Forensic Autopsy Technician - Lead

Summary

Public Health Seattle and King County are looking for applicants interested in becoming a Forensic Autopsy Technician

• Lead with the King County Medical Examiner's Office. Lead Forensic Autopsy Technicians perform all of the duties of a Forensic Autopsy Technician and, in addition, are responsible for training, coaching, and monitoring the workflow of a team of Forensic Autopsy Technicians and interns as they perform their regular duties.

The role of the Forensic Autopsy Technician

• Lead is a challenging one that combines technical expertise with organizational skills, leadership, and flexibility. The King County Medical Examiner's Office serves a variety of geographical settings, with the result that we have an increased variety of cases when compared to smaller jurisdictions. While technically a position that works in the office and not in the field, the day-to-day caseload can change considerably - there is little that is "routine" about this working environment. Every day has the potential for a new challenge and a new learning opportunity.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all - in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Job Duties

Duties of the Forensic Autopsy Technician include:

• Assist pathologists in opening, eviscerating, and closing bodies and collecting toxicological samples during autopsies.

• Perform photographic documentation of bodies, wounds and associated evidentiary aspects of the case.

• Operate and maintain photographic equipment and digital images.

• Clean and prepare bodies for autopsy and subsequent release to funeral homes.

• Collect, catalog, and maintain evidence from autopsy to release to appropriate investigating agency.

• Perform custodial maintenance for autopsy room, storage areas and coolers, and arrange decedents.

• Wash and dry laundry used in autopsies.

• Order and inventory supplies and materials.

• Take full body, dental and fluoroscopy X-rays and determine X-ray placement and composition.

• Wash and bag sample tissue and store for future reference by pathologist. Take toxicology and histology samples to external laboratories for processing and label and distribute slides to pathologist.

• Compile data in the electronic case management system as well as complete and file forms.

• Assist or perform procedures as indicated for the identification of remains.

• Assist in field investigations as needed.

• Other related duties as assigned.

Duties of the Forensic Autopsy Technician

• Lead will additionally include:

• Direct, coordinate, and assist a team of Forensic Autopsy Technicians and interns in their regular duties.

• Conduct work in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.

• Resolve issues, oversee, and monitor work.

• Coordinate overall office functions with lead investigator(s), administrators, and the chief medical examiner.

• Coordinate with Supervisor to set schedules and ensure appropriate coverage, assign and review ancillary tasks, and maintain the autopsy suite, lab, and evidence room in a clean and orderly state.

• Responsible for quality assurance and improvement of the Autopsy section.

• Review and update the autopsy manual as necessary.

• Participate in developing and updating training materials as well as provide training as needed.

• Observe and provide feedback to supervisors, including as relevant to annual performance reviews.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Required Qualifications:

• Prior experience working as a forensic autopsy technician

• Leadership skills in a demanding environment

• High-level of knowledge of autopsy procedures

• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and skeletal anatomy

• Knowledge of trace evidence and chain of custody

• Knowledge of basic firearm safety

• Skill in time management, organization, and attention to detail

• Skill in working independently, prioritizing own work and meeting deadlines

• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously

• Skill in following written directions and protocols

• Skill in dealing with death and with human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease, and trauma

• Skill in maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of information

• Ability to take direction and work independently with a high degree of responsibility

• Skill in organization and attention to detail

• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding forensic cases

• Skill in oral and written communications

• Ability to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds

• Ability to work independently and as a team member

• Demonstrated proficiency with business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite

• Washington State Driver's License OR ability to obtain upon hire

• Ability to safely maneuver, to chest height, bodies weighing an average of 175 pounds unassisted

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a team leader

• Demonstrated excellence regarding the core duties of a Forensic Autopsy Technician

• The ability to take initiative and propose and/or implement process changes

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

• NeoGov Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)

Please note: Attachments, such as resumes, curricula vitae, and cover letters will not be considered.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Necessary Special Requirements

• The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.

• The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.

• Must pass a Pre-employment Physical.

• For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring. For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en.

• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.

• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.

• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.

• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.

• When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department.

• If you need a disability accommodation in the application or testing process, please call the contact number listed on the job announcement.

Work Schedule:

The Lead Forensic Autopsy Technician works 8 hours per day, five days per week, including a rotating weekend shift. Some holidays will be worked depending on the schedule of the office. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime.

Work Location:

This position will be in-person and located at Harborview Medical Center in the King County Medical Examiner's Office. 908 Jefferson St. Seattle, WA 98104.

Union Membership

This position is represented by WSCCCE L1652-Medical Examiner Labor Union.

Contact

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Sarah Dunkinson, sdunkinson@kingcounty.gov.