FORENSIC ATTENDANT

Forensic Attendant

The Department of Medical Examiner is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Forensic Attendant vacancies related to the homelessness crisis. Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment. Before the end of your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted 100%. Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Forensic Attendant.
Essential Job Functions

Drives a County vehicle to locations throughout the County to recover and transport bodies, specimens, or records from hospitals, nursing home, or other death scenes to the Medical Examiners facility.
Maintains vehicles in operational condition.
Keeps vehicle stocked with gurneys, stretchers, straps, sheets, and necessary supplies.
Recovers, lifts, and transports bodies to Department of Medical Examiner or other facilities.
Receives and processes bodies into Department of Medical Examiner facilities; places bodies on autopsy tables; prepares bodies for release; and releases bodies subsequent to post mortem examination.
Collects and preserves physical and medical evidence.
Performs case related data entry to Medical Examiners computer system; keeps a log on morgue activities; writes receipts for bodies, clothing, personal property, and evidence; fingerprints bodies in accordance with departmental standards.
Cleans autopsy room and sterilizes instruments and equipment; delivers soiled linen to laundry; returns clean linen to morgue and storage room.
Assist the Medical Examiner Investigators in physical recovery and lifting of decedents bodies, as needed
Assist in autopsy procedures, as needed.
Perform other related duties, as needed.
Requirements

Selection requirements: Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma -AND- One (1) year of experience in a hospital, morgue or ambulance service moving or transporting patients or decedents. License: A valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform job-related essential functions. Successful applicants for positions that require driving must obtain and present a copy of his/her driving record from the California State Department of Motor Vehicles before final appointment. License must not be currently suspended, restricted, or revoked. Desirable qualifications: One year of experience as an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professional, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Mortuary Removal Specialist. An Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree or higher, preferably in the following areas: Administration of Justice, Health / Physical Sciences, Nursing. Physical class: 4 - Arduous. Positions within this class involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting, or working on irregular surfaces; and occasionally requires extraordinary physical activity. Appointee must be willing to: Perform a variety of physically demanding activities, such as frequent lifting and moving of decedents and heavy equipment, climbing down rocky cliffs, carrying a piece of equipment up steep hills, or removing corpses from the ocean. Work ANY shift, including nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Work overtime in order to meet the legal requirements and/or departmental needs associated with death investigations. Drive 75-100 miles one-way using a County vehicle or personal vehicle to various death scenes throughout the County of Los Angeles (mileage reimbursement is provided by the County). Assist in the physical recovery, packaging, lifting, and moving of decedents bodies including infants, children and bodies that may be fragmented, burned and/or in advanced stages of decomposition. Work in highly stressful situations. Develop and apply effective coping and self-care skills that maintain physical, mental, emotional well-being, a healthy perspective, and a clear and appropriate set of boundaries. Work in death scenes that present a variety of difficult environmental challenges, such as strong odors, extreme temperatures, dilapidated living conditions, and/or rugged terrain.