Position/Program Information
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL EXAMINER-CORONER
Exam Number
P4887E-R
Type Of Recruitment
Open Competitive Job Opportunity
Filing Start Date
Applications will be accepted starting on October 17, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. (PT).
This examination will remain open until the needs of the service are met and is subject to closure without prior notice.
Reposting Information
This announcement is a reposting to reopen the filing period and update Additional Information.
___________________________________________________________________________________
The Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner investigates and determines the circumstances, manner and cause of all violent, sudden or unusual deaths occurring within the County.
Each year approximately 18,000 cases are reported to the Department, of which about half fall within its jurisdiction. The Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner conducts about 5,700 autopsies per year, making it one of the largest coroner’s offices in the world. It has also become one of the most technologically advanced offices in the world, due to the complexity of cases investigated, including numerous high profile cases.
What You Will Do
As a Forensic Technician I you will assist pathologists in performing autopsies at the Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. This position requires incumbents to lift and move heavy equipment and decedents while preparing for, and assisting in, autopsies and other job-related duties.
Essential Job Functions
Prepares decedents for post-mortem examinations by removing specified decedent or specimen from crypt storage area and placing it on the autopsy table, verifying decedent's identity from a toe and ankle tag, setting up the necessary equipment instruments and solutions in order to ensure compliance with Federal and State laws, County ordinances, safety guidelines, and departmental policies.
Assists the pathologist in performing autopsies by opening the cranium, thoracic and abdominal cavities using tools; excising and dissecting organs and specimens using instruments; obtaining blood samples and other body fluids for toxicological examinations; recording weights of organs and body fluids; preparing specimens for cultures; filing pathologic specimens; suturing and cleaning bodies; and returning decedents to crypt storage area under close supervision.
Assists in performing minor laboratory work by preparing specimens for examination and assuming responsibilities for the proper storage of specimens.
Assists the pathologist in identifying, gathering, and properly storing physical evidence by maintaining a proper chain of custody to ensure the integrity of the collected evidence in compliance with the Federal and State rules regarding evidence collection, safety guidelines, and departmental policies and procedures.
Cleans and maintains the autopsy room, equipment, and tools by sterilizing instruments, removing soiled linens, stocking clean linens and other necessary supplies to ensure proper and safe functioning of the autopsy room and equipment.
Takes custody of the decedent's personal effects (e.g., money and valuables) by creating a written inventory of decedent's collected property in the presence of a witness, storing them at the Department or securing them at the death scene in order to safeguard or properly transfer the possession of said property to the decedent's next of kin.
Interacts with a variety of individuals to collaborate with other Coroner staff and law enforcement agencies and provide general information to families and members of the public in order to represent the Department in a professional, sensitive, and empathetic manner and facilitate communication and cooperation between the Department and interested parties.
Prepares a variety of written documents by compiling and organizing the necessary information and composing the text in a logical manner using appropriate computer software programs in order to facilitate accurate and effective communication, reporting, and record keeping within the Department.
Complies with all applicable health and safety standards by following the applicable guidelines and reporting defects or problems so they can be appropriately addressed or repaired in order to maintain a clean, safe, and professional work environment.
Provides testimony in judicial proceedings by conveying procedural and/or technical information related to procurement of evidence and/or property during the autopsy with professionalism and clarity in order to accurately represent the findings determined by the Department, as needed.
Requirements
We are looking for dedicated individuals who have either:
Option i
One year* of experience handling, transporting, and preparing deceased persons for post-mortem examinations and subsequent release at the level of Forensic Attendant**.
Option Ii
An Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree***, or higher, in Mortuary Science.
License
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
Physical Expectations
This class involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting, or working on irregular surfaces; and occasionally requires extraordinary physical activity.
Special Requirement Information
- One year is defined as full-time work of forty (40) hours per week for twelve (12) months for a total of 2080 hours or more. Performance of the required duties on a part-time basis will be prorated to equivalent full-time basis.
- Experience at the level of Forensic Attendant in the County of Los Angeles is defined as transporting and preparing decedents for post-mortem examinations and for release to mortuary subsequent to examination.
- In order to receive credit for an Associate's degree or higher, you MUST include a legible copy of the official diploma, official transcripts, or an official letter from the accredited institution, which shows degree has been conferred with the area of specialization at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from application submission by either uploading the required documents as attachments or submitting via email to csears@hr.lacounty.gov . These documents should clearly indicate the degree received in the English language, the date when the degree was conferred, and should be in either Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or JPEG file format and must be less than 5.0 MB in size per document.
Please note if applicants do not submit a copy of their official diploma, transcript, or official letter from the accredited institution at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from submission of their application, their application will be considered as incomplete.
Endorsement Of County Qualifications
County employees who wish to meet the Option I requirements using out-of-class experience must provide official documentation such as additional responsibility bonus, out-of-class bonus, temporary assignment bonus, or reclassification study from CEO Classification with your application at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from application submission. Employees do not need to submit such verification if they hold or have held the Forensic Attendant position or a position deemed to be at equivalent level. Out-of-class duties should be accurately described in the application work history, and questionable experience will be verified through the departmental HR Manager when necessary.
Withhold Information
No withholds will be allowed for this examination. All required education or experience must be possessed at the time of filing.
