Forensic Attendant

Position Overview

The County of Los Angeles is seeking emergency Forensic Attendants to support the Department of Medical Examiner amid a local state of emergency related to homelessness. This role involves critical tasks such as recovering and transporting decedents, handling evidence, and assisting with autopsy preparations. Positions are initially contractual for up to 90 days, with a performance review determining eligibility for permanent employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate county vehicles to collect bodies, specimens, and relevant records from various locations across Los Angeles County.
• Ensure vehicles remain fully operational and stocked with necessary equipment like gurneys, stretchers, and straps.
• Transport and process bodies into Medical Examiner facilities, including placement on autopsy tables and preparation for release post-examination.
• Secure and safeguard physical and medical evidence related to cases.
• Perform data entry and maintain logs for morgue activities and documentation such as receipts and fingerprinting in line with protocols.
• Clean and sterilize autopsy rooms and instruments; manage linen deliveries and storage duties.
• Assist Medical Examiner Investigators by physically recovering and lifting decedents when required, and support autopsy procedures as needed.
• Carry out additional related tasks as assigned, including working challenging shifts and environments.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one year experience in patient or decedent transport in hospital, morgue, or ambulance settings.
• Valid California Class C Driver License is mandatory; candidates must provide DMV driving record upon request.
• Physical ability to perform arduous tasks involving frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, sometimes in challenging terrains or conditions.
• Availability to work any shift including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year’s experience as an Emergency Medical Services professional, EMT, or Mortuary Removal Specialist.
• Associate of Science degree or higher in Administration of Justice, Health/Physical Sciences, Nursing, or related fields.

Physical and Work Environment Expectations

• Capacity to manage physically demanding activities such as lifting, carrying heavy equipment, and maneuvering in rough environments including cliffs, oceans, and dilapidated sites.
• Exposure to stressful situations and environments with difficult conditions such as odors, extreme temperatures, or rugged terrain.

Selection and Appointment Process

• The initial employment period is for up to 90 days under an emergency order.
• Work performance is evaluated and used solely to determine eligibility for permanent appointment.
• Appointment is conditional on successful background check, physical ability test (including body drag, gurney lift, stair climb with weights), psychological evaluation, and medical screening.

Additional Information

• Applicants must provide a valid email and be prepared to verify during application.
• Social Security Number required for record keeping as per federal law.
• Computers are available at public libraries for online application submissions.
• LA County supports fair hiring practices including consideration of conviction history only after conditional offer, with individualized assessments to ensure fairness.
• The department promotes anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion commitments in hiring.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. at final appointment.

Contact Information

Christian Martinez, Department Contact
Phone: (323) 343-0710
Email: cmartinez@me.lacounty.gov