Job Details

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Morgue Specialist

SALARY:

$46,683.25 - $60,380.89

DEPARTMENT:

Health Department

Closing Date:

02/02/2024 12:00 a.m.

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement or Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under direction, receives, stores and releases bodies with proper authorized documentation for administrative and legal purposes according to established policy and procedure. Prepares, lifts, transports and carries bodies for autopsy, assists in the conduct of autopsies, cleans and maintains areas of the morgue, may perform various clerical duties as assigned and performs related duties as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Receives, stores and releases bodies with proper authorized documentation, for administrative and legal purposes according to established policy and procedure.

Prepares, lifts and transports bodies for autopsy; assists in the conduct of autopsies, including decomposed bodies.

Cleans and maintains areas of the morgue.

Orders and maintains autopsy and morgue supplies.

Ensures that the proper instruments and supplies are available when assisting with an autopsy.

Assists in preparing and mailing necessary toxicology specimens and kits to labs.

Lifts and transports bodies, moves and carries equipment and supplies to assist with the conduct of autopsies.

Photographs autopsies to maintain complete records of Medical Examiner cases.

Works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies, funeral homes and others concerned with individual cases.

Performs x-rays, fingerprints, and other appropriate procedures to gather and document evidence during autopsies.

Performs general clerical work, including but not limited to: maintaining records, generating invoices, preparing daily logs, various spreadsheets and other related duties.

Provides on call coverage for weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

May make court appearance in Medical Examiner cases if subpoenaed.

Performs related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience

• Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license, operable automobile and insurance

Preferred Education and Experience

• An Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Mortuary Science or Forensic Science, or a directly related field from an accredited college

• Previous experience assisting with autopsy or morgue related duties

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:

Knowledge of:

• Legal requirements, rules and procedures that pertain to investigative operations

• Criminal statutes of Michigan pertaining to accidental death, suicide and homicide, including laws of evidence

• Photography and video equipment

• Microsoft Word and Excel programs

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff and the public

• Providing customer service to internal and external customers via phone, email and in person

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

• Organization and time management

• Operating personal computers with current versions of office efficiency software and applications

• Performing data entry to multiple types of database applications for registration, enrollment, service provision, billing, inventory and statistical review and reporting

Ability to:

• Make decisions under adverse conditions in accordance with established policies and procedures

• Handle the activities of the office with compassion and respect for human dignity

• Communicate under adverse conditions with distressed people

• Read, write and follow detailed written and oral instructions 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, law enforcement agencies, outside professionals and the public

• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, Department Heads, Staff Union Officials and public

• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy