Morgue Assistant (Part-Time)

Laramie County; Cheyenne (WY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Laramie County is seeking a forensic autopsy assistant to work under supervision. You will assist with autopsies, prepare instruments, collect evidence, and maintain chain-of-custody and morgue inventory.

Responsibilities include logging items, packaging biological samples, X-Rays, and releasing decedents to funeral homes while coordinating with law enforcement and medical staff. A High School Diploma or GED is required, with an associate degree preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of investigative principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of laws and rules of evidence; death and ethical treatment.
• Knowledge of general anatomy and physiology; medical terminology.
• Knowledge of methods of recognition, collection and preservation of medicolegal/criminal evidence.
• Knowledge of unclaimed bodies procedures and laws.
• Knowledge of County and Coroner’s Office policies and procedures.
• Skill to work safely with protective equipment.
• Skill to communicate effectively with law enforcement and medical personnel.
• Skill to prepare clear reports and correspondence.
• Skill to interact professionally in all duties of the position.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Set up instruments, supplies, and paperwork for autopsy independently or with supervisor.
• Assist with autopsy under direct supervision of coroner or forensic pathologist; collect evidence.
• Log and remove clothing and evidence for chain of custody.
• Collect and package biological samples for testing under supervision.
• X-Ray decedents; clean and sanitize instruments and surfaces.
• Maintain morgue supplies inventory; release decedents to funeral homes.
• Maintain decedent identifiers and MDl files; convey information to authorities.
• Handle information for law enforcement and funeral staff as appropriate.

Skills

Investigation principles

Evidence laws

Anatomy & physiology

Forensic terminology

Report writing

Communication

Interagency collaboration

PPE safety

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in criminal justice, mortuary sciences, health services, or related field

Job description

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

(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.

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 in writing.

Prior autopsy/morgue experience. Associate’s degree in criminal justice, mortuary sciences, health services, or related field preferred.