Job Specifications
|
Class Code: PT9 Analyst: MM, CL |
Date Originated: 6/12 Date Revised:5/25 |
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
DEFINITION
Under general direction, to perform autopsies and other professional work in forensic pathology to determine cause and time of death; to act as a professional consultant and provide expert witness services; and to do other work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single-position class in the Sheriff-Coroner•s Office and is responsible for directing and coordinating the forensic pathology activities. This class is distinguished from other Physician classes in that it requires specific training; experience and board certification in the specialty of forensic pathology, as well as the performance of duties associated with the medico-legal investigation of death or injuries.
TYPICAL TASKS
• Establishes standards for conducting autopsies and maintaining chain of custody;
• Performs forensic autopsies and external examination of bodies;
• Evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information in order to establish cause and time of death and whether death was due to natural causes, accident, suicide, homicide, or is undetermined;
• Collects medical evidence such as trace evidence and secretions;
• Performs chemical and/or microscopic examinations of tissues and fluids;
• Submits samples of body fluids, tissues and other findings to laboratories for toxicology and clinical laboratory examination when analysis may be required;
• Performs forensic scene investigations;
• Directs crime scene investigators for evidence collection;
• Directs and ensures the preservation of legal, physical, and medical evidence, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained;
• Performs scene reconstruction;
• Dictates medical findings and prepares case reports on observations and interpretations;
• Confers with judicial, law enforcement and medical personnel and assists in interpreting autopsy findings for the purpose of reconstructing events leading to the determination of causes and manner of death;
• Develops, plans and prepares standardized procedures and protocols;
• Testifies in court and legal proceedings;
• Provides forensic pathology services in emergencies that include natural disasters, major incidents and civil disorder;
• Provides training in forensic evidence collection and death investigation to law enforcement personnel;
• Provides technical direction to the Coroner Forensic Technician;
• Oversees the work of contract forensic pathologists as necessary;
• Provides advisory and consultative services to Sheriff•s Office personnel, law enforcement agencies, District Attorney and various governmental bodies and to Public Health Service professionals.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge:
Thorough knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of modern medicine and autopsy techniques;
• Current and highly specialized techniques, investigative procedures and equipment utilized in forensic pathology, including applicability of toxicology, ballistics/firearm examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic anthropology, DNA technology and interpretation of histology and clinical chemistry necessary to determine the circumstances, cause, manner, and time of death;
• Forensic evidence collection techniques and procedures;
• Rules and regulations applicable to court testimony;
• Statutes, ordinances, regulations and medico-legal issues related to the Coroner Medical Examiner and death investigation;
• Current safety practices and issues pertinent to Public Health;
• Principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership.
Ability to:
• Perform pathological medico-legal examinations, investigations, and autopsies.
• Review and evaluate complex investigations, autopsy reports, evidence discovered at death scenes and other specific findings to establish the cause of death.
• Keep informed of current techniques, procedures and equipment in forensic pathology.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, comprehensive and concise records and reports.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Testify clearly and concisely in court trials, inquests, and legal proceedings.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work.
• Provide technical direction to subordinate staff.
• Oversee the work of contract forensic pathologists.
• Work while standing for long periods.
• Move bodies of decedents for inspection, analysis and autopsy.
• Operate and move laboratory tables carrying decedents.
• Pushing, pulling, and lifting decedents with appropriate equipment and assistance as necessary.
• Possess sufficient physical dexterity to manipulate and operate laboratory equipment.
• Work closely in cooperation with crime scene investigators and detectives.
Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
• Experience working as a licensed physician in the field of Forensic Pathology.
Special Requirements:
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Physician and Surgeon•s License issued by the State of California.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid certificate in anatomic and forensic pathology issued by the American Board of Pathology.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver License or the incumbent must provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.
Background Investigation:
• Successfully pass a complete background investigation.
Special Working Conditions:
• Work in bio-hazard environment, subject to fumes, odors, blood and other bodily fluids, and communicable diseases.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, which may include weekends, holidays and shift work.
• Mentally and physically capable of performing the classification•s essential functions as summarized in the typical tasks section of this job specification.
Previous Class Title: None
Bargaining Unit: 08
EEOC: 02
Occupational Group: 61
Worker•s Compensation Code: 0290