Forensic Autopsy Technician

State-of-Iow; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, is seeking a Forensic Autopsy Technician to join our team. The role involves assisting the forensic pathologist with autopsies, including moving and evisceration of bodies, photographing procedures, and restoring the body after examination.

Responsibilities include maintaining chain of custody, documenting findings, and ensuring the autopsy suite is clean and

Qualifications

• Associate degree or healthcare-related experience required/preferred.
• Ability to move heavy bodies (about 300+ pounds) and work standing for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist the forensic pathologist with autopsies, including evisceration and skull-cap removal.
• Restore the body after examination by replacing organs, packing cavities, suturing, and cleaning.
• Maintain chain of custody for bodies, evidence, and specimens; document procedures and photographs.

Skills

Stamina for heavy lifting

Photographic documentation

Documentation accuracy

Education

Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science

Job description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner is seeking a Forensic Autopsy Technician to join our team!

This position will assist the forensic pathologist with moving and evisceration of bodies for autopsies, completing the forensic autopsy and restoring the body following examination by replacing organs, packing cavities and suturing the body closed including washing, disinfecting and shrouding the remains.

Photography will be required.

This position also includes ordering of testing and completion of paperwork.

Responsibilities

• Assists the forensic pathologist with autopsies, completing paperwork and taking photographs before and during autopsy. Evisceration of organs and removal of skull-cap. Restoring the body by replacing organs, packing cavities, suturing the body closed and cleaning of the body.


• Keeps chain of custody when receiving, storing, or transferring/releasing of bodies, evidence, toxicology and specimens.


• Maintains the autopsy suite, associated areas and equipment by ensuring they are kept clean and stocked with supplies.


• Observes and records facts clearly, accurately and legibly.

Requirements

• Must be able to move/roll heavy objects (bodies ~300 pounds or more) by oneself or with the assistance of another employee.


• Must be able to work 6-8 hours at a time while standing.


• Tolerates and works with unpleasant sights, sounds, and odors in a sometimes-stressful environment.


• Will be required to work occasional weekends.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!


• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).


• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).


• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.


• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.


• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.


• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

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Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.

Graduation from an accredited area college with an Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or any other healthcare profession; OR experience equal to one year of full-time work in hospital and/or emergency medical services; OR experience equal to one year of full-time work as a phlebotomist; OR any combination of the above.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.