Description

Waukesha County’s Medical Examiner's Office is seeking a part-time/temporary, Deputy Medical Examiner – Pathology Assistant to assist with its caseload.

This profession involves exposure to death on a daily basis. Job responsibilities are performed under the direction of the Medical Examiner Operations Supervisor and Forensic Pathologists and will focus on duties associated with assisting during autopsies and performing morgue related tasks.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the adaptability needed to work in a fluid environment in which pace and caseload can vary. Having organizational skills and being detail oriented are essential. Individuals should have the collaborative attitude necessary to work with peers to accomplish daily tasks as well as maintain a professional demeanor and rapport when working with outside agencies (Ex., Law enforcement, funeral directors, etc.).

Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in such areas as biological or medical science, anatomy, physical therapy, physical anthropology, medical technology, nursing, or a closely related field.
OR
A High School Diploma/GED and four (4) years of work experience in medico-legal death investigation, medical or biological sciences, police sciences, as a pathology or autopsy assistant; or a closely related area preferable in a medical examiner's or coroner's office.

Work Schedule:
A flexible, part-time schedule that includes daytime hours (typically between 8 am and 5 pm) Monday - Friday, and periodically on weekends and holidays. Scheduling of hours will be based on department needs with a focus on coverage for staffing shortages. Once trained, it is anticipated there will be an average of 20 -30 hours worked per month.

The hourly rate range for this non-benefitted position is $26.42 to $34.96, dependent upon qualifications.

Prior to hiring, candidates are required to pass a driver’s license and criminal background check, drug screen, physical exam, TB skin test and clearance to wear a respirator.

All communication regarding this recruitment will be sent via email.

Example of Duties

• Investigates deaths in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes, including evaluating death scenes, examining and preserving evidence, investigating the circumstances of death by obtaining personal data and medical history through records and interviews; and establishes initial assessment of cause and manner of death as natural, suicidal, accidental, or homicidal.
• Assists in the identification of decedent, and determines and coordinates proper disposition of the body, including removal and transportation of the body to the morgue.
• Notifies next of kin personally or in conjunction with other law enforcement and judicial agencies.
• Prepares reports documenting the facts and findings of all death investigations and other activities regarding the deceased.
• Examines bodies, investigates cause and manner of death and prepares and issues certificates, disinterment permits, subpoenas, and other legally binding documents for embalming and cremation.
• Assists in the collection, preservation, and chain of custody of bodies, criminal and physical evidence, specimens, and property.
• Collects, packages, and prepares specimens for tests, storage, or transport and maintains specimen inventory.
• Assists a forensic pathologist in the performance of medico legal autopsies.
• Releases bodies and property to the appropriate agency, funeral director, or family member and secures a receipt of the transaction.
• Takes photographs of bodies and other evidence at autopsies and at death scenes.
• Maintains autopsy facility, laboratory, equipment, and supplies in a clean and disinfected condition after use.
• Orders, stocks, and prepares necessary supplies for the proper operation of the morgue and laboratory.
• Establishes and maintains effective working and public relations with various local and state law enforcement agencies, federal officers, County departments, medical personnel, funeral service professionals, families, and the public.
• Testifies in civil and criminal court cases when necessary.
• Responds to reports of death on a 24 hour per day, 7-day per week basis on a rotating on-call basis.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential Knowledge and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge the Wisconsin State Statutes concerning investigation of deaths.
• Considerable knowledge of investigative techniques, principles, and practices used in the determination of cause and manner of death.
• Considerable knowledge of the causes and manners of death.
• Considerable knowledge of procedures involved in medico-legal autopsies.
• Considerable knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology especially pertaining to death and varying forms of trauma.
• Working knowledge of computerized department program software, internet access, and database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs.
• Working knowledge of techniques, methods, and procedures for the handling and preparation of evidence for chain of custody control.
• Working knowledge of occupational safety requirements and procedures, especially regarding hazardous materials and blood borne pathogens.
• Working knowledge of the procedures used to disinfect, clean, and sanitize equipment and facilities according to safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of the procedures for sterile specimen collection.
• Ability to utilize word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to secure facts through objective, independent, and thorough investigations; identify and interpret evidence; analyze data; and make appropriate determinations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships; and to communicate effectively and deal compassionately with grieving family members.
• Ability to take proper photographs of scene, body, and evidence for documentation.
• Ability to prepare, present, and maintain accurate, objective, and thorough reports and records.
• Ability to move and transfer human bodies of various weights and insuring preservation of any trace evidence.
• Ability to assist in the performance of autopsies, including the ability to use specialized autopsy and photographic equipment.
• Ability to maintain specimens and evidence logs and to maintain supplies in an orderly fashion.
• Ability to perform laboratory tasks such as specimen transfers and handling preserved specimens.
• Ability to deal with issues of death and dying on a daily basis, often in unpleasant circumstances.
• Ability to perform work in the field in varying types of terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to safely drive a County vehicle in the regular performance of duties.

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in such areas as biological or medical science, anatomy, physical therapy, physical anthropology, medical technology, nursing, or a closely related field.
  OR
• Four (4) years of work experience in medico-legal death investigation, medical or biological sciences, police sciences, as a pathology or autopsy assistant; or a closely related area preferably in a medical examiner's or coroner's office.

In addition to the above, candidates must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the essential job functions as listed in the Deputy Medical Examiner ADA Functions Worksheet (Download PDF reader). (Download PDF reader) Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supplemental Information

About Us

Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.

Waukesha County's pay plans, group insurance programs, and other benefit policies comprise a package that is highly competitive and satisfies the needs of its employees. This is intended to give only a brief summary of the employee benefit package. Additional information will be provided at the time of hire. Benefits for part-time positions are pro-rated.

Health Insurance
High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment (not to exceed ninety (90) days). Dependent upon participation in a health risk assessment, employees may be eligible for an employer contribution to their Health Savings Account.).

Waukesha Employee Health & Wellness Center
Employees of Waukesha County and their dependents (ages 2+) who are enrolled in health insurance have access to an onsite medical clinic operated by Everside Health. The clinic is located at 615 W. Moreland Blvd in Waukesha. Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance as all staff are employees of Everside Health. Providers of the clinic include a Board-Certified Physician, three Physician Assistants, one Physical Therapist, and one Health Coach.

The clinic is open Monday - Friday and has early morning to evening appointment times. Patients should be able to schedule same day or next day appointments for service. Services available include: health coaching, preventative/wellness care, non-preventative (illness/injury visits), immunizations, lab work, disease management, physical therapy, medication dispensing, and work-related injuries.

Office Visit Fees Cost
Preventative Care Free
Non-Preventative Care $28.00 per visit (After Deductible Met Copay is $0)
Physical Therapy $28.00 per visit (After Deductible Met Copay is $0)
Medication No separate charge
Medication Refill Appointments No Cost
Health Coaching No Cost
Office visit fees are applied towards health plan deductible and out-of-pocket maximums.

Employee Wellness Activities, Program and Fitness Center
24/7 access to a wealth of health tools and information on the wellness portal. On-going education programs, fitness challenges and classes. On-site fitness center.

Health Care Flexible Spending Account
This plan allows you to make pre-tax payroll contributions to use for the reimbursement of qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. The 2023 contribution limit is $3,050. This benefit is not available for employees enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
This plan allows you to make pre-taxed payroll contributions to use for reimbursement of your dependent care expenses. The IRS allows you to contribute up to $5,000 per year from your paycheck for child and/or elder care. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Dental Insurance
Waukesha County offers you a choice of two dental insurance plans. Coverage will begin on the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Vision Insurance
Coverage will begin the first of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Premium Option Plan
Employees are automatically enrolled in this pre-tax option. This plan allows you to pay your share of the health, dental, and vision insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. This means you pay less state, federal, and FICA taxes, thus saving you money. You can elect to pay on a post- tax basis if you prefer.

Vacation
Waukesha County’s vacation plan provides you with paid time off from work. Regular full-time employees are credited with forty (40) hours of vacation upon hire. Thereafter vacation is earned in one calendar year to be used in the next calendar year.

Full-Time Vacation Accrual Schedule

Holidays
Employees are eligible for eleven (11) paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, The Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day, and Two (2) Floating Holidays that are earned on February 1 and June 1 of each year.

Sick Leave
The Sick Leave Plan is designed to provide you with salary continuation in the event of personal injury or illness. Regular full-time employees earn sick leave at the rate of eight (8) hours for each month of work up to a maximum of nine hundred sixty (960) hours.

Long-Term Disability
Waukesha County pays the full premium on employee’s behalf for this benefit. The long-term disability insurance plan provides for a monthly income in the event of a disabling injury or illness which renders you incapable of performing your job. Coverage will begin the first of the month after hire date.

Life Insurance
Waukesha County pays the full premium cost on your behalf. You will be insured for an amount equal to one (1) times your prior year gross wages rounded to the next higher thousand dollars. In addition, you are insured for Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Voluntary Worksite Benefits
Waukesha County offers supportive voluntary benefit options for Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance. These benefits help pay for unexpected medical costs and other expenses. Each offering is ala carte so you can select the plan that is right for you and your family. Monthly payroll deductions for the Voluntary Supportive benefits are only offered as after-tax deductions, so any benefits received under these plans are tax-free.

Dependent Life Insurance
You may choose to elect dependent life insurance for your spouse and/or eligible dependents. Employees pay the full premium cost for dependent life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance
You may choose to purchase additional supplemental term life insurance. Employees pay the full premium cost for supplemental term life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Wisconsin Retirement System - Pension Plan
As a full-time employee, you will automatically be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System. This pension is administered by the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
You will be required to pay the employee’s share of contributions to the fund, while Waukesha County contributes the employer’s share. Employees are vested in their portion of contributions immediately and after five years of creditable service for the employer contribution.

Deferred Compensation
Waukesha County offers access to a 457 Deferred Compensation program that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time. Employees may contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basis.

Payroll Roth IRA
Waukesha County offers access to a payroll Roth IRA that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time.

Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan
This is a benefit funded by Waukesha County. Waukesha County will contribute up to $550 ($400 for Waukesha Deputy Sheriff’s Labor Union represented employees) per year into an employee’s RHS account. Funds are available to the participant following separation of employment and can be used for reimbursement of qualified medical expenses or qualified insurance premium payments that occur post-employment. Contributions begin the first month after date of hire. Contributions for employees represented by the Waukesha Deputy Sheriff’s Labor Union will begin the first of the month after twelve (12) months of employment with Waukesha County).

Social Security
During your working years, you regularly contribute a certain percentage of your income toward Social Security. Waukesha County matches your contribution, dollar for dollar.

Electronic Direct Deposit Program
Employees will be required to have their paychecks electronically deposited into the financial institution and account of their choice. Participants will receive a statement of earnings each payday as opposed to a payroll check.

Worker’s Compensation
As an employee of Waukesha County, you are protected under the Worker’s Compensation Act, which provides for hospital, medical, surgical care, and income loss payments for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Jury Duty & Witness Service
In the event you are subpoenaed for jury duty or subpoenaed to serve as a witness in connection with an incident occurring while at work, you will be eligible for paid leave.

Funeral Leave
In the event of a death in your immediate family, you will be allowed up to twenty-four (24) hours of leave with pay to attend the funeral.

Employee Assistance Program
Waukesha County offers access to a free confidential Employee Assistance Program for all employees and members of their household. The program provides a helping hand with such problems as stress, family & relationship concerns, alcohol or drug dependency, workplace conflicts, work life balance, depression and anxiety, parenting concerns, grief or loss, crisis situations, child or elder care resources, and convenience resources. Participants can receive up to eight (8) visits in person or telephonically with an EAP Provider per clinical issue per 12 months at no cost.

Tuition Assistance Program
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees who have passed a 6-month employment period are eligible for this program. The County will reimburse 75% of eligible educational costs up to $400 per semester (up to $800 per calendar year). Courses must be job-related and of direct benefit to the County or in a designated program to qualify.

Employee Discount Programs
Waukesha County offers discounts on Dell products, cellular service through U.S. Cellular, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and discounted rates on Microsoft 365 through Microsoft Home Use Program.

Pay for Performance
Employees are eligible for performance based merit awards with exceptional and commendable performance ratings.

Student Loan Forgiveness
Employees may qualify to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Special Programs - MyFedLoan).