DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for assisting before, during and after the autopsy by performing a variety of related activities. An employee in this class is distinguished from Forensic Investigator by virtue of the latter's primary activity of gathering pertinent information from police, medical, family, and other sources to assist the Medical examiner in the investigation of death. An employee in this class works under the direct supervision of the Medical Examiner or designated administrative or medical supervisor and, at the supervisor's direction and when necessary, performs some of the activities of the Forensic Investigator. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Assists the Medical Examiner by set-up before and clean up after the autopsy and renders dissection and assistance as directed by the Medical Examiner during the autopsy.
Eviscerates and prosects; cleans and prepares decedents for release to funeral home.
Trains in various techniques utilized by the Medical Examiner in the conduct of autopsies.
Assists other forensic consultants in forensic examinations such as dental or anthropology examinations.
Photographically documents wounds and areas of injury on the decedent.
May have to stand and climb on footstool or examination table to take forensic photographs.
Assists in the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biologic evidence for forensic analysis, including forensic toxicology, clinical chemistry, serology and microbiologic testing as directed and according to established procedures.
Packages and prepares evidence and specimens for storage or transport within a legal chain of custody.
Obtains fingerprints from decedents.
Ensures proper biohazard waste disposal according to protocol.
Performs x-ray examinations and processes x-ray films.
Maintains morgue and autopsy rooms and floors in a clean, sanitary and orderly manner; cleans and sterilizes equipment; checks for proper ventilation and condition of equipment.
Processes decedents into the facility prior to examination and releases decedents to funeral homes and completes chain of custody forms and other required documentation.
Performs clerical tasks associated with the issuance of death certificates and the collection and tabulation of medical information related to the conduct of autopsies.
Maintains inventory of supplies in the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Uses county vehicle for performance of activities outside the Medical Examiner’s Office including transportation of specimens and medical records.
Uses computer for data input and tracking information.
Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Working knowledge of modern forensic, pathological, laboratory principles and practices.
Working knowledge of medical nomenclature and anatomy.
Working knowledge of information needed to determine causes of death and New York State statutory requirements pertinent to Medical Examiners.
Working knowledge of universal precautions and safety guidelines.
Ability to work flexible work hours, shifts, weekends, holidays and is subject to call-in duty.
Ability to lift and move heavy bodies.
Ability to take photographs and x-rays and develop same.
Ability to learn laboratory procedures.
Ability to perform custodial work.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment necessary for performance of duties.
Ability to use computers with basic office programs.
Manual dexterity.
Clerical aptitude.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's degree in Funeral Service Arts and Sciences or a closely related field; or,

B Successful completion of sixty (60) credit hours in a health related, science related or laboratory related curriculum from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees; or,

C One (1) year of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in mortuary or morgue service work, pathological laboratory work, or a closely related field; or,

D An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) (B) and (C).

06/2006 Revised