FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST

Job Specifications

Class Code:  PT9 Analyst:   MM

Date Originated:  6/12    Date Revised:

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; and 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; and 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.

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;

• Incumbents must be able to 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 manual 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:

· Four years of 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