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:

1. 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.
2. Locate and notify next of kin.
3. Obtain medical records, law enforcement reports and other information as needed.
4. Assist/direct/insure proper identification of human remains.
5. 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.
6. Ensures safe and effective working environment by maintaining clean work areas, equipment and instruments.
7. Take incoming requests for autopsies from regional counties as needed.
8. Organize, archive, send and receive histology samples, slides and block. Log, file, produce, and receive histology documentation.

 
Occasional Duties

1. Assist with educational activities.
2. Assist with inventory of supplies, evidence, and tissue specimens.
3. 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.