Decedent Care (Autopsy) Technician

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Boston, MA

38d•$36 - $48

About The Position

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives. The Autopsy Technician will provide comprehensive death care services for both campuses, ensuring that all regulatory standards and safety measures are strictly maintained. This position is responsible not only for supporting autopsy services but also for the timely release of decedents in accordance with institutional policy during required time frames. The Autopsy Technician will perform preparation for post-mortem examinations, which may include evisceration and proper disposition of bodies designated for autopsy. The role includes organizing autopsy procedures as authorized by permit, ensuring accurate identification, preparation, and documentation of decedents, stocking, cleaning, and maintaining the morgue. This position is responsible for maintaining autopsy equipment to departmental standards and preparing all tools and materials required for each procedure. The Autopsy Technician will support Pathologists, Pathology Assistants, and residents in an academic teaching hospital, including preparing organs and specimens for teaching conferences and educational activities. In addition, the technician will monitor morgue capacity and coordinate the prompt release or transfer of decedents to funeral homes or other authorized entities within established time standards, ensuring dignity, compliance, and continuity of care. Shift Information: Monday-Friday 630a - 3p Job Description:

Requirements

Associated degree required in a biological/chemical science or completion of equivalent 60 semester hours with biology/chemistry coursework (to meet CLIA requirements for high complexity testing)
0-1 years of related work experience required.
Experience with computer systems, including web-based applications and Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc).
Must be able to communicate in a clear precise way with coworkers, departments and funeral homes to assure proper handling and services.

Nice To Haves

Education: Vocational or Technical training in mortuary sciences preferred.
Three years of independent experience in Autopsy Services or Mortuary Services in a teaching medical center.
Experience working in an academic medical center with residents and Pathologist Assistants.
Written Communications: Ability to summarize and communicate in English moderately complex information in varied written formats to internal and external customers.
Oral Communications: Ability to comprehend and communicate complex verbal information in English to medical center staff, patients, families and external customers.
Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of concepts, practices and policies with the ability to use them in complex varied situations.
Team Work: Ability to act as a team leader for small projects or work groups, creating a collaborative and respectful team environment and improving workflows. Results may impact the operations of one or more departments.
Customer Service: Ability to provide a high level of customer service to patients, visitors, staff and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem solving. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

Performs autopsy preparation for post-mortem examinations for approximately 200+ patients.
Conducts proper evisceration and disposition of bodies for autopsy services across two campuses and other approved institutions transporting patients to Boston BIDMC.
Coordinates and ensures the timely release of decedents following autopsy or non-autopsy cases in accordance with policy during required time frames.
Maintains autopsy suite according to approved policies and standards, ensuring safety for self and staff at all times.
Monitors morgue census to ensure adequate patient storage and initiates transfers or releases when capacity or time thresholds are exceeded.
Maintains accurate records
Ensures fetal remains storage is properly maintained and that releases or transfers occur according to established policies.
Monitors and maintains appropriate temperatures in rooms and cold storage areas in accordance with storage policies.
Trains new employees, residents, and students, and participates in mandatory and continuing education programs independently.
Ensures compliance with all Medical Center and departmental policies related to safety, standard precautions, and regulatory requirements.
Performs minor processing duties, including weighing organs, photography, and documentation as required.
Maintains acceptable patient space levels in cold rooms and arranges transport to alternate storage locations when standards are exceeded.
Perform grossing of small biopsy specimens according to Standard Operating Procedures