Job Summary
This position is located in the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), Office of the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Mortuary Unit. The Autopsy Assistant transports decedents and provides technical and clerical support to the Mortuary unit which operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The Autopsy Assistant works on an unfixed rotating schedule.
Duties And Responsibilities
The incumbent will be responsible for preparing the body for examination; participating in the performance of external examination procedures; performing routine and complex autopsy evisceration procedures. Recognizes and informs the Medical Examiner (ME) of anomalies and trauma. Restores the body following the completion of autopsy examination, and returns remains to refrigerated storage locations. Supports the ME in evidence and personal property collection processes. Ensures proper handling of evidence, and personal property; and completes corresponding chain of custody and electronic documentation procedures. Prepares specimens and maintains chain of custody for timely transport to external reference laboratories and consultants. Supports the ME in preparing specimens/organs and laboratory resources for presentation in conferences and consultations. Assists Medico-Legal Investigator (MLI), Forensic Investigator (FI) or Medical Examiner at death scene in performing initial examination and recovery of remains and evidence, as needed.
Ensures supporting documentation is completed and available for consultation and laboratory review. Performs routine and complex digital anatomical and dental x-ray procedures of the remains with varying levels of decomposition and trauma. Performs digital fingerprint procedures, as well as ink fingerprinting techniques on remains with varying levels of decomposition and trauma; collects sterile specimens for DNA blood cards and DNA analysis; and documents chain of custody and storage procedures. Coordinates the process for timely receipt and distribution of reports/results received from external laboratories and consultants. Maintains and updates all correspondence pertaining to laboratory testing and consultations in an electronic tracking system and case files. Communicates with external laboratories and consultants regarding testing availability, specimen handling guidelines, and report status.
Qualifications And Education
Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression. Examples of Specialized experience includes but are not limited to; assisting the Medico-Legal Investigators, Forensic Investigators, or Medical Examiners at death scenes in performing initial examination of remains; transporting of decedents' remains and ensuring compliance with chain of custody policies.
An associate’s degree in Forensics, Medical, or Mortuary Science or a degree in a related field and 2 years of specialized experience is Preferred.
Licensure and Certifications
Must possess a current and valid Driver’s License during the duration of employment in this position.
Working Conditions/Environment
The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion, including but not limited to long periods of standing, walking on rough surfaces or up/down multiple flights of stairs, bending, crouching, stooping, lifting and moving human bodies weighing more than 100 pounds. The incumbent is expected to drive agency vehicles in the retrieval of human bodies and transportation to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. During the process of completing duties, the incumbent will be exposed to emotionally intense and often disturbing scenarios.
Work in the field related to body recovery is performed under a variety of conditions and from various locations. Locations include but are not limited to hospitals, private/group homes, crowded public spaces, crime scenes, burned and abandoned buildings, underground tunnels, train tracks, natural and man-made disaster scenes. There is also a possibility of physical harm from grief stricken and hostile family members during body removal and identification procedures.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Incumbent works on a variable rotating schedule
Pay Plan, Series, Grade: CS-0640-09
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Duration of Appointment: Career Service Permanent
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in a collective bargaining unit represented by FAI Local R3-11 and union dues may be collected.
Essential Designation: This position is designated as Essential pursuant to Chapter 12 of the D.C. personnel regulations, Hours of Work, Legal Holidays, and Leave. The position is included in the Mass Fatality Plan of the OCME and the incumbent will be called upon to perform duties should circumstances arise that require the plan to be activated.
Position Designation: This position has been deemed security sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
