4A47F
FORENSIC SERVICES MANAGER

This is managerial forensics work directing, through subordinate supervisors, the activities of forensics units engaged in the investigation of sudden or unusual deaths and the processing and dissection of bodies for post mortem examination. The employee in this class establishes and implements plans and strategies regarding the direction, evaluation and training of a staff responsible for the investigation, handling, processing and disposition of cadavers under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner. Monitoring and controlling around-the-clock morgue activities, developing and implementing appropriate safety standards and establishing and maintaining effective relationships with associates, representatives of private and governmental agencies, decedent's representatives, family members and the general public are significant aspects of the work. The employee in this class reports to the Medical Examiner and also receives direction from a higher level administrative superior.

• The position must be located in the Medical Examiner's Office.
• The position must direct, through subordinate supervisors, death investigation and morgue operations for the entire City.
• Only one position may be allocated to this class.

• Directs, through subordinate supervisors, the operation of forensic services of the Medical Examiner’s Office including death investigation and morgue operations; establishes and implements plans and strategies for achieving objectives and goals; evaluates work for quality and productivity; develops and implements initiatives to improve and modify existing processes; assesses budgetary needs; directs the control and maintenance of adequate inventory levels; directs the development and implementation of safety standards and procedures to be followed by staff personnel; periodically accompanies employees to death scenes to observe investigation and recovery activities; insures staff compliance with effects and evidence procedures; develops programmatic policies and procedures concerning identification of decedents, notification of next-of-kin, body pick-up and release, serving subpoenas, photography, effects and evidence.
• Manages a computerized data information system for record keeping, analysis and evaluation purposes; prepares statistical and narrative reports; determines appropriate solutions to various operational and administrative problems in such areas as personal effects, evidence collection and storage, and interdepartmental and interagency cooperation.
• Directs, through subordinate supervisors, morgue operations including the processing and dissection of bodies for post mortem examination; consults with pathologists regarding performance of forensic technicians; insures the continuous updating of new techniques in the field; selects equipment and supplies to be utilized in the autopsy area; oversees the maintenance of specimens and specimen bottles and disposal of specimens and waste matter; researches supplies needed for infectious disease cases; directs the pick-up and release of bodies and morgue and scene photography.
• Manages staffing and work scheduling to effectuate the most productive and cost-effective use of personnel; assesses overtime needs; provides or recommends special on-the-job training as needed; establishes procedures to monitor, evaluate and control job activities and responsibilities; confers with subordinate supervisors in coordinating various functions and effecting planned work; provides technical direction to subordinates in complex or difficult situations; works toward resolution of labor relations issues; receives and reviews employees’ grievances and confers with union officials to discuss corrective measures; attends disciplinary hearings and determines final course of action.
• Represents the Medical Examiner on various committees and boards; appears before a variety of organizations to discuss the medico-legal role of the Medical Examiner’s Office; interprets the intent and impact of statutes and regulations on the Medical Examiner’s Office; participates as a member of a mass disaster response team in order to identify victims, notify victim’s families and collect and maintain evidence relating to identity and cause and manner of death.
• Monitors and recommends health and safety response in areas such as heat-related deaths, infectious and communicable diseases, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and cosleeping deaths, consumer product deaths, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse and neglect, and reports cases to the relevant agencies; prepares a wide range of reports on operational activities; testifies in court as to the result of investigations in criminal and civil cases.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• principles of crime and accident investigation, identification and preservation of physical evidence and methods used in presenting evidence in court
• photographic, fingerprinting and interviewing principles and techniques
• laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, executive orders, agency rules and regulations pertaining to the investigation of deaths
• recognized medical causes of death
• safety precautions related to forensic investigations
• the methods, practices and procedures used in the dissection of bodies
• the clerical and related procedures involved in receiving and releasing bodies
• surgical instruments and related equipment needed to dissect cadavers and remove organs
• administrative principles, practices and techniques for an autopsy area
• computer entry and retrieval methods and software applications related to work assignment
• supervisory methods and techniques
SKILL IN:
• problem-solving among organizational levels to achieve mutual objectives
ABILITY TO:
• collect, analyze and synthesize information related to cause and manner of death which reflects the investigation and supports the examination and determination by the Medical Examiner
• formulate new or alternative strategies to achieve organizational goals and objectives
• read complex materials that convey scientific, technical, medical, or legal information
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
• direct a staff of forensic investigators and forensic technicians, through subordinate supervisors
• establish and maintain effective relationships with associates, representatives of private and governmental agencies, decedent’s representatives, family members and the general public
• maintain records and prepare reports

EDUCATION
• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
• Five years of experience performing investigations of sudden or unusual deaths or processing and dissecting human bodies for post mortem examination in a forensic pathology laboratory or Medical Examiner's Office.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
• Three years of experience supervising investigations of sudden or unusual deaths OR Four years of experience supervising the processing and dissection of human bodies in a forensic pathology laboratory or Medical Examiner's Office.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department that has included the specific experience.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Forensic Services Manager.