Forensic Medical Imagining Practitioner (HPC/MIP 2)

JOB PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Senior Director, Forensic Pathology the incumbent is responsible for providing radiographic and imaging services to support medico-legal autopsies and death investigations. The role utilizes digital X-ray technology to assist in determining cause of death, documenting injuries and foreign objects, and supporting the identification of human remains across a wide range of cases, including homicides, suspicious deaths, pediatric cases, and potentially infectious cases. The Practitioner performs routine, complex, and specialized radiographic procedures in accordance with established health and safety standards. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Maintains proper documentation and records of cases processed, x-ray studies performed, equipment maintenance etc. to ensure proper continuity/chain-of-custody which may be required in homicide and criminally suspicious deaths, and to adhere to organizational quality practices; 
• Follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure work complies with known standards of practice in radiography and forensic pathology, and, assists with updating SOPs when protocols change and/or new protocols are required; 
• Maintains dosimetry records in compliance with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and Jamaica legislation and regulations for an x-ray environment; 
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Director, Forensic Pathology Professional/Technical 
• Provides imaging technology services through the use of Digital X-ray to support death investigation services, including determining and applying technical and medical procedures necessary to prepare room, area, and cases for medical imaging in accordance with applicable health protection legislation; 
• Evaluates quality of images, adjusting where necessary, recognizing the unique procedures and conditions; reviewing acquired x-ray images; determining if repeat or additional imaging/studies are required to complete the exam within IFSLM standards; 
• Assists Forensic Pathologists with the identification of human remains, including comparing ante- mortem and post-mortem images, and producing images; 
• Transfer of human remains from gurney to x-ray table (and vice versa) in a safe and dignified manner, with assistance; 
• Performs quality assurance and control including assisting in the preparation and testing of new exams and protocols; conducting ongoing literature reviews to keep abreast of new trends in Digital X-ray including new standards, procedures and best practice and participates in the assessment/ evaluation of procedures, policies and protocols on forensic imaging technology services; 
• Performs routine maintenance, monitoring and cleaning of equipment, ensuring all imaging and ancillary equipment are in good working order. Contacts the x-ray equipment vendor for direction/support as issues arise. Troubleshoots problems and provides the Operations Manager with recommendations for the best course of action in the event of equipment breakdown. Ensures compliance with environmental regulations, industry specific health and safety standards, and related legislative requirements; 
• Uses computer software for logging of continuity/chain-of-custody information, workload data, results, preparation of protocols, preparation of presentations to manager and/or senior staff for equipment needs and research project initiatives and updates; 
• Prepares written and electronic reports required to document all procedures and test results; maintains documentation to support continuity/chain-of-custody requirements;
• Understands and maintains health and safety practices and policies, including maintenance of a clean and tidy workplace to ensure a safe X-ray environment for self and others, and to ensure the production of high quality X-ray images. Understands the risks of ionizing radiation, mitigating and minimizing exposure risks to self and others by following strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) and known standards of practice within an x-ray environment, including dosimetry for x-ray workers; 
• Practices 'universal precautions' in the context of working with potentially infectious human remains/tissues to ensure the safety of self and others; 
• Maintains supplies and inventory to ensure continuity of service. Provides technical recommendations to the Operations Manager with respect to new products and equipment that are required; 
• Collaborates and communicates with radiology consultants on complex cases or referrals, and with x-ray equipment vendor; 
• Participates in the delivery of education sessions, lectures, seminars, workshops and demonstrations on techniques and use of imaging technology in death investigation to Forensic Pathologists, Coroners, Police Officers, colleagues, and imaging technology students; 
• Participates in research activities to validate equipment and protocols, and to advance death investigation and the science of forensic post-mortem imaging.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Strong customer and quality focus skills; 
• Goal/results oriented; 
• Good interpersonal skills; 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills; 
• Teamwork and co-operative; 
• Strategic Vision; 
• Analytical thinking; 
• Change Management; 
• Good use of Technology; 
• Ability to multitask, organize, and prioritize workflow in a forensic X-ray environment;
• Time management skills necessary to meet established turnaround times;
• Communication skills to effectively liaise (internally) with medical and autopsy staff, and (externally) with consultants, x-ray equipment vendors, police, and other stakeholders;
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision; 
• Dignity and respect in working with human remains; 
• Integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. 

Technical: 

• Excellent technical skills to obtain radiographic images; 
• Excellent technical skills to operate and maintain digital x-ray and ancillary equipment;
• Strong technical skills to perform standard and complex radiography techniques;
• Motor skills to operate x-ray and ancillary equipment; 
• High level of knowledge to mitigate and minimize exposure to ionizing radiation;
• Physical ability to transfer human remains from gurney to x-ray table (with assistance), safely and with dignity; 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to determine appropriate techniques to be used and perform image evaluation and analysis to ensure conformance to quality standards, and to resolve technical issues or problems related to image capture and equipment operation. 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiography or Diagnostic Imaging 

OR

• Advanced Diploma from a recognized institution in Diagnostic Radiography;
• Three (3) years of work experience as an X-ray Technologist; 
• Prior experience with Forensic Radiography would be an asset, but not mandatory;
• Knowledge of relevant Computer applications and usage. 

Recommended Membership 

• Membership in the Medical Technology Association of Jamaica (MTAJ) and Caribbean Association of Medical Technologist (CASMET). 
• Other membership in similar professional association (AMT, etc). 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Normal Office Settings; 
• May be required to work on weekends; 
• potential exposure to ionizing radiation (controlled with building design and x-ray SOPs);
• Requires daily exposure to, handling of, and contact with tissues of infants, children and adults that may be contaminated, decomposed, and/or arthropod (insect) infested;
• Requires daily exposure to the extremes of trauma in infants, children, and adults;
• Requires frequent exposure to putrid odors; 
• May involve exposure to biohazardous and infectious pathogens (e.g. viruses and bacteria, including HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, COVID-19 etc.); 
• Requires daily exposure to highly graphic and emotionally disturbing crime-scene information;
• May be required to work outside the normal working hours due to the exigencies of the service. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.