Morgue Assistant

Laramie County Government; Cheyenne (WY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Laramie County Government is seeking an assistant to support forensic autopsy activities under close supervision. You will work alongside forensic pathologists and investigators, preparing instruments, collecting evidence, and ensuring proper handling of decedents.

Key duties include maintaining chain of custody, documenting evidence, and coordinating with law enforcement and funeral homes. A high school diploma or GED is required, plus background checks and a drug screen.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; background check and drug screen required.
• Associate's degree in criminal justice, mortuary sciences, health services or related field preferred.
• Ability to work under supervision and handle sensitive evidence.

Responsibilities

• Set up instruments, supplies and paperwork for autopsy independently or with supervisor.
• Assist with autopsy under direct supervision; collect evidence and decedent items.
• Logs and removes clothing, personal effects and evidence for chain of custody.
• Collect and package biological samples for toxicology or other testing under pathologist supervision.
• X-Ray decedents.
• Clean and sanitize all instruments and working surfaces.
• Take morgue inventory and stock supplies.
• Accept and release decedents' items to funeral homes.
• Maintain identifying tags or bands on the decedent.
• Provide information to law enforcement, relatives and funeral staff as appropriate.
• Maintain Medicolegal Death Investigation files.

Skills

Investigative principles

Evidence handling

Criminal law

Anatomy knowledge

Report writing

Communication

PPE safety

Education

Associate's degree in criminal justice or mortuary sciences

Job description

Summary

Under close to general supervision, assists with full forensic autopsies. Works alongside Forensic Pathologists and Medicolegal Investigators.

Essential Job Functions

(Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Sets up all instruments, supplies, and paperwork for autopsy independently or with the supervisor of a Medical Medicolegal Investigator.
• Assist with autopsy under direct supervisor of coroner or forensics pathology, collection of evidence items, and manipulation of the decedent.
• Logs and removes all clothing, personal effects and evidence for chain of custody.
• Assists with or independently collects and packages biological samples for toxicology, microbiology or other specific testing under the direct supervisor of forensic pathologist
• X-Ray decedents
• Cleans and sanitizes all instruments and working surfaces.
• Takes inventory and stocks morgue supplies.
• Accepts and releases decedents' personal items and release decedents to funeral homes
• Maintains identifying tags or bands on the decedent.
• Provides information to law enforcement agencies, relatives and funeral director personnel as appropriate
• Maintains Medicolegal Death Investigation (MDI) files for location and autopsy status.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED equivalent, AND successful completion of criminal history and background check and drug screen.

Knowledge And Skills

• Knowledge of investigative principles and techniques, techniques of investigative interviewing and use of scientific equipment
• Knowledge of laws and rules of evidence; laws pertaining to death and the ethical treatment of the dead; criminal and civil law
• Knowledge of general anatomy and physiology; general medical terminology
• Knowledge of methods of recognition, collection and preservation of medicolegal and/or criminal evidence
• Knowledge of unclaimed bodies procedures and laws.
• Knowledge of County and Information the Coroner's Office policies andprocedures.
• Skill to work safely under potentially hazardous conditions by wearing personal protective equipment
• Skill to work effectively with law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services personnel, medical doctors, attorneys and distraught persons
• Skill to prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence
• Skill to converse with medical personnel on a technical level
• Skill to respond professionally, effectively and efficiently in all duties of the position
• Skill in effectively communicating verbally and inwriting.

Prior autopsy/morgue experience

Associate's degree in criminal justice, mortuary sciences, health services, or related field preferred.