Distinguishing Features of the Class

This is an entry level, skilled position in the Medical Examiner's Office responsible for assisting with the in-processing and release of decedents. The work involves responsibility for answering the office phone, collection of preliminary case information upon death notification, database data entry and record scanning, case file maintenance and custodial maintenance in the morgue, garage and other areas. Due to the nature of the position, employees may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

Performs in-processing of decedents (including lifting and moving heavy bodies under difficult circumstances, undressing, height and weight measurements, photographs, fingerprints, etc.) and release of decedents to funeral directors.

Answers and triages office phone calls and obtains preliminary information on death notification calls from various agencies and individuals in the community.

Performs custodial maintenance in the decedent processing and garage areas, stocks and cleans Medical Examiner's Office vehicles; stocks laundry; packages and prepares medical waste for removal and transfers documents in the confidential recycling bin from the 2^nd floor office to the garage removal bin.

Conducts training of new forensic attendant employees and assists with the development of training materials. Provides input/feedback on policies and procedures related to the work of the forensic attendant and participates in related quality assurance and improvement activities.

Performs radiographic imaging upon decedent intake and/or as needed to assist autopsy technician staff on the day shift.

Completes required chain of custody and case information data entry/paperwork. Documents and maintains custody of medications, and valuables associated with specific case investigations.

Performs general office duties such as database data entry, record scanning, case file set-up, filing, labeling and filing of microscopic slides and tissue blocks, and inventory.

May assist with other autopsy/morgue related duties related to transfer of specimens to the toxicology laboratory and other outside laboratory couriers. Assist with toxicology specimen accessioning with Toxicology Laboratory staff.

May assist with medical supply and autopsy equipment inventory.

Uses County vehicle for transportation of specimens and medical records and other errands as needed.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics

Working knowledge of proper grammatical usage, punctuation and spelling.

Working knowledge of equipment and systems used in an office.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, especially when meeting with and talking with relatives and family members of deceased persons under trying circumstances.

Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.

Ability to communicate basic information clearly and courteously by telephone or in person.

Working knowledge of universal precautions and safety guidelines.

Ability to work flexible 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 use computers with basic office programs.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, superiors and the public.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Ability to maintain records.

Basic computer skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma plus EITHER:

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s degree related to a science (eg: biological or physical science), Funeral Arts and Sciences or a health related curriculum (eg: nursing) or criminal justice/investigations and at least 200 hours internship experience observing or assisting with autopsy examinations and decedent processing, observing scene investigations and/or assisting with phones and records in a Medical Examiner’s office; or,
Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree related to a science (eg: biological or physical science), Funeral Arts and Sciences or a health related curriculum (eg: nursing) or criminal justice/investigations and one (1) year of paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience as a medical examiner’s office/coroner attendant, as a funeral director, or in an emergency medical service related field such as, but not limited to, firefighter, paramedic, health care provider or ambulance attendant; or,
Two (2) years of paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience as a medical examiner’s office/coroner attendant, as a funeral director, or in an emergency medical service related field such as, but not limited to, firefighter, paramedic, health care provider or ambulance attendant.

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.

05/2024 Date of Original Composition