Pathologists' Assistant/Laboratory Manager

Full Job Description

Requirements

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

This is a rare opportunity for a Pathologists’ Assistant to get into a managerial position as a Laboratory Manager at the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.

You will be responsible for supervising and managing the forensic autopsy technician and transport agent team.

You will work collaboratively with the forensic pathologists, the director of operations, and the administrative and technical units to improve efficiency and quality of work, further modernize processes, and assist in our goal of becoming a recognized leader in the field.

Work will be performed between an active autopsy suite and a personal office space.

Our office is a medium-sized, dynamic medical examiner's office responsible for jurisdiction over one county.

Pierce County is a beautiful county with a quickly growing population of approximately 939,000 residents. There are local beaches, gorgeous walking trails, parks, the Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier.

There is never an end to the beauty and enjoyment that the Puget Sound region provides.

Why It's a Great Department:

We serve the living through professional death investigations and forensic postmortem examinations, up to and including autopsy.

We work together both within and across teams to provide forensic pathology and death investigation services that are timely, accurate, thorough, and independent from outside influences.

You will assist this close-knit staff that performs a critical role for Pierce County.

PCMEO is a stand-alone, secure forensic autopsy facility accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).

The office currently has a Lodox™ full-body radiography machine and is undergoing a facility improvement to incorporate advanced imaging computed tomography (CT) into the daily workflow.

PCMEO is a modern, moderate-volume, well-equipped four-autopsy station facility with four full-time forensic pathologists, including the Chief Medical Examiner.

The office is at the forefront of applying advanced imaging technology and electronic case management systems to streamline workflows and optimize efficiency.

A facility renovation project is underway and designed with an eye toward future growth. Your office is fully equipped with modern technology and furnishings. Parking is secure, free, and on-site.

For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking here.

Inside Pierce County-Death Investigations: https://youtu.be/BI9syvdtgTM
About Our Facility: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1121/Autopsy-Suite

How to be Successful in the Role:

Bring your knowledge of forensic science, process improvement, and quality assurance, along with your ability to manage people, effectively problem solve, and communicate, and you are sure to succeed.

You will provide ongoing training and supervision for forensic autopsy technicians and the transport agent.

You will perform postmortem examinations, including external exams, partial autopsies, and complete autopsies.

You will manage and oversee maintenance, repairs, and projects involving technical equipment used in the autopsy suite, morgue coolers and related areas.

You will play a large role in the introduction of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) into the daily workflow.

Your role will be extremely important to the advancement and quality of our practice of forensic medicine and to ensure that the integrity of evidence is maintained.

Your Future in this Role:

You will be part of the second-largest medical examiner's office in the State of Washington.

We are an office with a mission to serve the living through death investigations and postmortem examinations.

The vision of the PCMEO is to have a regional reputation of excellence, accomplished through providing timely, accurate, and thorough services.

Your role is crucial to the quality and efficiency of autopsy and technical services provided to Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Supervise and manage assigned staff work assignments, training, development, and performance management.
• Plan for and coordinate development of new and existing postmortem imaging practices, including but not limited to computed tomography (CT) scanner installation and setup, routine use, staff training, maintenance, troubleshooting. Evaluate staffing needs to operate the CT scanner.
• Performs and/or assists pathologists in postmortem examinations including external examinations, partial autopsies, and complete autopsies.
• Oversees the implementation of new technologies applied to forensic autopsy examination.
• Evaluates, develops, and implements technical protocols and procedures for autopsy services, as appropriate. Provides ongoing training to forensic autopsy technicians and transport agent(s).
• Actively participates in quality improvement/quality assurance (QI/QA) of technical services; included development and maintenance of QI/QA manual and related materials.
• Responsible for National Association of Medical Examiner’s (NAME) Accreditation activities as they related to the postmortem exams and body handling, morgue capacity, etc.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

• Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year for year basis.
• Bachelor’s degree and subsequent graduation from a Pathologists’ Assistant program (a two-year program that results in a master’s degree).
• Demonstrated expertise acquired through two or more years of actively contributing to autopsy procedures and pathology laboratory operations.
• Proficiency extends to encompassing both fundamental and advanced postmortem evisceration techniques, as well as adeptness in toxicology and diverse postmortem specimen collection methodologies.
• Two or more years of supervisory experience.
• Please attach a copy of your resume and cover letter. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification by American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants or American Society of Clinical Pathology is desired.
• Experience with management of other employees, to include performance and coaching with progressive discipline in a represented environment.
• Experience working with forensic pathologists in a Medical Examiner/Coroner office setting.

Special Requirements and/or Qualifications:

• Employees in this classification are subject to 24-hour availability and must be willing to work non-standard hours as required.

• Must meet travel requirements.
  

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.This is a competitive selection process.

Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?