POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Department of Anatomy seeks to further the educational and research missions of Case Western Reserve University to "Think Beyond the Possible." The Anatomical Gift Program supports the Department of Anatomy by providing cadaveric tissues for teaching and research purposes. The Funeral Director and Anatomical Gift Program Assistant Director will be responsible for the preservation, maintenance, distribution, cremation and recording of human cadavers donated to the Anatomical Gift Program for research and education.

Actions and/or decisions of this position include practices and procedures with limited choice of method or approach. This position is responsible for developing, managing, recommending changes to, and otherwise influencing administrative policies, practices and procedures for their own area of responsibility. The mortician will supervise Mortuary Assistants and/or Teaching Assistants. This role will work independently and may participate in funded research projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and guidelines for the Anatomical Gift Program. Follow protocols for the acceptance, screening, and allocation of anatomical gifts. Ensure compliance with legal and ethical guidelines surrounding anatomical gifts. Stay up-to-date with relevant laws and regulations, ensure proper consent by the donors, and documentation of donations; and educate staff and partners about the importance of ethical practices. Stay updated on industry trends, and best practices. Maintain professional affiliations and certifications, fulfilling any ongoing education requirements. As the Assistant Director, contribute to the creation and implementation of a strategic plan for the Anatomical Gift Program, including setting goals, defining objectives, and outlining the steps needed to achieve them. Ensure smooth operations of the program. Manage the financial aspects of the funeral home and the services provided. This includes managing budgets and maintaining financial records. (20%)
2. Actively promote and recruit potential donors. This may involve organizing public outreach, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and maintaining relationships with potential donors and their families. Coordinate the donation process from start to finish, communicating with potential donors, their families, and medical personnel to ensure smooth and respectful donation procedures. Maintain accurate records and documentation related to potential donors, accepted gifts, and their use for educational or research purposes. (6%)
3. Build and maintain relationships with other institutions, hospitals, healthcare providers, funeral homes, and organ procurement organizations medical professionals, and organizations involved in the Anatomical Gift Program allowing for knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and expanding opportunities for research and education. In collaboration with the Anatomical Gift Program director, identify potential partners, negotiate agreements, and establish protocols to facilitate the process of obtaining anatomical gifts. When necessary, the candidate can provide education and training to medical students, healthcare professionals, and the community about the benefits and process of anatomical gifting. The candidate may organize workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns. (9%)
4. Supervise Mortuary Assistants and/or Teaching Assistants. Instruct junior staff as needed. Hire, train and orient staff to ensure they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively. Provide ongoing supervision and guidance to your direct reports. This includes setting performance expectations, providing feedback, and conducting regular performance evaluations. Identify areas for improvement, offer support and resources, and recognize and reward exceptional performance. Prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and monitor progress to ensure that deadlines are met and work is completed efficiently. (8%)
5. Manage all the necessary paperwork and documentation related to the funeral process. This includes obtaining death certificates, permits, and other required legal documents. They ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding the handling and disposition of human remains. Complete and file Death Certificates for donors as required by Ohio Law and maintain appropriate records as required by the Department of Anatomy and applicable laws. Maintain Mortician's logbook. Maintain records of the specimens stored and their condition. (6%)
6. Responsible for the overall management and maintenance of the mortuary/lab facilities; delegate duties to junior staff and direct reports as appropriate. This includes overseeing the proper storage and handling of human remains, and maintaining equipment and vehicles. The mortician shall be responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of all instruments, equipment, chemicals and areas used in the performance of duties as well as shared department labs. Responsible for cleanliness and maintenance of refrigerated rooms and the departmental hearse. Instruct Teaching Assistants and junior staff to assist as needed. Maintain up-to-date inventory and adequate supply of embalming fluids and materials in the mortuary at all times so as to allow. Care and maintain all mortuary and cadaveric storage facilities and equipment. (6%)
7. Perform and manage long-term preservation of human cadavers, following detailed procedures. Embalm, wrap and bag cadavers according to the standard operating procedures of the Anatomical Gift Program. Prepare and maintain cadavers including washing and clipping hair as required. Place cadavers in refrigerated storage rooms. Make routine and systematic checks on the cadavers in refrigerated rooms. Maintain responsibility for unembalmed cadavers. Remove limbs or otherwise parcellate cadavers for use by different educational or research groups. Maintain appropriate identification and documentation of parcellated cadavers. Assist In issuing and collecting of skeletal material. Responsible for the collection and maintenance of the cold rooms of human brains and other anatomical specimens, including maintaining records of the specimens stored and their condition. (35%)
8. Distribute cadavers to appropriate locations for classes, research, and training, including external affiliates (e.g. hospitals, educational institutions, etc.). Make routine and systematic checks on cadavers being dissected. Maintain and file Cadaver Request Forms. Collect and transport all cadavers/tissues/organs for cremation and will be responsible for the cremation of dissected tissue and surgical specimens from appropriate affiliated hospitals. Ensure timely return of tissues used by outside educational institutions to Case Western Reserve University. Arrange cadaver pick up with a mortuary van or arrange cadaver pickup and delivery with an outside contractor. Maintain cremation logbook. As directed, take cremains to Riverside Cemetery for internment; obtain the burial transit permit. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

1. Responsible for occasional calls after hours and weekends/holidays. In general, new donation calls are covered by the Anatomical Gift Program administration team (e.g., Department Assistant and Anatomical Gift Program Specialist); however, the mortician will provide backup coverage as needed. (3%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact with the Anatomical Gift Program Director to coordinate activities.

University: Regular contact with collaborators for monthly Anatomical Gift Program meetings, quarterly Anatomical Gift Program Oversight Committee meetings, and monthly Anatomy department faculty/staff meetings. Regular contact outside own department with higher level and external departments, often to coordinate cadaver requests and returns.

External: Regular contact with donor families to understand their wishes, offer support, and help plan and coordinate funeral arrangements, and final disposition of the cremated remains. Regular contact with cemetery or crematory staff to ensure the proper handling and disposition of the deceased. Occasional coordination with transportation services to ensure bodies are safely and respectfully transported. Regular contact with medical professionals, such as doctors or coroners, to obtain necessary documentation, permits, and certificates related to the deceased. Occasional contact with legal and administrative authorities, such as local government offices or registrar offices, to handle paperwork, permits, and other legal requirements associated with funeral services.

Students: Regular contact with peers and students to advise, influence, negotiate, guide and direct as necessary to coordinate cadaver requests.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise Mortuary Assistants and/or Teaching Assistants (Graduate Students). May supervisor research personnel if applicable. Instruct junior staff as needed.

QUALIFICAITONS

Experience: 3 years of related experience required; experience as a funeral home or hospital mortician with morgue experience preferred. Mortician experience in long-term cadaver preservation at a medical school and federally funded research grant experience preferred.

Education/Licensing: 2 years of college in mortuary science, 1 year of an embalmer apprenticeship, Ohio embalmer's license per Ohio law. Must have an Embalmer License or Funeral Director License in Ohio or within 30 days of hire; reciprocal licensing fees will be reimbursed by the department. Must have valid driver's license to transport cadavers. Bachelor's degree in Biology in addition to aforementioned required education/licensure is preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Knowledge of body donation rules, regulations and best practices.
2. Compassion and Empathy: Being able to understand and support grieving families during difficult times is crucial. Compassion and empathy are essential qualities to provide comfort and solace to those in mourning.
3. Attention to Detail: responsible for various arrangements and paperwork. Having a keen eye for detail ensures that all necessary documentation, permits, and legal requirements are properly managed.
4. Organization and Time Management: The Anatomical Gift Program involves coordinating multiple tasks simultaneously. Being organized and managing time effectively will help ensure that services are executed smoothly and efficiently.
5. Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is vital when working with grieving families, colleagues, and professionals such as cemetery and staff. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
6. Technical Knowledge: Understanding the technical aspects of embalming, cremation, and body preparation is a crucial skill for a mortician. Knowledge of funeral regulations and health and safety procedures is also important.
7. Problem-Solving Abilities: Unexpected situations may arise during funeral services, and being able to think critically and find solutions is essential. Adapting to changing circumstances with a calm demeanor is highly valued.
8. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting diverse cultural and religious customs related to death and mourning is important in providing appropriate and meaningful funeral services for families from various backgrounds.
9. Maintain strong sense of empathy, sensitivity to delicate information, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
10. Routine analysis and problem-solving skills will be needed.
11. Working knowledge from on-the-job experience and technical knowledge of a highly specialized mortuary science field.
12. Ability to work independently.
13. Ability to perform actions and/or make decisions with limited choice of method or approach.
14. Ability to supervise mortuary assistants.
15. Ability to keep lab space, including equipment, organized, clean and in working order.
16. Strong organization skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize, give attention to detail and meet deadlines. interpersonal skills: ability to maintain effective working relationships.
17. Ability to meet consistent attendance. While some of the activities might be performed remotely, this is an in-person, locally based position.
18. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
19. A valid Ohio driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory work environment in the department of Anatomy, with potential exposure to chemicals in the embalming fluids of cadavers. Personal protective equipment (lab coat, gloves, goggles) should be worn whenever in contact with cadaveric specimens or in the dissection labs. Bloodborne pathogen and chemical hygiene training required. Must be able to routinely lift up to 50+ lbs.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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