FORENSIC AUTOPSY TECHNICIAN – OPEN UNTIL FILLED – Kitsap County

Job Description

The Kitsap Coroner’s Office has a unique opportunity for an Autopsy Technician to work in a dynamic and Nationally Accredited Agency with International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. The ideal candidate will have proven experience working with Forensic Pathologist on Autopsies.

Nationally Accredited Agency with an International Association of
Coroners and Medical Examiners.

Position Information
The responsibilities of this classification include assisting the Forensic Pathologist in the performance of autopsies and other postmortem examinations; collects and preserves physical, biological, and toxicological evidence; performs histology related work; x-rays and photographs human remains; transports human remains; maintains office records, supplies, inventory, and evidence gathering information.

Required Education and Experience
• Two years of related experience in a medical related discipline or related scientific related field, to include one or more years’ experience assisting with autopsies and/or laboratory work; OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the work.
• Note: Relevant secondary education from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in biology, physiology, forensic studies and anatomy may substitute to up to one year of required experience.

Preferred Education, Experience and Other Qualifications
• Six months experience working a Forensic Pathologist performing autopsy’s for Coroners, Medical Examiners, or Law Enforcement.
Driving Requirements
The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as Category 1 Driver operates County-owned vehicle.

Criminal Conviction Standards:
• The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to children under 18 years of age, a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting.Please review the following list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions to determine if you meet our standard for this position: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/FSA/bccu/documents/Secretary%27sCrimesListforALLPrograms.pdf
Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements
Please note: The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all of the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must:
• Pass a criminal background check through law enforcement agencies.
• Pass a medical/physical and psychological evaluation.
• Submit a copy of their State employment driving record to verify their eligibility to drive for Kitsap County.
• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
Within six months of employment the successful candidate must:
• Possess a current Washington State First Aid/CPR certification
Within three years of employment the successful candidate must:
• Possess National Death Investigators Certification through ABMDI (American Board of Medico-legal Death Investigators).

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• State an
• Autopsy procedures and practices, and human anatomy
• Equipment and supplies necessary to maintain and operate a morgue facility
• Pathology laboratory practices and procedures
• The use of and operation of photograph and x-ray equipment
• State and local laws regarding deaths and human remains
• Methods, techniques, equipment and practices of handling deceased individuals
• Approved methods and procedures for evidence collection and processing
• Standard safety procedures
• Standard office practices and chain of custody procedures
• Appear for scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Communicate Effectively, orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, the citizens and representatives of other agencies.
• Physically perform assigned duties and essential functions of the position. Work various shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
• Ability to successful complete all required background investigations.
• Ability to travel to death locations, if needed.
• This position is required to take calls from home after regular office hours.This position is required to serve “on call” on a rotational basis outside regular office hours and on weekends and, when on call, must be able to report for duty to the Coroner’s Office within 30 minutes of the call.
• Maintain detailed reports, records, and storing of evidence information
• Order and maintain supplies and related inventory
• Work under stressful environment and hazardous working conditions
• Participate in various training programs as required
• Work as a member of a team including, maintain teamwork with other employees, and assisting other employees in times of overload or high priority
• Make independent judgments and initiate appropriate action while operating under broad supervisory guidelines
• Prepare clear and comprehensive written reports
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public
• Establish and maintain effective, productive and cooperative working relationships both inter- and intra-departmental and with other agencies and jurisdictions
• Effectively manage time and work independently with minimal supervision
• Communicate effectively and persuasively both verbally and in writing, to audiences of various social, education and economic backgrounds
• Testify accurately and with professional demeanor in Court
• Learn assigned tasks readily and adhere to prescribed routines
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion on sensitive and confidential matters
• Effectively coordinate, perform, and complete multiple duties and assignments concurrently and in a timely manner
• Meet the travel requirements of the position and safely drive Coroner’s Office vehicles.
• Ability to make independent judgments and initiate appropriate action.
• Work holidays, during inclement weather conditions, weekends, over 40 hours in a work week, and all shifts as needed.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities
(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Positions in this class typically require:
• Work performed in a variety of settings office and field.
• Sitting (when driving) or standing.
• Bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, handling and grasping various items while conducting investigations.
• Walking, balancing sometimes over rough, uneven or undeveloped terrain.
• Visual acuity sufficient to drive, read written materials and road signs, see detail of maps, gauges, etc.,
• Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately when conveying or receiving information or instruction.
• Exertion of force of 100 pounds with or without assistance occasionally, and/or 35 pounds frequently to lift/carry/move objects, files, and other materials.
Incumbents may be:
• Exposed to unfavorable working conditions such as in inclement weather, accident scenes, infectious disease, or blood-borne pathogens.
• Exposed to hazards while driving.
• Subject to 24-hour availability and must be willing to work non-standard hours, including long shifts, rotating shifts, holidays and week-ends, as required.

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.)
Essential Job Functions:
• Prepare body for autopsy; weigh and measure human remains; incise body; dissect and remove organs; take tissue and fluids samples from the body and forward related information and samples to laboratories for further analysis; restore organs to body; and suture and clean body. Assist forensic pathology in the collecting and handling of trace, physical, and biological evidence and finger and palm prints. Ensure proper handling, transfers, labeling, and storing of histological specimens (tissue, blocks, slides).
• Ensure proper handling, transfers, labeling, and storing of histological specimens (tissue, blocks, slides); Perform computer data entry and retrieval; Prepare and file medicolegal evidence forms; and maintain records and data of work performed; Clean and maintain work areas.Do laundry and related activities.Implement safety and biohazard control measures and recordkeeping.
• Mix, handle, store, and dispose of chemicals. Operate x-ray equipment; take photographs of human remains; coordinate handling, storage, and transfer of film and photographs; and maintain all related records and files. Maintain inventory of morgue supplies, equipment, tools, instruments, and other replacement supplies.
• Transport human remains from hospitals, nursing homes, and other locations.
• Release bodies to funeral homes and other organizations. Document and transfer personal property and evidence and keep records. Assist in the removal, handling, and reconstruction of skeletal remains. Provide testimony in court or other legal proceeding as needed.
Other Job Duties:
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• This position is covered by AFSCME Local 1308 bargaining unit. The collective bargaining agreement is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• This posting may be used to fill future openings.
• Work hours may vary; but will include weekends, evenings and holidays. Flexible hours are available, as approved by management.
First review will be conducted on the week of July 13, 2020 and then weekly there after.