Careers

Reports to: Morgue Supervisor, Chief Investigator, Forensic Pathologists.
Department: INVESTIGATIONS/MORGUE/HISTOLOGY
Position Description:
Under general supervision, receives and records reports of death; visits death scenes; conducts investigations; examines cadavers; prepares reports; prepares, secures and transfers valuables/evidence/specimen/ histology samples. Working conditions are in an office environment, morgue, histology laboratory and outside with exposure to temperature variations, damp-wet surfaces, hazardous-toxic atmosphere, decomposing cadavers, infectious diseases, hazardous materials and unfavorable fumes, vapors or odors; must have valid Ohio Drivers license. Shifts may be fixed or rotating at management’s discretion.  

Major/Essential Functions:
Perform medicolegal death investigations in Franklin County as authorized by the Ohio Revised Code, Section 313. Such investigations involve taking reports of death; determine jurisdiction; obtain circumstances of death from law enforcement, hospital staff, family, etc.; data entry, respond to scene of death; conduct scene investigation; photograph scene; examine cadaver for wounds and other evidence related to death; collect and secure evidence from body/scene as instructed by pathologist; arrange for transportation of body to morgue; inform next of kin what procedures are to follow and what steps they should take; prepare and submit death investigation report to pathologist/Coroner.
 

• Locate and notify next of kin.
• Obtain medical records, law enforcement reports and other information as needed.
• Assist/direct/insure proper identification of human remains.
• Prepares for autopsy and assists pathologist during autopsies by taking photographs, X-Rays, evidence collection and documentation, and other duties as needed. Perform dissection, evisceration, open the calvarium, label, store, secure and deliver toxicology/histology specimen. Accept and release bodies.
• Ensures safe and effective working environment by maintaining clean work areas, equipment and instruments.
• Take incoming requests for autopsies from regional counties as needed.
• Organize, archive, send and receive histology samples, slides and block. Log, file, produce, and receive histology documentation.
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  Occasional Duties
• Assist with educational activities.
• Assist with inventory of supplies, evidence, and tissue specimens.
• Special projects as assigned.


• Qualifications The ideal candidate is a graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Biological Science, Nursing or another related field, and one year experience in death investigations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation from Ohio BCI and the Franklin County Sheriff’s office; must acquire and maintain valid Ohio driver's license. Ability to effectively respond to inquiries, conflicts and and public relations issues; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, government agencies, outside organizations, the news media, and the general public. Knowledge of ORC 313 and related sections; knowledge of crime scene investigation procedures; knowledge of evidence collection and transfer techniques; knowledge of human anatomy; knowledge of criminal justice system; knowledge of medical terminology; knowledge of health and safety standards and practices. Skill in identifying trauma wounds; skill in operating camera. Ability to secure work area; ability to operate personal computer, facsimile, copier, digital cameras, vibrating bone saw.  
  
  Preferred Qualifications Registered or Board Certified medicolegal death investigator.  
  
  Physical Demands Physical requirements include lifting-carrying of 100-150 lbs. constantly; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computer keyboard. Subject to smelling, handling, walking, sitting, standing, bending, reaching and twisting to perform the essential functions.
  
  Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Matthew Caudill, Director of Operations, through our employment system. The employment system will remain open until filled.

 
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office seeks an additional forensic pathologist to join our team of four who are either board certified or have extensive pathology experience. We align ourselves with National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accreditation standards.
Qualified applicants will be expected to:

• Perform approximately 250-300 autopsy equivalents per year;
• determine the need for postmortem examination;
• perform autopsies and postmortem examinations and document findings in concise and accurate reports to determine cause and manner of death;
• collect evidence for law enforcement agencies;
• prepare reports of postmortem examinations and autopsies; case completion according to NAME standards;
• review medical records, police reports and toxicology results as required to accurately determine cause and manner of death;
• be on call one (1) week per month, including weekend examinations every fifth (5^th) week
• attend and participate in departmental meetings;
• direct morgue technicians in preparation of photographs and radiographs;
• supervise the work of assigned morgue technician to ensure that autopsies are done in an appropriate manner;
• answer inquiries from relatives and other interested parties as to the cause and manner  of death;
• offer professional consultation to outside agencies, including organ procurement organizations, criminal court officials and law enforcement and provide judicial testimony;
• direct medicolegal death investigators to ensure that pertinent information is received;
• participation in the QA process;
• teaching medical students, residents and students from local forensic science programs;
• participate in trauma conferences and Child Fatality Review meetings when required.

Our office receives about 3,200 reports of death annually and performs approximately 1,700 postmortem examinations annually (this number includes full autopsies and external examinations).  We are supported by 10 medicolegal death investigators who respond to the majority of jurisdictional scenes and staff the office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The office has a dedicated in-house Forensic Toxicology laboratory (accredited by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology) and X-ray services, as well as access to forensic dentists and forensic anthropologists.  Due to our affiliation with multiple area medical centers, consultations with clinical specialists are easily obtained.  We are also in the planning stages of a new state of the art forensic science center.
Columbus, Ohio
The office is located in Columbus, Ohio.  Columbus is the 15^th largest city in the United States with a population of 850,000.  It has been listed as one of the Best Places for Business and Careers (Forbes 2013), and was ranked a top ten city by Relocate America (2010).  Columbus offers the feel of a large city with the conveniences of smaller cities.
One of the best parts about Columbus is the relatively low cost of living compared to other large metro areas. While the average annual salary is only slightly below the national average, home sales prices, monthly rents and the overall cost of living are lower here than in other major metros around the country.
Columbus is a bustling place that doesn't lack for entertainment. The Short North Arts District is full of restaurants, shops, bars, concert venues, art galleries and more. The Gallery Hop, which takes place on the first Saturday of every month, is a great way to experience the artistic talent that Columbus has to offer. The Short North area is also home to North Market, a public market with more than 35 vendors offering diverse, local cuisine, fresh produce, gifts and more.
Columbus also encompasses many parks and museums, including COSI (Center of Science and Industry), the Museum of Art, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Scioto Mile riverfront park. Special events and festivals take place throughout the year, and during the fall, the region lives and breathes football. The pride and joy of the city is the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Minimum requirements:

• Must have graduated from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy and obtain a current license to practice medicine in the state of Ohio prior to start date. 
• Must have completed an accredited fellowship in forensic pathology and be eligible or certified.
• Pass a rigorous background check.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of principles and practices of forensic pathology, laws, rules, and regulations governing death investigation services.  Team work, mutual respect, professionalism, affability and equanimity are critical. We have a team-oriented approach to case management. Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing; able to establish and maintain a positive professional working relationship with members of law enforcement agencies, as well as prosecuting and defense attorneys and carry the utmost respect for our decedents.  Ability to operate personal computer, including experience with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Power Point, Outlook, etc.).
 
The benefit package includes outstanding health, dental, life insurance, and state retirement plan. Deputy Coroner / Forensic Pathologist salary is between $150,000 and $160,000 depending on qualifications and experience.  There is an additional CME/professional fee allowance of $2,000 a year.
Contact:
To apply for this position candidates should submit a cover letter and copy of their CV via fax or email.  Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
 
Anahi Ortiz, M.D.
Franklin County Coroner
520 King Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43201
614-525-5290
614-525-6002 (fax)
amortiz@franklincountyohio.gov