Class Code: 02203
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –
HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE
FORENSIC AUTOPSY TECHNICIAN
Prepares
the autopsy suite, necessary paperwork, specimen containers and body for
postmortem examination; assists the Forensic Pathologist with the autopsy
examination (e.g., weighing organs, evisceration of organs, collecting
toxicology samples, etc.) and restores the body following the examination;
performs related duties as required.
The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.
Assists the Forensic
Pathologist/Physician Assistant with moving bodies in the autopsy suite and
eviscerating organs from bodies.
Labels folders, autopsy
forms, diagrams and prepares/labels specimen containers for toxicology,
evidence and tissue prior to autopsy.
Maintains toxicology,
evidence and tissue specimens for easy retrieval and keeps appropriate logbooks
and chain of custody when collecting, receiving, storing or transferring
bodies, evidence, toxicology and tissue specimens.
Removes skull-cap
(calvarium) to expose the brain for gross examination and weighs all organs;
opens and exposes the length of the small/large intestines for gross
examination.
Restores body
following postmortem examination by: replacing organs; packing cavities;
suturing the body closed; washing, disinfecting and shrouding the remains; and
return the body to refrigerated storage.
Assists the medicolegal
death investigator with “report of death” phone calls and receives/stores
bodies for autopsy; releases bodies to authorized parties and ensures bodies
are correctly toe tagged (labeled).
Notifies funeral home and
readies the body/remains for transfer; maintains records for the reception,
transfer, and release of bodies and personal effects.
Assists investigators with
crime/death scene visits; collects/labels specimens and specimen containers;
helps with the collection, preservation, and transfer of trace evidence to the
state crime laboratory.
Cleans morgue/attendant
areas, instruments, equipment, floors, autopsy tables/attachments, dissecting
area, refrigerated storage, state vehicles, etc and ensures surfaces are free
of blood, other body fluids, airborne pathogens, and other undesirable
materials.
Assist with standard record
keeping, labeling of photographic slides, and filing of paraffin tissue blocks
and microscopic slides.
Assist with general
clerical duties (i.e., data entry, photocopying, receiving, opening, and
sorting mail, etc.) and enters data from County Medical Examiner personnel;
notifies County Medical Examiner personnel if questions and/or discrepancies
arise and seek clarification.
Knowledge of basic
anatomy and physiology.
Knowledge and familiarity
with pathology/medical lab practices.
Knowledge of autopsy
techniques/practices.
Ability to follow
instructions and pay attention to detail.
Ability to observe and
record facts clearly, accurately, and legibly.
Ability to work
independently and as part of a team.
Ability to view situations
objectively.
Ability to interact on a
professional basis with the general public, law enforcement agencies, and
funeral homes.
Ability to tolerate and
work with unpleasant sights, sounds, and odors in a sometimes stressful
environment.
Ability to perform
office/clerical functions (typing, photocopying, data entry, etc.).
Ability to perform high
quality work while under adverse, physically demanding, and sometimes
unpleasant conditions.
Ability
to effectively manage time and plan accordingly.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or
unethical behavior.
Works and communicates with internal and external clients
and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative
manner. Committed to quality service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and
commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and
attention to detail.
Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and
cooperate with supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals
of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
One year of previous
hospital and/or emergency medical services experience;
OR
one year of previous work experience as a
phlebotomist;
OR
graduation from an accredited community or
vocational college with an Associate’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or
any other healthcare profession;
OR
any combination of the
above.
Incumbent must have a
valid Iowa Driver’s License.
Incumbent must be able to
move heavy objects (bodies up to 300 pounds) by oneself or with the assistance
of another employee.
Incumbent must be able
to travel at a moment’s notice (24 hours a day) anywhere within the state of
Iowa.
Effective Date:
2/04 JG