentation. This is an as-needed position with hours generally offered Monday-Friday during business hours. We will provide on the job training, so no previous experience is required. Examples of Work Performed: The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of state and federal laws, administrative rules, and current developments regarding best practice standards applicable to death investigation.
Knowledge of confidentiality practices, including HIPAA laws and Wisconsin open record statutes.
Knowledge of forensic investigation techniques, principles, and practices used in death investigation, including autopsy procedures, additional testing resources, evidence chain of custody and preservation, specimen collection, forensic photography, etc.
Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy, especially pertaining to death, disease processes, and various forms of trauma.
Knowledge of occupational safety requirements and procedures, especially regarding hazardous materials, disinfecting procedures, solvents, tissue preservatives, and bloodborne pathogens.
Proficiency in basic postmortem evisceration procedures in a morgue setting, including complex dissections during post-mortem examinations and toxicology and other postmortem specimen collection techniques.
Ability to provide clear and concise communication to staff, funeral homes, law enforcement agencies, referral county coroner and medical examiner offices, medical offices, grieving families, student observers, and other external partners.
Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.
Ability to remain emotionally stable in high-stress situations.
Ability to attend to details, meet deadlines, prioritize work, and display excellent organizational skills.
An associate degree or equivalent training in a health-related discipline, surgical technician, laboratory or forensic science, or a related scientific field is required.
Possession of an unrestricted Wisconsin driver's license and a driving record that meets County standards.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays on occasion.
Must be physically capable of assisting with autopsies and post-mortem examinations in the autopsy suite.
At times, assist in the removal of human remains, including remains in tight spaces, stairways, outdoor environments, and less than desirable conditions.
Must be able to lift or move up to 100 pounds at times with assistance.
Must be able to pass respiratory testing and wear an N95 mask or equivalent for prolonged periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of experience in a coroner/medical examiner office or healthcare environment, involving a combination of duties related to the collection and retention of various specimens, assisting a pathologist during autopsies or external examinations, and the intake/release of bodies from the morgue, as well as the preparation of bodies for daily examination.

Responsibilities

Assist with the intake and release of decedents to and from the morgue; ensure proper identity of the decedent and completion of all necessary paperwork; release personal effects to funeral homes and evidence to law enforcement, as appropriate.
Assist the pathologist in autopsy procedures, including preparing the body and station for autopsy; weighing and measuring human remains; incising the body using surgical technique; dissecting and removing organs; taking tissue and fluid samples from the body and forwarding related information and samples to laboratories for further analysis; removing the calvarium using an autopsy saw; restoring organs to the body; and suturing and cleaning the body.
Assist the forensic pathologist in collecting and handling trace, physical, and biological evidence, as well as finger and palm prints.
Operate x-ray equipment to include FOBOS; take photographs of human remains; coordinate handling, storage, and transfer of film and photographs; and maintain all related records and files.
Assist with inventory and chain of custody of personal effects of decedents, forensic evidence collected by forensic investigators, specimens, and evidence collected during autopsies.
Ensure the morgue, examination rooms, laboratory area, and equipment are cleaned, sterilized, and maintained to ensure a sanitary environment; and assist in quality assurance monitoring of all morgue equipment.
Assist in inventory, ordering, maintenance, storage, and stocking of supplies and equipment for morgue operations.
Prepare soiled linen for laundry; perform laundry duties; and maintain clean linen at autopsy stations.
Properly handle and label chemicals, including alcohol and formaldehyde, in accordance with current laws and regulations.
Assist with educational offerings, autopsy observations, facility tours, and job shadows.
Assist in scheduling and coordinating autopsies with outside referral counties, health care systems, law enforcement agencies, student observers, and others as deemed necessary.
Work collaboratively with funeral homes, law enforcement personnel, referral county coroner and medical examiner offices, and other staff members to coordinate activities, solve mutual problems, and/or exchange information.
Assist in field investigation decedent removals, as needed.