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POSITION PURPOSE
The UW Department of Biological Structure has an excellent opportunity for an Embalmer (NE S SEIU 925 HCP/LT). The Embalmer performs a variety of duties related the operations of the Willed Body Program (WBP) at the University of Washington, including the handling/embalming/preservation for dissection/storage/cremation/burial of donated human remains. They are responsible for record keeping and tracking pursuant to Washington State Law/Administrative Code and the rules of the University of Washington concerning the handling of donor human remains. They will interface with potential donors, registered donors, donors’ families, health care workers and the general public via phone and email to communicate information about the WBP, answer questions and facilitate transport of donors to the WBP facility. They work with program staff and teaching faculty to set up and maintain teaching laboratories for health science professionals and assists in teaching health science personnel in the proper handling of donor remains.
The Embalmer works with faculty and administrative staff in the proper care and handling of donated human tissue. The individual in this position must be a licensed embalmer in Washington State, being a licensed Funeral Director in addition in highly preferable. The Embalmer contributes directly to the development, management and allocation of the WBP. They are expected to be familiar and to apply Washington State Law/Administrative Code regulations to WBP operations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Preserve, disinfect, and store human remains using anatomical methods of embalming and applying standard principles of sterile technique with biohazards.
Prepare fresh tissue specimens for use in teaching and/or research. Safe operation of equipment, including but not limited to a perfusion apparatus, band saw, steam spray cleaning equipment, forklift, and various hand/dissection tools.
In collaboration with the program manager store chemicals safely; be aware of EH&S protocols and standard operating procedures for all chemicals.
Perform basic maintenance and cleaning of WBP morgue facility and gross anatomy labs.
Maintenance of all records including but not limited to operations, tissue logs, donation files, death certificates, computer and paper records of utilization, disposition records, cremation records, and donor pre-registrations.
Complete Death Certificate filing for WBP donors.
Organize and maintain all personal and confidential donor information in the WBP database and donor files.
Assist in decision making regarding acceptability of potential donor remains per established program guidelines by conducting verbal medical screening of prospective donors at time of death.
Arrange for legal consent from the next of kin for donors who are not pre-registered.
Participate in the development of processes and procedures related to the handling of donated human remains.
Facilitate or assist with cremation according to state law, to include completing all required paperwork.
Prepare cremated remains for burial or other disposition according to instructions from donor/next-of-kin and per revised code of Washington State. Includes wrapping and mailing of cremated remains according to USPS protocols.
Assist with projections for academic planning.
Assist the WBP Director and Program Operation Specialist as needed.
Respond to phone and e-mail inquiries regarding the program from the public, prospective donors, registered donors, and their next of kin.
Facilitate the mailing of WBP information, registration forms, and other correspondence.
Be able to use creative problem solving skills in frequently sensitive situations.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Current license to practice as an embalmer in the State of Washington.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Current license to practice as an embalmer in the State of Washington or equivalent education and experience.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Current license as a Funeral Director in the State of Washington.
Crematory operation experience.
Current license to practice as an embalmer in the State of Washington
Basic computer experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.)
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Associate Degree’s degree or equivalent in Mortuary Science.
2+ years of experience working in a body donation program or in a funeral home.
Knowledge in basic human anatomy.
Coursework in chemistry or biology.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is an essential position, the employee will be expected to report to work under conditions that other employees are not required to report to work, such as when the university suspends operations due to inclement weather, etc.
The individual in this position may sometimes be designated to be on standby (and receive standby pay) in the event cadavers arrive outside of business hours or require immediate attention to ensure proper preservation/storage.
There may be instances where individual embalmer positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.