FORENSIC AUTOPSY TECHNICIAN II
22560
(Non-competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for assisting before, during and after the autopsy by performing a variety of related activities. An employee in this class is distinguished from Forensic Investigator I by virtue of the latter's primary activity of gathering pertinent information from police, medical, family, and other sources to assist the Medical examiner in the investigation of death. An employee in this class works under the direct supervision of the Medical Examiner or designated administrative or medical supervisor and, at the supervisor's direction and when necessary, performs some of the activities of the Forensic Investigator. Does related work as required.
Assists the Medical Examiner by set-up before and clean up after the autopsy and renders dissection and assistance as directed by the Medical Examiner during the autopsy.
Eviscerates and prosects; cleans and prepares decedents for release to funeral home.
Trains in various techniques utilized by the Medical Examiner in the conduct of autopsies.
Photographically documents wounds and areas of injury on the decedent.
May have to stand and/or climb on a footstool or examination table to take forensic photographs.
Packages and prepares evidence and specimens for storage or transport within a legal chain of custody.
Obtains fingerprints from decedents.
Ensures proper biohazard waste disposal according to protocol.
Performs x-ray examinations.
Processes decedents into the facility prior to examination and releases decedents to funeral homes.
Completes electronic chain of custody and other required documentation, and performs data entry.
Performs clerical tasks associated with the issuance of death certificates and the collection and tabulation of medical information related to the conduct of autopsies.
Completes medical supply and autopsy equipment inventory.
Participates in quality assurance review and complete reconciliation of property and evidence.
Assists other forensic consultants in forensic examinations, such as dental or anthropology examinations.
Assists in the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biologic evidence for forensic analysis, including forensic toxicology, clinical chemistry, serology and microbiologic testing as directed and according to established procedures.
Assists in the training of new employees and interns in Medical Examiner’s Office procedures.
Maintains morgue and autopsy rooms and floors in a clean, sanitary and orderly manner; cleans and sterilizes equipment; checks for proper ventilation and condition of equipment.
Uses county vehicle for performance of activities outside the Medical Examiner’s Office, including transportation of specimens and medical records.
Uses a computer for data input and tracking information.
Testifies at court proceedings as needed.
Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.
Thorough knowledge of universal precautions and safety guidelines.
Good knowledge of modern forensic and pathological laboratory principles and practices.
Good knowledge of medical nomenclature and anatomy.
Good knowledge of information needed to determine causes of death and New York State statutory requirements pertinent to Medical Examiners.
Good knowledge of various techniques utilized by the Medical Examiner in the conduct of autopsies.
Ability to assist in the training of less experienced and/or newly hired employees.
Ability to work flexible work hours, shifts, weekends and holidays, and is subject to call-in duty.
Ability to lift and move heavy bodies.
Ability to take photographs and x-rays.
Ability to learn laboratory procedures.
Ability to perform custodial work.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment necessary for performance of duties.
Ability to operate computers and use basic office programs.
Organizational skills.
Manual dexterity.
Clerical aptitude.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Promotional:
Five (5) years of permanent, competitive class status in the title of Forensic Autopsy Technician I.
Open Competitive:
A. Possession of a Bachelor’s* degree related to a science (eg: biological or physical science), Funeral Service Arts and Sciences or a health-related curriculum (eg: nursing) and two (2) years of full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, performing work equivalent to a Forensic Autopsy Technician I, autopsy assistant, Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic, laboratory technician, organ/tissue procurement technician or nurse; or,
B. Six (6) years of full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, performing work equivalent to a Forensic Autopsy Technician I, autopsy assistant, Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic, laboratory technician, organ/tissue procurement technician or nurse.
*Note: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.
SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT:
When required to operate motor vehicles, employees must possess a valid Non-CDL or CDL with appropriate endorsements as required by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for the class of vehicle(s) being operated.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants will be required to undergo a State and national criminal history background investigation, which will include a fingerprint check to determine suitability for appointment. Failure to meet the standards for the background investigation may result in disqualification.
08/2022 Revised