Autopsy Technician

Lubbock County•Tx 79403, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Autopsy Technician will assist the Forensic Pathologist in the performance of autopsies, including preparation of the body for autopsy, photography, directly supervised dissections, cleaning and necessary paperwork. This role involves creating labels with appropriate case numbers, setting up necessary forms and materials, and documenting evidence/property with change of custody forms. The technician will be responsible for the photography of human remains, personal belongings, and evidence, as well as assisting with evidence/property identification, documentation, transfer, and retention. Communication with officials from all agencies and individuals involved in investigations is a key aspect of the role. The technician will also manage chain of custody for evidence, personal belongings, and biological specimens, prepare autopsy forms and requisitions, facilitate specimen/evidence transfer, and handle the release and acceptance of bodies with proper documentation. Additionally, the role includes preparing and mailing letters to next of kin regarding property in the custody of the medical examiner's office and performing assigned duties.

Requirements

Associate degree with emphasis on the medical sciences such as chemistry or biology
At least five (5) years of practical dissection experience in a medical or laboratory environment.
Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy as related to morgue activities.
Knowledge of autopsy procedures and practices.
Knowledge of safety procedures and practices in a morgue setting.
Knowledge of modern office/clerical practices, procedures and methods.
Knowledge of principle and procedures of record keeping.
Knowledge of computer equipment to include word processing, databases, and a variety of software packages.
Knowledge of English, spelling, and arithmetic.
Knowledge of Unit's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Knowledge of Department's casework software.
Knowledge of evidence collection and proper chain-of-custody techniques.
Knowledge of Departmental policies and procedures.
Skill in autopsy procedures and practices, including evisceration.
Skill in using and caring of autopsy room equipment.
Skill in maintaining morgue cleanliness, inventory and equipment preventive maintenance with little or no supervision.
Skill in recording and compiling material for reports.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work in morgue environment with daily contact with decedents, including those in a decomposed state.
Ability to handle the psychological effects of death.
Ability to work effectively with pathologists in the conduction of autopsies and demonstrate lead responsibilities as necessary.
Ability to follow written directions and instructions and carry out departmental instructions.
Ability to operate x-ray, dental x-ray, photographic, and fingerprinting equipment.
Ability to perform in a stressful environment, while maintaining a professional manner.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Create labels with appropriate case numbers and set up all necessary forms and materials as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
Document evidence/property, including change of custody form.
Perform photography of human remains, personal belongings, and evidence using appropriate labels as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
Assist Forensic Pathologist with evidence/property identification, documentation, transfer, and retention.
Communicate professionally as a representative of Lubbock County Medical Examiner (LCME) with officials from all agencies and individuals involved in each investigation as directed by LCME.
Create and maintain a chain of custody and obtain transfer signatures for all evidence, personal belongings, and biological specimens as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
Create and maintain necessary paperwork, scene photographs, and evidence/personal belongings, Chain of Custody information for all deaths reported to LCME where such requirements are mandated by policy.
Take and process X-Rays as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
Assist with evisceration and specialized dissections, and other autopsy needs, as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
Close postmortem incisions, clean human remains, and return to cooler as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
Secure remains for transport.
Meet mortuary transport at LCME and document arrival and identification of remains and evidence/belongings in the appropriate required fashion.
Prepare autopsy forms and/or requisitions for specimen/evidence submission for testing/analysis.
Facilitate transfer/submission of specimens/evidence using proper chain of custody transfer forms, as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
Be available for release and acceptance of bodies and comply with all necessary documentation and verification.
Prepare and mail letters to the decedent's next of kin regarding property in the custody of the medical examiner's office and how they may obtain it.
Perform duties as assigned.