Forensic Autopsy Technician (Open & Promotional) Government Job Dept-T070L Full Time

Forensic Autopsy Technicians assist pathologists in the performance of autopsies where trauma, unnatural or suspicious deaths are examined; maintain the morgue and autopsy room in sanitary and orderly condition; provide temporary care of decedents in custody.
 
The selected candidate must be available to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays. The current vacancy is located at the Coroner’s Morgue at San Mateo Medical Center. To learn more about the Coroner’s Office, visit: https://www.smcgov.org/coroner. 
 
The ideal candidate:

• Will have at least one year of experience in a hospital setting (nursing, laboratory, or health sciences), a Coroner or Medical Examiner’s Office, or morgue.
• Is knowledgeable of human anatomy/physiology, autopsy procedures and equipment, methods of removing organs or preparing bodies for mortuary.
• Will have the knowledge and ability to package and preserve property and evidence according to department policy and maintain chain of custody.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies. 

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Handle the remains of deceased persons and to assist in autopsies.
• Maintain morgue and autopsy room in a clean and orderly condition.
• Maintain records and adequate inventory of knives, reagents and other instruments and materials used in autopsies and surgical pathology.
• Assist in enforcing institutional rules of privacy, decorum and cleanliness in the morgue and autopsy room.
• Maintain routine records; performs custodial duties in the morgue, autopsy room and adjacent areas.
• Takes bodies from refrigerator and places them on autopsy tables.
• Assist pathologist during autopsies, including opening cranium and replacing organs; sutures and cleans bodies after autopsies.
• Take photographs and x-rays.
• Assemble blood and urine collection kits.
• Clean and wash glassware used in tests.
• Record weight of organs and bodily fluids.
• Prepare specimens for cultures.
• File pathologic specimens and performs minor laboratory work.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
 
One year of experience in a hospital or morgue providing a working knowledge of hospital, laboratory, morgue or mortuary sanitation methods and procedures.
 
 Knowledge of:

• Policies and procedures related to the Coroner’s Office.
• Hospital cleaning methods, materials, equipment and septic and antiseptic procedures.
• Materials, equipment and instruments used in the performance of autopsies.
• OSHA compliance rules and regulations.
• Techniques of x-ray collection, and photography including x-ray safety and best practices.

 Skill/Ability to:

• Keep detailed records, including specimen and evidence control.
• Lifting and maneuvering heavy weights.
• Prioritize work and coordinate several activities.
• Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.  Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates’ application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County’s website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County’s website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Thursday, June 22, 2023 by 11:59PM PST
Application Screening: Week of July 3, 2023
Panel Interviews: Week of July 17, 2023
 
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Ximena Burns (06082023) (Forensic Autopsy Technician – T070)