The Forensic Technician conducts on-scene and collaborative death investigations, gathers and documents evidence and information, coordinates with law enforcement and medical professionals, manages the transport and handling of remains, communicates with families and other stakeholders and prepares clear investigative reports to support accurate determination of cause and manner of death.

This position assists forensic pathologists and pathology assistants in the performance of autopsies and investigations. They are responsible for technical aspects of the autopsy, weighing, lifting, and moving the body, cleaning the body and assisting with photography and radiology studies as directed by the pathologist. This position involves general autopsy room cleaning and maintenance, updating and proper disposal of tissues, and stocking of supplies. The position will involve working with funeral homes and others to move and arrange transport for decedents.

Duties & Responsibilities

Death Investigations

Independently responds to and processes death scenes in varied environments, including residences, healthcare facilities, and public locations, often outside normal business hours.
Conducts systematic death scene investigations, including observation, documentation and interpretation of scene conditions, body position, postmortem changes, medications, and medical devices.
Performs visual examinations of decedents to assess injuries and postmortem finding relevant to determining cause and manner of death.
Collects, documents investigative information through written, reports, photographs, and electronic case management systems, requiring accuracy and attention to detail.
Obtains relevant medical history and circumstantial information through liaising with law enforcement, medical personnel, and next-of-kin.
Communicates professionally and compassionately with next-of- kin and collaborating agencies.
Completes investigative reports in compliance with legal, regulatory, and professional standards.
Assists in ensuring quality assurance of death investigation case documentation and procedures.
As a delegate for the Medical Examiner for surrounding Minnesota and South Dakota counties, receiving all reports of unattended, suspicious deaths in accordance with statute. These calls are taken 24 hours a day/seven days a week, as and when they happen.
Maintains chain of custody through proper handling, documentation and logging of decedents and associated property during intake, transfer, and release from the facility.

General Autopsy Assistance

Movement and cleaning body as directed by the pathologist.
Assist on performing radiologic studies and/or photography of decedents.
Inventory clothing and personal effects of decedents.
Record weights and other measurements of decedents.
Assist with pro-section (dissection) of major organ systems, including head and neck under direction of pathologist.
Clean and suture body following autopsy examination, appropriately shroud decedent and release to funeral home.
Clean work and autopsy area following autopsy examination Information Management and Case Accuracy in Death Investigations and Autopsy.
Assist with entering information into case management system and associated databases.
Assist with file preparation of cases, including logging of toxicology and other studies.
Assist with inventory control and case completion logs.
Assure complete accuracy of information including names, case numbers, recorded information, dates, and times within case logs and case management system.
Perform audits as directed of cases within management system for completeness and information accuracy.
Assist with general office duties including ordering supplies, answering phones, assisting visitors and families to facility.

Quality assurance

Ongoing investigations for all cases to be sure all reports are gathered to include Law enforcement, EMS, hospital medical records, and other reports pertaining to the case.
Add additional forms to cases in MDI such as suicide form, fall form, firearm form, or whatever additional form that is pertinent to the case.
Develop QA forms and check all cases entered in MDI to ensure all investigators are entering the proper data to include body tracking.
Contact our doctors when the investigation of a case is complete so they can complete the case when toxicology is back.

Required Competencies

Demonstrated ability to complete detailed reports, maintain accurate case documentation, and manage case information systems.
Proficiency with electronic records systems, digital photography and standard office software applications.

Minimum Requirements

Associates degree in related field.
3 years of experience in autopsy assistance, medicolegal death investigation, forensic pathology operations or closely related clinical field.
Experience must demonstrate proficiency in postmortem procedures, documentation and case management.
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in forensic science, mortuary science, criminal justice or a related field.
Certification or eligibility for certification through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) or equivalent.
Experience working collaboratively with law enforcement, healthcare providers, funeral homes and grieving families in sensitive situations.