Forensic Autopsy Technician

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement plans (IPERS)

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance and long-term care

Employee assistance program

Employee discount programs

Job summary

The State of Iowa - Executive Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, seeks a Forensic Autopsy Technician to assist the forensic pathologist with autopsies, body restoration, and related duties. The role requires handling heavy bodies, photographing procedures, and maintaining meticulous records in a high-stress environment.

Applicants should be able to move heavy objects, stand for long periods, and occasionally work weekends. Background checks apply; E-Verify is used.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited area college with an Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or any other healthcare profession;

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.

Skills

Heavy lifting

Standing long hours

Stress tolerance

Weekend work

Education

Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science

Job description

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

• 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.

Background Checks

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

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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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