At Houston Methodist, the Autopsy Technician position assists pathologists/residents/pathology assistants in performing autopsy procedures. Responsibilities for this position include processing and preparing bodies for autopsy procedures appropriately, including the proper receipt, transport (when applicable) and release of bodies as indicated; and supporting other Anatomic Pathology lab functions by performing uncomplicated laboratory procedures that involve single-step processes. Other duties for the Autopsy Technician position include accurately processing, organizing, labeling and transporting specimens for laboratory testing; and inputting and extracting data from the laboratory computer system for autopsy and surgical purposes. This position follows established procedures set forth by Houston Methodist, Medicare and other regulatory agencies. **PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS** + Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. **SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS** + Prepares the bodies received in the morgue for the autopsy procedure. + Hand delivers specimens that cannot be sent through the pneumatic tube system. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas. + Follows up with physician offices when outpatient laboratory testing has been requested without a narrative diagnosis or ICD-10 code. Prints reports and mails to appropriate person once the ¿Authorization of Release of Information¿ form has been complete by the Outpatient Laboratory staff or Medical Records. + Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Scans requisitions as appropriate and accesses and utilizes the imaging system for requisition verification and laboratory results. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately. + Organizes workload and sets priorities. Keeps work area neat, clean and well stocked. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks. **QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS** + Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Labels all aliquots and/or slides/blocks carefully and stores processed specimens at proper temperature. + Accurately processes and completes all necessary paperwork (consent forms, medical records chart, etc.) and computer work associated with each autopsy. + Ensures data is thorough and accurately entered to include appropriate footnotes, comments, order priorities, physician names, patient location, collection information, etc. Distinguishes institutional accounts from regular patient accounts. Footnotes all calls made and faxes sent in the Laboratory Information System using the appropriate template. Maintains daily log of work performed. + Recognizes problem occurrences, identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems. Consults with coordinator or manager if no present criteria are available. + Performs limited testing, equipment maintenance, and/or quality control under supervision. + Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness. **FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS** + Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system. + Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently. **GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS** + Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. **EDUCATION** + High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) + Degree in Forensic or Mortuary Science preferred **WORK EXPERIENCE** + One year of experience in working as an autopsy tech/diener + Basic anatomy training + Previous data entry experience preferred **LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED** + N/A **KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES** + Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews + Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers + Demonstrates knowledge in all established autopsy and care after death procedures: to include basic anatomy, organ prosection, transport and release of bodies, and other functions as indicated + Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing such as serum, plasma or whole blood, tissue and body fluids + Demonstrates knowledge of different specimen collection containers and media to assist in the distribution of supplies to patients, physician offices, nursing units and patient care areas + Demonstrates knowledge of using the patient information system to accurately register patients, inlab specimens, or order tests as indicated on the requisition + Possesses basic computer knowledge to operate multiple computer systems to include Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents + Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security + Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles **SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS** **WORK ATTIRE** + Uniform No + Scrubs Yes + Business professional No + Other (department approved) Yes **ON-CALL*** _*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below._ + On Call* No **TRAVEL**** _**Travel specifications may vary by department**_ + May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes + May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No **Company Profile:** Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world. Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.