Forensic Pathologist

The Forensic Pathologist classification is located in the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Bureau. Incumbents in this classification are responsible for performing the full scope of professional forensic pathology work that includes performing autopsies and external examinations. Under general direction from the Chief Forensic Pathologist, performs autopsies, external examinations, professional medical consultations, and medical record reviews, and provides expert witness testimony, general pathology services, and other related duties as required.    For more detailed information about the job classification, visit:  Forensic Pathologist (#5151).

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications listed below the ideal candidate will exhibit the above qualities as well as possess the following critical attributes:

• A successful team builder - Uses appropriate interpersonal styles to help build a cohesive team and accomplish the team’s goals.
• Effectively maximizes personnel resources - Allocates tasks and responsibilities to maximize the individuals’ and organization’s effectiveness.
• Commits to one’s work - Demonstrates a willingness to commit one’s time and best efforts to accomplishing organizational goals.
• Approaches change positively - Maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment.
• Operates with integrity - Interacts with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization.
• Maintains focus under pressure - Exhibits stable performance under stress or opposition.
• Maintains an exceptional level of quality - Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, and accurately checking processes and tasks.
• Excels in technical knowledge and skill - keeps up with current developments and trends
  in the field of forensic pathology.
• Communicates effectively - Clearly conveys information and ideas.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:

• Possession of a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy degree from a medical school accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) or Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

ANDSuccessful completion of a forensic pathology fellowship program accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) by date of appointment.

ANDCertification:Possession of board certification in anatomic pathology or anatomic/clinical pathology issued by the American Board of Pathology.  If board eligible in forensic pathology, must obtain board certification in forensic pathology within two (2) years from the date of appointment.  

License:Possession of a valid license to practice medicine/osteopathic medicine in the State of California by date of appointment.  

Special Requirements:

• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a thorough background investigation.
• Duties require twenty-four (24) hour on-call availability to respond to scenes of sudden death or injury, or to respond to hospitals to facilitate organ donor requests.
• Duties require exposure to accidental, physical, or biological health hazards and disagreeable situations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal laws applicable to the practice of forensic pathology and death investigation.
• Investigative procedures and the medico-legal techniques required to determine the circumstances, cause, and manner of death as required by law.
• Procedures and techniques utilized in forensic pathology, including forensic autopsy, interpretation of forensic toxicology results, histology, and clinical chemistry results associated with cause of death.
• Forensic evidence collection techniques and procedures.
• Methods and techniques of criminal investigation and crime scene processing.
• Rules and regulations applicable to court testimony.

Ability to:

• Perform forensic autopsies in accordance with the standards of the Alameda County Coroner's Bureau and the National Association of Medical Examiners.
• Apply the principles and techniques of pathology.
• Examine decedents for evidence of injury and natural disease.
• Document and interpret injuries.
• Collect biological and physical evidence.
• Effectively communicate interpretations of scene reconstruction, forensic autopsy, and investigative and observational findings verbally and in writing.
• Testify clearly, concisely, and effectively at public hearings, in courts of law and before the Grand Jury.
• Learn, and effectively execute the policies and procedures of the Alameda County Coroner's Bureau.

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging healthcare options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discounts, fitness, and health screening programs focused on overall well-being.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Alameda County has a diverse workforce, that is representative of the communities we serve and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance and business need. Alameda County does not discriminate in employment on the basis of, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors protected under federal, state and local law. Alameda County celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment.

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