Forensic Pathologist

TCI Government careers portal (careers.gov.tc). Original employer wording is preserved.

GOVERNMENT VACANCY JOB TITLE: Forensic Pathologist DEPARTMENT: Morgue Department MINISTRY: Ministry of Health and Human Services LOCATION: Providenciales

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for undertaking medico-legal investigations and post-mortem (autopsies) to ascertain the cause of death, the time of death and the manner of death (natural causes, homicide, suicide, etc.). The role supports the criminal justice system, public health surveillance, and national death registration processes.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Death Investigation
• Perform autopsies on cases involving homicide, suicide, accidents, and unexplained deaths
• Conduct medico-legal examinations and autopsies by carrying out preliminary internal and external examinations of bodies to identify victims, locate signs of trauma and identify factors that indicate time, manner and cause of death;
• Performs on the spot post mortem examination of decomposed bodies and provide professional opinions on stated cases;
• Determine cause of death (medical reason) and manner of death (natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, undetermined)
• Attend and examine bodies at crime scenes when necessary
• Supervise the removal and handling of bodies from death scenes using appropriate procedures, and equipment
• Assist in establishing the identities of deceased individuals.
• Collaboration with Legal Authorities
• Work closely with the police, coroner, and prosecutorial authorities
• Provide expert medico-legal opinions to support criminal investigations
• Prepare detailed and accurate medico-legal reports
• Court Testimony
• Serve as an expert witness in court proceedings
• Explain findings clearly to judges and juries
• Defend professional opinions under cross-examination
• Laboratory & Evidence Work
• Collect, document and preserve biological samples (toxicology, histology, DNA)
• Coordinate with external laboratories if local facilities are limited
• Ensure strict adherence to the chain-of-custody protocols and standards
• Reporting
• Complete Medical Certificates of Cause of Death as required for the registration of deaths.
• Prepare and submit reports to the Coroner and Police Investigators on examinations performed, including observations made and professional opinions as to the cause of death.
• Administrative & Public Health Duties
• Maintain accurate death records and relevant statistics
• Identify trends (e.g., drug- related deaths, violence patterns, infectious disease outbreaks)
• Provide advice to government agencies on public health and safety issues
• Multi-Role Flexibility

May also assist in

• Providing training to police or medical staff, and other stakeholders
• Participating in Disaster victim identification and mass fatality management
• Supervisory
• Direct and supervise junior staff, including mortuary attendants within the Morgue Department.
• Develops and manages finances relating to the operation of the morgue department.
• Contribute to decision making in matters involving, for example, staffing, training, procurement of equipment and operational procedures in the department.
• Provide input into policy formation with regard to forensic pathology.
• Represents the department, as required, at conferences, meetings and discussions concerning forensic pathology matters.
• Maintain licences and certification as required
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned
• Adhere to all public service rules

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The job holder is performing duties effectively when

• Services are provided as required within acceptable time frames
• The department is in a state of readiness at all times
• Effective general Department operations are maintained
• Work is performed in accordance with established laws, regulations, policies and procedures
• All records are accurate and available in a timely manner
• Staff are properly trained and supervised in order to effectively carry out duties
• Confidentiality and professional standards are strictly maintained

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or any other relevant postgraduate qualification in the

Specialty of Forensic Pathology

• Specialized training in toxicology, firearms/ballistics, trace evidence, serology (blood analysis)

Experience

• Minimum of 3 - 5 years’ experience in the field of Forensic Pathology SALARY: Grade 10.6 -$111,877.00 per annum plus allowances APPLICATION PROCEDURE Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the Passport photo page, National Turks & Caicos Islander Status Card (where applicable). Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Certificate. Applications without all supporting documents will not be processed.We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.