Morgue Specialist - C

Morgue Specialist - CPay Rate Min to Mid Range: $19.99 - $23.49Time Type: Full timeUnder direct supervision, is responsible for receiving and logging in bodies of decedents, evidence and/or property; responsible for assisting in the preparation of decedents and organ/body fluid specimens involved in postmortem examinations; maintains cleanliness and orderliness of morgue, morgue equipment and materials; enters decedent evidence and/or property data into computer system; maintains evidence/property/specimens in a secure environment; arranges for release of bodies after examination; and performs related duties as required. The position of Morgue Specialist I is the first position of the Bexar County Morgue Specialist family of jobs. The family of jobs is organized in a career path that extends from Morgue Specialist I (Pay Table NE, Grade 03) to Morgue Specialist II (Pay Table NE, Grade 05). Advancement through the career path is contingent upon achieving defined levels of productivity, skills, experience, and/or education.Duties and Responsibilities:Receives, photographs, tags and appropriately stores decedents and osteological/skeletal specimens under appropriate conditionsUndresses, washes, weighs, measures and photographs decedents in preparation for autopsy examinationAssists in opening abdominal, thoracic and cranial cavities during autopsy; removes, weighs and measures organ and fluid specimens; prepares histology cassettesCloses postmortem incisions utilizing surgical needles and sutures and ensures proper storage of decedents until releasePerforms and processes body and specimen x-raysFingerprints decedents prior to release and confirms adequate identification photographs were takenObtains, labels and transports specimens to Toxicology sectionEnters data regarding decedents and personal effects into the computer systemMaintains inventory of property in a secure environment ensuring the protection and preservation of the chain of custodyInventories medications of decedents and secures them appropriatelyMay contacts funeral homes regarding release and pick up of decedentsCleans and maintains autopsy trays, surgical instruments and equipment, body coolers, and the morgue work areasPerforms tissue destructionReceipts funds from decedents buried under the County's pauper burial program, when requiredMay testify in a court of law regarding tasks performedPerforms other duties as requiredMinimum Qualifications:Graduation from High School or General Education Development (GED) certificate and one(1) year general office and administrative experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working in a funeral home setting preferred.Knowledge of human anatomy; knowledge of health and safety standards and practices; knowledge of word processing, database and spreadsheet software; knowledge of basic office procedures.Skill in filing and organizing of material; skill in operating personal computer and basic office equipment.Ability to understand and follow instruction and strict operating procedures; ability to maintain records; ability to compile data and organize reports; ability to communicate with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, outside agencies and the general public.Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigationMust clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen testShift work to provide evening hour coverage is requiredMust secure and maintain a favorable background investigation from the FBI and/or Bexar County Sheriff's OfficeMay be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweekWorking Environment and Physical Demands:Constantly working in indoor conditionsWork environment involves exposure to blood, body fluids, surgical cutting, unfavorable fumes, vapors or odors and potentially infectious material; occasional exposure to flammable, toxic or other hazardous/bio-hazardous materials and radiationFrequently moves items weighing up to 20 pounds; occasionally moves items 200 poundsOccasionally moves about the officeFrequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate informationConstantly operates a computer and other office productivity machineryPositions self to perform essential functionsMust be able to remain in a stationary positionBexar County offers employees a competitive salary, retirement, and benefits. Many employee benefits are available to an employee's spouse/plus one qualifying adult and dependent child(ren). Employee benefits are strategically designed to support an employee and family, work/life balance.Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.