FORENSIC AUTOPSY TECHICIAN – PART TIME – OPEN UNTIL FILLED

OVERVIEW

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Position Information

The responsibilities of the Forensic Autopsy Technician assists the Forensic Pathologist in the performance of autopsies and other postmortem examinations; collects and preserves physical, biological, and toxicological evidence; performs histology related work; x-rays and photographs human remains; transports human remains; maintains office records, supplies, inventory, and evidence gathering information.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Two years of related experience in a medical related discipline or related scientific related field, to include one or more years' experience assisting with autopsies and/or laboratory work; OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the work.
• Note: Relevant secondary education from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in biology, physiology, forensic studies and anatomy may substitute to up to one year of required experience.

Preferred Education, Experience and Other Qualifications

• Six months experience working a Forensic Pathologist performing autopsy's for Coroners, Medical Examiners, or Law Enforcement.

Driving Requirements
The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as Category 1 Driver operates County-owned vehicle.

Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements

Please note: The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all of the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must:

• Pass a medical/physical and psychological evaluation.
• Submit a copy of their State employment driving record to verify their eligibility to drive for Kitsap County.
• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.

Within six months of employment the successful candidate must:

• Possess a current Washington State First Aid/CPR certification

Within three years of employment the successful candidate must:

• Possess National Death Investigators Certification through ABMDI (American Board of Medico-legal Death Investigators).

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• State and local laws regarding deaths and human remains.
• Methods, techniques, equipment and practices of handling decedents, property and evidence.
• Basic techniques used in interviewing, photography, investigation and report writing.
• Procedures necessary to inspect, prepare, and transport a body for autopsy, preservation and collection of evidence.
• Equipment and supplies necessary to maintain the office, morgue facility, coroner vehicles and forensic photography.
• Medical terminology, prescription drugs and their application.
• Office procedures, practices and equipment.
• Law Enforcement operations in Kitsap County and the Kitsap County road system are desired.

Skills and Ability to:

• Appear for scheduled work with regular, predictable and punctual attendance.
• Establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes. Write comprehensive reports and business correspondence.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from law enforcement, fire departments, grieving and sometimes hostile families, and the general public in order to advance the quality of community service.
• Analyze and evaluate death scene evidence and make preliminary finding as to the cause and/or manner of death.
• Conduct thorough and complete interviews and investigations of death scenes.
• Make independent judgments and initiate appropriate action.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of activities.
• Demonstrate empathy with surviving families.
• Assist in autopsies as required. Operate standard office equipment such as a computer, copy/fax machine, calculator.
• Type accurately and efficiently.
• Safely drive an automobile.
• Physically perform the essential functions of the position.
• Work holidays, during inclement weather conditions, weekends, over 40 hours in a work week, and all shifts as needed.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Positions in this class typically require:

• Work performed in a variety of settings office and field.
• Sitting (when driving) or standing.
• Bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, handling and grasping various items while conducting investigations.
• Walking, balancing sometimes over rough, uneven or undeveloped terrain.
• Visual acuity sufficient to drive, read written materials and road signs, see detail of maps, gauges, etc.,
• Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately when conveying or receiving information or instruction.
• Exertion of force of 100 pounds with or without assistance occasionally, and/or 35 pounds frequently to lift/carry/move objects, files, and other materials.

Incumbents may be:

• Exposed to unfavorable working conditions such as in inclement weather, accident scenes, infectious disease, or blood-borne pathogens.
• Exposed to hazards while driving.
• Subject to 24-hour availability and must be willing to work non-standard hours, including long shifts, rotating shifts, holidays and week-ends, as required.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Prepare body for autopsy; weigh and measure human remains; incise body; dissect and remove organs; take tissue and fluids samples from the body and forward related information and samples to laboratories for further analysis; restore organs to body; and suture and clean body. Assist forensic pathology in the collecting and handling of trace, physical, and biological evidence and finger and palm prints. Ensure proper handling, transfers, labeling, and storing of histological specimens (tissue, blocks, slides).
• Ensure proper handling, transfers, labeling, and storing of histological specimens (tissue, blocks, slides); Perform computer data entry and retrieval; Prepare and file medicolegal evidence forms; and maintain records and data of work performed; Clean and maintain work areas.Do laundry and related activities.Implement safety and biohazard control measures and recordkeeping.
• Mix, handle, store, and dispose of chemicals. Operate x-ray equipment; take photographs of human remains; coordinate handling, storage, and transfer of film and photographs; and maintain all related records and files. Maintain inventory of morgue supplies, equipment, tools, instruments, and other replacement supplies.
• Transport human remains from hospitals, nursing homes, and other locations.
• Release bodies to funeral homes and other organizations. Document and transfer personal property and evidence and keep records. Assist in the removal, handling, and reconstruction of skeletal remains. Provide testimony in court or other legal proceeding as needed.

Other Job Duties:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Covered under a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME 1308. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Work hours may vary; but will include weekends, evenings and holidays. Flexible hours are available, as approved by management.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future openings.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental -Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
MetLife Long Term Disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will beprorated***

Additional compensation that you may be eligible for:
Shift differential
Overtime
Stand by pay
Call-back pay

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

Union Membership
This position is covered under AFSCME Local 1308 Courthouse Employees collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx