Forensic Morgue Technician

KEY FUNCTION: 

Provide technical assistance to Pathologists in conducting autopsies and provide other technical services required to carry out examination and dissection of human remains in order to assist in answering questions legislated by the Coroners Act. 

REPORTING: 

Under the general direction of the Manager, Laboratory (Anatomical Pathology) and under the supervision of the Charge Technologist, Histology and Forensic Pathologist.

DUTIES:

1. Prepare for post mortem examinations, including prioritizing and scheduling as required.
2. Contact and coordinate the arrival of experts who are required to participate in various capacities, prepare equipment/instruments for post mortem, prepare and place body on autopsy table and ensure all documentation and specimens are delivered with body are made available to the Pathologist.
3. Assist the Pathologist with post mortem examinations, including, turning and lifting body, making incisions, evisceration of organs, weighing organs, working with police officers for identification and bring findings to the attention to the Pathologist.
4. Take evidence from body and correctly identify, store and label evidence.
5. Conclude post mortem examination by preparing the body for release (e.g. cleaning, suturing, and placing in storage).
6. Provide assistance with the process related to the receipt, labelling, storage, processing, sorting and disposal of forensic toxicology samples taken from all autopsies.
7. Assist with the storage and disposal of wet tissue from post mortem examinations, including management of relevant files and computer database as required.
8. Perform a variety of administrative functions including recording various items for documentation and maintaining records concerning post mortem examinations.
9. Perform maintenance and simple repair of equipment.
10. Complete documentation and adhere to strict confidentiality in medicolegal investigations.
11. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
12. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
13. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
14. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required. 
15. Perform other duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

1. Minimum of a two (2) year Diploma in a pathology related program from an accredited college.
2. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE: 

1. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working in a Morgue/Forensic Center department within a health care environment.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

1. Demonstrated knowledge and skills of autopsy procedures.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of legal documentation related to autopsy procedures and pathology.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of protocols for procurement of specimens with legal implications and chain of custody.
4. Demonstrated knowledge to complete documentation and adhere to strict confidentiality in medicolegal investigations.
5. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of lean methodology for process improvement.
6. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
7. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
8. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
9. Demonstrated ability to manage routine correspondence, multiple tasks/projects, diversified workload and rapidly changing priorities and challenging deadlines.
10. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
11. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.
12. Demonstrated knowledge of Medical Terminology.
13. Demonstrated excellent judgment and proven analytical skills.
14. Demonstrated ability to mentor students and support personnel.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY: 

1. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
2. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
3. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
4. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
5. Ability to travel between local sites if required.
6. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and patients.
7. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
8. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
9. Demonstrated ability to perform with minimal supervision; to prioritize duties.
10. Valid driver’s license with access to reliable vehicle.
11. Willingness to travel occasionally within Northern Ontario.
12. Demonstrated ability to work flexible hours as required.

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.