2523-Forensic Autopsy Technician

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB CODE TITLE: FORENSIC AUTOPSY TECHNICIAN JOB CODE: 2523

Business Unit: COMMN

Definition: Working in the Medical Examiner's Office under the overall supervision of the Chief Medical Examiner and the day-to-day supervision of the designated board-certified forensic pathologist, and following published protocols, the Forensic Autopsy Technician assists in the performance of forensic autopsies that are under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner; assists in the collection, processing and preservation of legal evidence, clothing, toxicology and biologic samples for forensic testing; maintains, cleans and decontaminates the autopsy facilities and equipment; maintains supplies; inventories, properly stores and releases correctly identified cases; and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features: Positions in this class are located at the Medical Examiner's Office, and are distinguished from positions in Class 2522 Senior Morgue Attendant in that they work with medico?legal cases and evidence, which may require courtroom testimony, while positions in the latter class are responsible for supervising activities at the San Francisco General Hospital autopsy facility.

Supervision Exercised: none

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

1. Assists the board-certified forensic pathologist in performance of medico-legal autopsies; assists the forensic pathologist and/or other forensic consultants in forensic examinations, such as dental or anthropology examinations.

2. Assists in the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biologic evidence for forensic analysis, including forensic toxicology, clinical chemistry, serology and microbiologic testing; packages and prepares evidence and specimens for storage or transport within a legal chain of custody; ensures proper biohazard waste disposal according to protocol.

3. Assists in the identification of deceased persons, including those that are badly decomposed; takes readable fingerprints from cadavers.

4. Registers the storage position of all deceased persons, and inventories those cases stored; confirms the identity and legal release of all deceased persons in accordance with departmental policies.

5. Maintains the autopsy suite and related facilities, supplies and equipment in a manner that ensures a safe worksite, free of biohazards; orders and stocks necessary supplies for the proper function of the facility.

6. Testifies in criminal courtroom proceedings as necessary.

7. Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications:

Knowledge of: procedures and protocols for assisting a physician in autopsies; general microbiology theory and human anatomy; universal biohazard standards and bloodborne biohazard precautions; proper use, care and maintenance of surgical and autopsy equipment, including equipment for cleaning and sterilization; techniques for aseptic and antiseptic cleaning and disinfecting; procedures and precautions for using potentially toxic disinfectants and chemical preservatives.

JOB CODE TITLE: FORENSIC AUTOPSY TECHNICIAN JOB CODE: 2523

Business Unit: COMMN

Ability to: effectively assist in forensic autopsies; safely move and lift to chest height bodies weighing 125 pounds; learn and apply procedures for handling and preparing evidence for chain of custody control; properly maintain facilities, equipment and supplies; work reliably and effectively as a member of a multi-faceted professional team; deal courteously and effectively with staff, co-workers, funeral directors and members of the public; read and fully understand department procedures, protocols, detailed sequential instructions, labels, identification, and other work-related materials, including Material Safety Data Sheets; understand work-related verbal instructions from departmental staff; listen effectively and ask appropriate clarifying questions; speak clearly and effectively in order to communicate work-related information; write clearly and maintain accurate records according to department policies and procedures.

Experience and Training Guidelines: one year of experience or formal training in a hospital or mortuary facility assisting in the care and handling of bodies as an autopsy assistant or technician.

Special requirements: Nature of duties may require sustained physical effort involving manual skill, dexterity, hand/eye coordination, standing for long periods of time and ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies. Work environments entail exposure to deceased persons with severe traumatic injury, decomposed bodies and infectious cases, biohazards such as AIDS, tuberculosis, meningitis, hepatitis or any other human infectious agent; exposure to potentially toxic chemicals, live steam and frequent use of personal protective equipment and respirators. This work requires strict compliance with the department policies pertaining to blood-borne pathogen exposure prevention, biohazard exposure prevention, toxic chemical exposure prevention, evidence handling policy and security requirements on evidence, standards and information. Because of the special and privileged information available about potentially sensitive matters, confidentiality is required. Inappropriate release of information could lead to a criminal charge of impeding an investigation.

Adopted: 3/7/83

Amended: 4/4/03

Reason for Amendment: to update and accurately reflect the current professional standards, tasks, knowledges, skills and abilities for this class.

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