Autopsy Specialist
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![]() United States, Massachusetts, Boston | |
![]() One Boston Medical Center Place (Show on map) | |
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POSITION SUMMARY: Reports directly to the Manager of the Autopsy Service. Responsibilities include following established procedures, assists Pathologist, resident and/or PA in performing autopsies in a hospital setting; maintains morgue area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition. Prepares related certificates and legal records for processing by hospital, funeral home and other agencies. Position: Autopsy Specialist Department: Pathology Schedule: Full Time ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES: PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs a thorough examination of the human body to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present under the supervision of a pathologist; this incudes eviseration or the removal of viscera, (internal organs, especially those in the abdominal cavity). Maintains competency assessment and continuing education Assists with coordinating continuing education and safety lectures required for the autopsy pathology unit. Learns, performs and trains other staff on all techniques required by the Medical Director for proper anatomic dissection. Assist with autopsy at the direction of pathologist, pathology resident and/or PA's including external examination, in situ organ inspection, evisceration, dissection and dictation or recording of data. Organizes eviscerated specimen for processing and storage in the autopsy suite and morgue area keeping all appropriate records as necessitated. Ensure all appropriate procedures are followed in the autopsy suite, morgue. Ensure that proper and legal authorization has been obtained to perform a postmortem examination. Arranges and coordinates the patient's chart and other pertinent data for review with the pathologist. Obtains biological specimens for analysis (blood cultures, viral cultures, toxicological materials, etc.) Assures proper restoration of the body for acceptable release to funeral director, indicating any biohazards such as contagious diseases, radioactive implants, etc.which may be present. Maintains all supplies and instruments in an appropriate fashion. Adheres to and trains staff to follow prion disease special procedures. Coordinates the process of obtaining authorization and obtaining/delivery of donated organs. Collects preliminary blood screening tests in order to comply to regulations relating to organ donations. Prepares patient history to accompany organs. Ensures all legally required paperwork is completed and accurate. Ensures physical condition of autopsy area, morgue and associated areas is kept in a clean and sanitary condition under BMC Safety and Biohazard guidelines. Communicates on behalf of the Decedent Affairs Office with regard to death certificates and body release authorization forms. Ensures that documents regarding release of deceased patients (death certificates, release authorization forms) are accurate and Ensures that the identity of the deceased patient has been confirmed, prior to release, by correlating the death certificate with patient name tag, wrist band, toe tag etc. Communicates with families of deceased patients. Assists and guides with issues pertaining to the mortuary service. Performs all administrative tasks as instructed Assists with area maintenance to include cleaning and restocking after each case. SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Must be realistic, objective, measurable and related to essential functions of this job. Knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology Knowledge of Universal Precautions; Chemical Hygiene Plan and basic laboratory safety Must be able to read / write English; understand Procedure manuals, Universal Precautions, Safety, and Chemical Hygiene Plan Manuals Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both in person and over the telephone Attentive to detail Ability to follow established technical and clerical procedures Must be precise in performing technical tasks Must have manual dexterity and motor coordination Must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs. CERTIFICATIONS N/A EDUCATION: Minimum of a High School Diploma. Courses in medical terminology, and anatomy highly desirable. One year of Autopsy Assistant experience preferred. EXPERIENCE: On the Job Training consisting of one week to three months (dependent on past practical experience), previous autopsy experience preferred. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS (Responsible for on-call, 24 hr. coverage, etc.): Exposure to formaldehyde and potentially disease bearing specimens. May provide weekend coverage. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or "apps" job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment. |