Forensic Evidence Specialist Jobs

Salary: $17.8460 per hour
How to Apply:

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

Position Summary:

Under limited supervision, provide a variety of support tasks in the Office of the Medical Examiner. This includes but is not limited to receiving evidence from law enforcement agencies; inspecting evidence for proper labeling and packaging; recording evidence received into the Laboratory Information Management System; transferring evidence to Forensic Scientists for analysis; storage and return of evidence upon completion of analysis, quality assurance, and quality control audit; review and evaluation of open case assignments. Court appearance may be required to testify as to the procedures followed during handling of the evidence.

Duties:

• Coordinates activity between submitting agencies and the Medical Examiner’s Office in the receipt, return, and handling of evidence.
• Appears in court to testify as to the procedures followed during receipt, storage, and transfer of evidence throughout the Laboratory.
• Performs other related duties as required or requested.
• Conducts inventories of all evidence and oversees the release, destruction, and subsequent paperwork of same.
• Safeguards and maintains the integrity of all evidence and chain of custody as per the policies and procedures of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Acts as an interface between the Laboratory and customers. Provides administrative support functions to assist Medical Examiner Office Team: both Morgue Operations and Laboratory Operations.
• Archives, maintains, stores, and organizes case folders.
• Receives, documents, stores, and ensures proper custody and control of physical evidence/property in the custody of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Works with a variety of hazardous items including weapons, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, toxins, body fluids, flammable and explosive materials, and unsanitary materials.
• Maintains manual and computerized records including evidence custody documents, chain of custody documents, property receipts, property control files, and related reports.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of:

• Data entry.
• Laboratory information and management systems.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Proper evidence handling, transport, and storage to limit loss, cross transfer, contamination or deleterious change.

Ability to:

• Establish effective working relationships with managers, co-workers (Scientists, Pathologists, Autopsy/Histology Technicians, Forensic Investigators), law enforcement agencies, and other members of the Criminal Justice System.
• Utilize proficient verbal and written communicative, auditory, and visual skills.
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
• Maintain strict chain of custody in accordance with established protocol.
• Walk for prolonged periods of time delivering evidentiary material.
• Pass a weightlifting test (50 lbs.).
• Maintain proper storage of evidence and test items in accordance with established protocol.
• Work under adverse and extremely unpleasant conditions such as abnormal sights, sounds, and odors.
• Stand for a prolonged period of time and engage in frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
• Lift and/or move evidence storage bins and file folder boxes with a weight of fifty (50) lbs. on to storage shelves that maybe overhead or require use of a step ladder.
• Sit for prolonged periods of time and engage in typing, reading, reaching, talking, listening, and interacting with law enforcement.
• Deal and work effectively with highly emotional situations and personnel.
• Use a personal computer (PC).

#INDSJ

Skills:
Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.