Autopsy Technician

Lubbock County; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lubbock County is seeking an Autopsy Technician to assist the Forensic Pathologist with autopsies, documentation, photography, evidence handling, and chain-of-custody procedures.

The role requires an associate degree in medical sciences and at least five years of dissection experience; strong attention to safety, records keeping, and professional communication with agencies and the public.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with emphasis on the medical sciences and at least five (5) years of practical dissection experience in a medical or laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy related to morgue activities.
• Experience with chain-of-custody documentation and evidence handling.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Forensic Pathologist in performing autopsies, including preparation, photography, and dissections as directed.
• Maintain proper labeling, forms, and materials according to case number and chain of custody requirements.
• Document evidence and property, including change of custody forms, and prepare autopsy requisitions.
• Secure remains for transport and coordinate with mortuary services as needed.
• Prepare and file autopsy forms, scene photographs, and evidence documentation with proper chain of custody.

Skills

Autopsy procedures

Autopsy room equipment

Morgue cleanliness

Record keeping

Verbal and written communication

Education

Associate degree in medical sciences

Job description

Summary

The Autopsy Technician will assist the Forensic Pathologist in the performance of autopsies, including preparation of the body for autopsy, photography, directly supervised dissections, cleaning and necessary paperwork.

Essential Duties

• Must be able to create labels with appropriate case numbers as well as set up all necessary forms and materials as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Appropriately document evidence/property to include change of custody form.
• Proper knowledge of photography of human remains, personal belongings and evidence using appropriate labels as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Assist Forensic Pathologist with evidence/property identification, documentation, transfer, and retention.
• Communicate professionally as a representative of Lubbock County Medical Examiner (LCME) with officials from all agencies, as well as any individuals involved in each investigation as directed by LCME.
• Create a chain of custody and obtain transfer signatures for all evidence, personal belongings and biological specimens as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Create and maintain necessary paperwork, scene photographs and evidence/personal belongings, Chain of Custody information for all deaths reported to LCME where such requirements are mandated by policy.
• Take and process X‑Rays as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Assist with evisceration and specialized dissections, and other autopsy needs, as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Close postmortem incisions, clean human remains and return to cooler as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Secure remains for transport. Meet mortuary transport at LCME and document arrival and identification of remains and evidence/belongings in the appropriate required fashion.
• Prepare autopsy forms and/or requisitions for specimen/evidence submission for testing/analysis.
• Facilitate transfer/submission of specimens/evidence using proper chain of custody transfer forms, as directed by the Forensic Pathologist.
• Must be available for release and acceptance of bodies and comply with all necessary documentation and verification.
• Prepare and mail letters to the decedent's next of kin regarding property in the custody of the medical examiner's office and how they may obtain it.
• Perform duties as they are assigned.

Position Requirements

Associate degree with emphasis on the medical sciences such as chemistry or biology and at least five (5) years of practical dissection experience in a medical or laboratory environment.

Knowledge Of

• Medical terminology and human anatomy as related to morgue activities.
• Autopsy procedures and practices.
• Safety procedures and practices in a morgue setting.
• Modern office/clerical practices, procedures and methods.
• Principle and procedures of record keeping.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, databases, and a variety of software packages.
• English, spelling, and arithmetic.
• Unit's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
• Department's casework software.
• Evidence collection and proper chain-of-custody techniques.
• Departmental policies and procedures.

Skills

• Autopsy procedures and practices, including evisceration.
• Using and caring of autopsy room equipment.
• Maintaining morgue cleanliness, inventory and equipment preventive maintenance with little or no supervision.
• Recording and compiling material for reports.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

Abilities

• Work in morgue environment with daily contact with decedents, including those in a decomposed state.
• Handle the psychological effects of death.
• Work effectively with pathologists in the conduction of autopsies and demonstrate lead responsibilities as necessary.
• Follow written directions and instructions and carry out departmental instructions.
• Operate x-ray, dental x-ray, photographic, and fingerprinting equipment.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift/carry up to 75-100 pounds and maneuvering cadavers unassisted in excess of 200 pounds. Requires visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination, and manual dexterity necessary to operate laboratory equipment and basic office equipment and computer. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions. At times requires driving and exposure to outdoor conditions. Subject to various biological/infectious, chemical, mechanical, electrical, explosive and radiation hazards in indoors/outdoors work, and exposure to fumes, noxious odors and toxic wastes. Daily contact with biohazardous materials. Some exposure to high job stress. Must possess sufficient physical strength and emotional stability to work under adverse conditions.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

DISCLAIMER: The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the standard functions of this position and should not be constructed as a thorough description of all work requirements. The characteristics of the work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Employer

Lubbock County will not discriminate in our employment practices based on an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.