2520-Morgue Attendant

Job description

CITY & COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

TITLE: MORGUE ATTENDANT

JOB CODE: 2520

INTRODUCTION

Under supervision, transfers remains of deceased persons and surgical specimens to autopsy room and prepares bodies for post-mortem examinations and assists with autopsy procedures; prepares and releases bodies to morticians; keeps morgue and autopsy room and equipment in clean and orderly condition; and performs related duties as required. Nature of work involves considerable physical effort and manual dexterity with considerable exposure to disagreeable working conditions.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the journey-level position in the Morgue Attendant series. It is distinguished from the 2522 Senior Morgue Attendant in that it has no supervisory responsibilities, and incumbents perform work that is less difficult than that performed by incumbents in the 2522 position.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Brings bodies of deceased persons from ward to morgue; wraps bodies in sheets and places in refrigerated compartment; checks storage box for proper temperature and anatomical position and proper identification of body.

2. Prepares bodies for post-mortem examination and pathological study by cleaning and washing, using necessary solutions; sets up instruments and containers for autopsy; places bodies on autopsy tables.

3. Prepares bodies for release to mortician after post-mortem examination by sewing up cavities, aspirating fluids and cleaning bodies.

4. Picks up tissue specimens from surgery and other clinics and performs specimen grossing, and specimen disposal or releases as requested.

5. Receives animal specimens and prepares them for examination, performs specimen dissection, and prepares tissue for testing at a reference laboratory.

6. Cleans autopsy room and sterilizes instruments and equipment; delivers soiled linen to laundry, returns clean linen to morgue and storage room, and performs disposal of chemical and biological waste.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: The techniques involved in the handling and preparation of bodies of deceased persons for post- mortem examinations or burial; hospital methods and procedures; the care of surgical instruments and equipment.

Ability and Skill to: Follow written and oral instructions; prepare simple records; deal tactfully and courteously with morticians and members of the family, of deceased persons; handle remains of deceased persons.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Possession of an associate�s degree (AA) or equivalent courses with concentration in Biological Sciences and Anatomy from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Six (6) months of experience conducting autopsies or surgical grossing in a hospital or medical examiner setting.

License and Certification:

Substitution:

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PROMOTIVE LINES

TO: 2522 Senior Morgue Attendant

FROM: Original Examination

ORIGINATION DATE: 01/12/1961

AMENDED DATE: 8/14/12; 05/19/16

REASON FOR AMENDMENT To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities defined in the most recent job analysis conducted for this job code.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN SFMTA SFCCD SFUSD

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation