Forensic Quality Specialist

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in New York City seeks a Criminalist to oversee quality assurance across morgue operations and ensure accurate decedent case intake and release processes.

You will supervise case reconciliation, maintain inventory of decedents, and prepare reports while coordinating with borough leadership. Selected candidates may be required to provide a DNA sample and must be ready for essential work during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field.
• One year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics/forensic science or analytic chemistry for Level I-B.
• Progression to higher levels requires additional qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and measure effectiveness of quality control programs for borough morgue operations.
• Ensure compliance with decedent case intake and case release processes.
• Maintain control over physical inventory of decedents and cases.
• Supervise decedent case reconciliation process.
• Prepare reports and keep records; communicate issues and improvements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Education

Criminalistics/forensic science degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.

The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.

• Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
• Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
• Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
• Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
• Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs

Under The Direction Of The Assistant Director Of Forensic Operations, Oversees The Quality Assurance/control Activities Associated With Morgue Operations Under The Auspices Of The Office Of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). Typical Tasks Include But Are Not Limited To The Following

• Maintains and measures the effectiveness of quality control programs for borough forensic operations.
• Assures compliance with mortuary decedent case intake and case release process.
• Maintains control over physical inventory of decedent remains, including medical examiner cases and claim only cases.
• Supervises decedent case reconciliation process.
• Report any problems and suggest improvements as appropriate.
• Assists in the development of Forensic SOPs.
• Interfaces with borough Deputy Chief Medical Examiner and the Administrator on Duty to resolve any issues.
• Prepares reports and keeps records.
• Operates a motor vehicle.
• Performs other duties as required.

Special Note

Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.

This position has been identified as essential. During emergency events, essential positions may require 24-hour availability.

Work Authorization

Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position. Office of Chief Medical Examiner does not provide sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes, including STEM/OPT visas. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.

***Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted for this position. FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL.***

CRIMINALIST - 21849

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.
• For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B

In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level I-B individuals must have at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.

• In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following:
• One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.
• In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must have one of the following:
• Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and/or II; or 2. Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.
• For Assignment to Assignment Level IV

Requirements

In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level IV, individuals must have one of the following:

• Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or 2. Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or
• A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.

Preferred Skills

• Preferred degree specialization or experience in the forensic sciences, such as forensic anthropology, medicolegal investigations, certified pathology assistant, or related field. 2. Strong computer skills including Word and Excel. 3. Must be highly organized and possess excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.