Morgue Specialist

Job description

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment. To learn more about Macomb County benefits click here CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Morgue Specialist SALARY: $50,007.10 - $64,680.01 DEPARTMENT: Health Department Opening Date: 08/26/2026 Closing Date: 09/10/2026 12:00 a.m. FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is currently 8:00 a.m. GENERAL SUMMARY: Under direction, receives, stores and releases bodies with proper authorized documentation for administrative and legal purposes according to established policy and procedure. Prepares, lifts, transports and carries bodies for autopsy, assists in the conduct of autopsies, cleans and maintains areas of the morgue, may perform various clerical duties as assigned and performs related duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Receives, stores and releases bodies with proper authorized documentation, for administrative and legal purposes according to established policy and procedure. Prepares, lifts and transports bodies for autopsy. Assists in the conduct of autopsies, including decomposed bodies. Cleans and maintains areas of the morgue. Orders and maintains autopsy and morgue supplies. Ensures that the proper instruments and supplies are available when assisting with an autopsy. Assists in preparing and mailing necessary toxicology specimens and kits to labs. Lifts and transports bodies, moves and carries equipment and supplies to assist with the conduct of autopsies. Photographs autopsies to maintain complete records of Medical Examiner cases. Works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies, funeral homes and others concerned with individual cases. Performs x-rays, fingerprints, and other appropriate procedures to gather and document evidence during autopsies. Performs general clerical work, including but not limited to: maintaining records, generating invoices, preparing daily logs, various spreadsheets and other related duties. Provides on call coverage for weekends and holidays on a rotating basis. May make court appearance in Medical Examiner cases if subpoenaed. Performs related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Required Education and Experience Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test Required Licenses or Certifications Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license, operable automobile and insurance Preferred Education and Experience An Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Mortuary Science or Forensic Science, or a directly related field from an accredited college Previous experience assisting with autopsy or morgue related duties COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES: Knowledge of: Legal requirements, rules and procedures that pertain to investigative operations Criminal statutes of Michigan pertaining to accidental death, suicide and homicide, including laws of evidence Photography and video equipment Microsoft Word and Excel programs Skill in: Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff and the public Providing customer service to internal and external customers via phone, email and in person Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature Organization and time management Operating personal computers with current versions of office efficiency software and applications Performing data entry to multiple types of database applications for registration, enrollment, service provision, billing, inventory and statistical review and reporting Ability to: Make decisions under adverse conditions in accordance with established policies and procedures Handle the activities of the office with compassion and respect for human dignity Communicate under adverse conditions with distressed people Read, write and follow detailed written and oral instructions Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, law enforcement agencies, outside professionals and the public Effectively speak, write and understand the English language Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, Department Heads, Staff Union Officials and public Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS: The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. N/S =Never/Seldom O =Occasionally F/C = Frequently/Continuously Work Environment Office or similar indoor environment: F/C Outdoor environment: O Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S Construction site: N/S Confined space: O Exposures Individuals who are hostile or irate: O Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): O Communicable diseases: F/C Moving mechanical parts: F/C Fumes or airborne particles: F/C Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: F/C Loud noises (85+ decibels): F/C Blood Borne Pathogens: F/C PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. N/S =Never/Seldom O =Occasionally F/C = Frequently/Continuously Demand : Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: F/C Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): F/C Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: F/C Crawling (moving about on hands and knees). Inspecting in confined spaces: O Digging: N/S Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: O Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: F/C Kneeling to work at low levels: F/C Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another up to 100 pounds: F/C Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: F/C Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations. The American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME LOCAL 411) bargaining unit represents this position. Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.