Forensic Morgue Assistant

DelDOT; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

DelDOT in Wilmington, Delaware is seeking an autopsy assistant responsible for supporting autopsies and ensuring the proper handling of forensic specimens. Key functions include managing body examinations, preparing specimens, and maintaining autopsy equipment.

This role requires knowledge of infection control laws, proper record keeping, and forensic photography. Candidates must hold a valid driver's license and pass background checks. A comprehensive benefits package is available.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of infection control laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Six months experience in record keeping and applying regulations.
• Valid Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in autopsies and preserve specimens following strict protocols.
• Conduct forensic photography and maintain accurate records.
• Transport decedents and coordinate with law enforcement.

Skills

Forensic sample collection

Forensic photography

Medical and biological terminology

Record keeping

Knowledge of laws and regulations

Job description

Summary Statement

Incumbent is responsible for providing full support during autopsies and external body examinations. Work includes developing radiographs, handling and recording specimens in accordance with strict chain of custody, transporting decedents, and maintaining autopsy equipment. This work involves significant exposure to unpleasant sights, sounds, and odors, including exposure to disease and hazardous body fluids, gases, and chemicals.

Essential Functions

• Assists in the conduct of autopsies and other internal/external examinations by independently using a variety of equipment and techniques; performs closure of the body by replacing body parts and suturing the body after the medical examiner completes the exam; prepares skeletal remains and assists with their examination.
• Places bodies on the autopsy table, tags, weighs, measures, refrigerates and records required data/prepares necessary paperwork on bodies undergoing autopsies and/or external body examinations/inspections.
• Performs post exam cleaning and prepares body for release.
• Photographs bodies and takes and develops radiographs using an x‑ray machine for identification; lifts and manipulates bodies for x‑rays to obtain evidence; and cleans x‑ray equipment to eliminate cross contamination.
• Measures and records body fluid volumes removed during postmortem exam to ensure adequate quantities are provided for the evaluation of those fluids.
• Prepares fixation solutions that are used to prevent rapid decomposition of autopsy tissue for slide preparation; stores specimens in sterile containers and/or uses proper solutions depending on testing.
• Prepares, logs, labels and transfers or releases specimens and other evidence to the appropriate lab for further testing, or to law enforcement officials, following strict chain of custody protocol.
• Ensures all biohazard wastes are collected, stored and disposed of accordingly and maintains proper storage of reagents for safe handling.
• Ensures proper maintenance and cleaning of the scrubs, linens, laundry room, autopsy room, table, floors and equipment, refrigeration facilities and other related areas to eliminate cross contamination and prepare for the next autopsy.
• Participates in quality assurance standards established by the National Association of Medical Examiners by performing secondary reviews of post‑mortem worksheets and documentation to ensure information on the forms for the decedents and evidence of samples collected is accurate.
• Uses an automated forensic information system and standard computer software to enter, modify, delete, retrieve and report on autopsy data; prepares the toxicology request, body sheets, and maintains a log book.
• Maintains pathology inventory and orders supplies for all autopsy and inspection related tools and equipment.
• Ensures that the decedent's clothing and personal effects are collected and go to the funeral home with the body.
• Contacts include internal agency personnel, as well as funeral homes, law enforcement, laboratory and medical personnel to answer questions, verify information, and coordinate the disposition of decedents, specimens, samples and evidence.
• Performs scene response with Forensic Investigators during special circumstances; transports decedents between morgue locations, reports to scenes and hospitals to assist with lifting, transfer, and/or transport of decedents.

Job Requirements

• Knowledge of collecting, tagging, securing, and preserving forensic samples, specimens, or other evidence in accordance with infection control laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of forensic photography which includes scene, autopsy, and macro imaging documentation as well as awareness of legal developments relating to digital and multimedia evidence.
• Knowledge of medical and biological terminology.
• Knowledge of weighing and measuring.
• Six months experience in record keeping.
• Six months experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must comply with state and federal background check requirements, including a fingerprint‑based background check administered by the Delaware State Police and a buccal swab for DNA upon employment.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package is available. Detailed information can be found at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce. Applications from individuals who identify as disabled or who need accommodations are encouraged. For assistance with accommodations, applicants may contact the appropriate agency or email [e-mail].

Employment is covered by the applicable collective bargaining agreement. This position is classified under an exclusive bargaining representative elected by employees for collective bargaining in accordance with state law and Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.