Title: Forensic Support Assistant - Tidewater District - MEX11

State Role Title: Laboratory and Research Tech

Hiring Range: $16.75 - $20.00

Pay Band: 2

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER-TDWT

Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Forensic Support Assistant to join our Tidewater District Office located in Norfolk, Virginia. This is a wage position averaging up to 29 hours per week (not to exceed 1,500 hours annually) and is not eligible for benefits. The role requires flexibility to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and during office closures.

As a Forensic Support Assistant, you will play a vital role in the receipt and release of decedents, including the physical transfer of remains, processing of evidence and personal effects, and maintaining the integrity of all materials in accordance with OCME protocols. You will support forensic autopsy operations, ensure cleanliness and organization of morgue facilities, monitor refrigeration systems, and control access to secure areas. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with specimen management, external examinations, and administrative tasks such as answering calls, data entry, filing, and printing photographs.

This position is based in Norfolk, Virginia, a vibrant coastal city in the heart of the Hampton Roads region. Known for its rich naval history, Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base and offers a dynamic mix of cultural attractions, including the Chrysler Museum of Art, lush parks, waterfront views, and a thriving downtown. To learn more about the area, visit www.norfolk.gov.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience performing administrative duties including faxing, filing and photocopying
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally,
• Ability to follow office policies and procedures without direct supervision,
• Knowledge of OSHA and safety, security procedures,
• Must be able to work days, evenings, nights, weekends and state holidays,
• Reading and writing ability to properly complete chain of evidence documents and reading of surveillance thermometers,
• Must have experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) with strong keyboarding and data-entry skills,
• Ability to push/pull 100 to 500lbs and lift with assistance.

Additional Considerations

• Previous experience with human remains in a hospital, morgue, funeral home or medical examiner’s facility,
• Experience/training on the chain of custody and with the handling of evidence and/or personal effects,
• Knowledge of digital photography and the ability to save images on various types of media (CD, USB, external hard drive, servers).

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Contact Information

Name: Daniel Baker

Phone: 804.629.3618

Email: daniel.baker@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.