AUTOPSY TECHNICIAN

Purpose of Job

The purpose of the position is to assist the Medical Examiner/Forensic Pathologist to examine human bodies through autopsies or external examination and assure proper documentation of actions of examinations.

Essential Functions

• Perform intake/release of decedent bodies by ensuring identify of the body; inventory personal effects/evidence of the decedent; photograph the body; receive/release information from the livery service; and properly document actions in electronic case management system
• Perform x-rays of decedents and maintain x-ray technique log; prepare copies of radiology images on appropriate media for filing in case chart
• Participate under the direction of the forensic pathologist with performance of postmortem examinations including, but not limited to collecting and preparing specimens, performing phlebotomies, and performing eviscerations
• Order required tests through software; labels, packages, and delivers specimens to microbiology/toxicology for analysis while maintaining chain-of-custody
  Ensure accuracy of cassettes submitted by pathologist; assure cassettes are sent to laboratory; upon return of prepared slides maintain chain-of- custody; assure slides are delivered to forensic pathologist; assure slides are returned from pathologist for filing
• Collect and preserve forensic evidence; label and package evidence; and document evidence collected maintaining chain-of-custody
• Assure body receiving, body intake area, morgue coolers, autopsy suite, equipment, and pathology stations are properly prepared, stocked, and cleaned and free of safety and tripping hazards.
• Set up cutting station properly for extended neuropathologic examination and other extended examinations using established protocol
• Assure proper inventory, safeguarding, and management of decedent personal effects
• Maintain a clean and organized tissue stock room and specimen freezer; dispose of wet and frozen tissue using established protocol after tissue retention period and when authorization is obtained by forensic pathologist
• Communicate appropriately with funeral homes, emergency medical services, law enforcement, families, and other stakeholders about case information
• Uphold established standard operating procedures, quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection control standards

Additional Job Functions

• Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours
• Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local regional or central office supervisors as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Health Department
• Perform other duties as required

Minimum Training & Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Certification as a Surgical Technician and graduation from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited surgical technology program or a US military surgical technology program
• Minimum of two (2) years’ in a medical field such as nursing, surgical technology, mortuary, anthropology, emergency medical services, or experience working with cadavers
• Must pass a drug test prior to executing any of the duties of the position

Specialized Knowledge

• Medical Terminology and Human anatomy desired

Competencies

• Ability to perform duties of a position of moderate complexity
• Ability to solve somewhat difficult problems
• Ability to engage in substantial communication with other Knox County Government employees and the public
• Ability to take and read x-rays
• Ability to perform phlebotomies
• Ability to collect and prepare specimens
• Ability to take photographs with a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera
• Ability to eviscerate
• Ability to collect, maintain, safeguard, and transfer specimens
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and medical instrumentation
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of infection control and OSHA standards
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of post-mortem body preparation and storage
• Ability to regularly use typical office equipment including a multi-line phone, photocopier, calculator, laminator, and fax machine
• Ability to regularly use a desktop computer, laptop computer, printer computer scanner, and digital signature pad
• Ability to use the Microsoft Office suite of programs including Word and Excel
• Ability to use the MUNIS software program, internet browsing software, medical examiner casemanagement software, lab order entry and tracking software, x-ray software, and photography processing software
• Ability to work weekends and hours outside of the normal workday, as needed

The incumbent will regularly use the following tools, machines, and equipment:

• X-ray machine
• Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera
• Electronic scale
• Various surgical instruments
• Power saw
• Phlebotomy tools
• Specimen collection slides and related items
• Movable electric fork truck for moving bodies on trays
• Movable ladder for taking photographs of bodies

The Autopsy Technician works a 40-hour workweek. No regular overtime work is anticipated, but the Autopsy Technician is required to work rotating swing shifts and weekends and be capable of working flexible hours including holidays. The incumbent must report immediately for on-call duty.

Physical Requirements

• Physical requirements of the position include standing, bending frequently. Assisting in lifting large decedents. Standing and walking on hard surfaces 6 ( ) hours/ day. Working in environmentally controlled climates as well as refrigerated coolers and extreme temperatures in sally port garage.

Occupational Hazards

Potential hazards of the position include the following:

• Risk of injury from lifting up to fifteen dead bodies per day weighing anywhere from five to 600 pounds
• Exposure to disease from working with dead bodies in various stages of decomposition; taking blood from dead bodies; taking tissue, bone, and other samples from dead bodies; taking x-rays of decedent bodies; and daily cleaning of surgical instruments, autopsy suite, and equipment
• Risk of injury from falling from a ladder while taking photographs of bodies
• Risk of illness or injury from exposure to chemicals, drugs, animals,contaminated syringes, and other hazardous items and materials

Knox County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Knox County Government may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.