King County (Wa) Seattle , WA 98113
Posted 7 days ago
Summary
Public Health Seattle and King County are looking for applicants interested in becoming a Forensic Autopsy Technician
The role of the Forensic Autopsy Technician
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
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:
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.
King County (Wa)