Part-Time Autopsy Assistant/Medicolegal Investigator

Brown County•Wi 54311, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Investigate unexpected, suspicious, or unattended deaths to determine jurisdiction as authorized by state statute. Perform day-to-day operations of the morgue and assist with autopsies. This position requires flexibility regarding primary duties of the shift (investigations, autopsy, or both) staffing levels and case volume permitting. This position is part-time at 20 hours per week.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from a recognized technical college in biological or medical science, anatomy, physical therapy, nursing, or a closely related field.
Valid Wisconsin Driver's License
Knowledge of the Wisconsin State Statutes concerning investigation of deaths.
Knowledge of investigative techniques, principles and practices used in the determination of cause and manner of death.
Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology especially pertaining to death and varying forms of trauma.
Considerable knowledge of procedures involved in medico-legal autopsies.
Working knowledge of occupational safety requirements and procedures, especially regarding hazardous materials and blood borne pathogens.
Ability to secure facts through objective, independent, and thorough investigations; identify and interpret evidence; analyze data; and make appropriate determinations.
Ability to take proper photographs of scene, body and evidence for documentation.
Ability to prepare, present and maintain accurate, objective and thorough reports and records.
Ability to move and transfer human bodies of various weights and insuring preservation of any trace evidence.
Ability to perform work in the field in varying types of terrain and weather conditions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships; and to communicate effectively and deal compassionately with grieving family members.
Ability to work the required hours of the position.
Working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures for the handling and preparation of evidence for chain of custody control.
Working knowledge of the procedures for sterile specimen collection.
Ability to maintain specimens and evidence logs and to maintain supplies in an orderly fashion.
Ability to perform laboratory tasks such as specimen transfers and handling preserved specimens.
Ability to prepare, present and maintain accurate, objective and thorough reports and records.
Working knowledge of technology, department program software, internet access and database, spreadsheet and word processing programs.
Ability to utilize word processing, database, internet and spreadsheet programs.
Ability to work the required hours of the position.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of work experience as a Pathology Assistant, Autopsy Assistant, Morgue Diener or in a closely related area preferred.

Responsibilities

Receives notification of deaths from witnesses, medical professionals, law enforcement personnel, funeral homes, or others in attendance and determine appropriate type of response.
Investigates causes of unexpected, suspicious, or unattended deaths to determine jurisdiction as authorized by state statute.
Attends death scenes to document the scene, including but not limited to taking photographs and collecting physical evidence.
Performs strenuous physical activity to include standing for extended periods of time and lifting 100 lbs.
Coordinates transport of bodies from death scenes to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Interviews persons who may have information related to deaths.
Maintains professionalism in tragic and emotional situations.
Prepares detailed investigative reports in a timely manner.
Obtains medical records as needed.
Confers with law enforcement, hospital, and mortuary officials to obtain dental records, fingerprints, X-rays, or additional specimens as necessary to identify bodies.
Locates and/or notify next-of-kin and notifies them of medical examiner involvement; advise family members of circumstances and of processes and procedures of the Medical Examiner's Office.
Assists Forensic Pathologist in the performance of Medicolegal autopsies, including opening and closing of the body, photography, basic radiology, collection and documentation of evidence or specimens.
Coordinates with Chief Medical Examiner or Forensic Pathologist with the scheduling of autopsies including notification to appropriate law enforcement personnel.
Assists in identification of bodies including obtaining fingerprints, using specialized procedures for decomposed bodies and assists to retain services of identification experts, such as forensic dentist.
Registers and inventories all bodies and their personal property.
Maintains autopsy facility, equipment and supplies in a clean/sanitary condition including the ordering of supplies.
Releases bodies and property for release to the appropriate agency, funeral director, or family member and secures a receipt of the transaction.
Completes and timely files all morgue related forms and reports.
Attends court proceedings and gives testimony in civil and criminal court cases as required.
Assures compliance with policies and procedures of the Medical Examiner's Office.
Assists MLI staff with simultaneous calls and cremation investigations as needed.
Assists MLI staff with case follow-up as needed to maintain case continuity and case progression.
Provides shift coverage in Brown County and other partner counties as needed.
Be available to work office hours, after hours, on-call, weekends, and holidays, on a rotating schedule or as deemed necessary for mass disaster response or emergency preparedness for natural disasters.
Establishes and maintains effective working and public relations with various local and state law enforcement agencies, federal officers, County departments, medical personnel, funeral service professionals, families and the public.
Maintains the confidential nature of client and business information.
Participates in training new and existing MLI and autopsy staff.
Perform other duties as required.