FORENSIC PATHOLOGY FELLOW (MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE) - ACTIVELY RECRUITED

Cook County Offices

Under The President

Administrative Hearings

Auditor

Bureau of Administration

Bureau of Economic Development

Bureau of Finance

Bureau of Human Resources

Bureau of Technology

Facilities

Office of the President

Job Summary

Perform autopsies and postmortem examinations under supervision to determine causes and manners of death. Collect evidence for law enforcement agencies. Prepare reports of postmortem examinations and autopsies. Perform scene investigations to accurately determine causes and manners of death in particular cases. Assist in handling the work of assigned staff to ensure that autopsies are done in an appropriate manner. Supervise the work performed by Forensic Technicians. Answer inquiries from relatives and other interested parties as to the causes and manners of death. Consult with the Department's investigators. Make decisions concerning release of organs and tissues for transplantation purposes. Report communicable disease and other health threats found at autopsies to the Board of Health. Remain available to prepare expert testimony in criminal or civil court or at civil or criminal depositions.

The Fellowship Program for 2025-2026 starts 7/1/2025 and ends 6/30/2026.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of medicine with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Osteopathic Medicine or a directly related field.
• Must possess a valid MD license to practice medicine in the State of Illinois that must be in good standing with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at the time of start

OR

• Willing and able to obtain Anatomic Pathology or Forensic Pathology Board Certifications at the time of start.
• Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain license and/or certification requirements.

This position is considered a safety-sensitive position. Candidates who are selected to fill safety-sensitive positions must pass a required drug test as part of the pre-employment background check process.

https://www.cookcountyil.gov/sites/default/files/service/drug-and-alcohol-policy.pdf

Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver's license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee). Candidates will be notified of how to submit required documents.

*Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by the World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or a National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) member organization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of the field of Forensic Pathology/Medicine.
• Ability to perform autopsies, follow medical instructions and procedures, to work under unpleasant conditions.
• Skill in the use of a microscope and the interpretation of histology findings, the use of transcription devices, autopsy equipment, including saws and balances, and different types of photographic and projection equipment.
• Ability to communicate well verbally and in written form to physicians and to lay individuals in one-on-one situations as well as in depositions and court appearances.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to complete reports in a timely fashion.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office software programs, especially PowerPoint.
• Ability to follow standard techniques in the field of forensic pathology.
• Ability to fully perform an autopsy without the assistance of a technician.

Physical Requirements:
Very Heavy Work involves exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, or in excess of 50 pounds of force
frequently or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION.
  
• IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS A VETERAN ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BY ANSWERING YES TO THE QUESTION "Are you a military veteran?"
  
• ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (NOTICE OF SEPARATION) AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING. IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE DD 214S, 215S, OR NGB 22S, PLEASE SUBMIT THE ONE WITH THE LATEST DATE. COAST GUARD MUST SUBMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE MILITARY SEPARATION FROM EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BEFORE 911) OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (AFTER 911).
  

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded for you at no charge. Please contact veterans.affairs@cookcountyil.gov



VETERAN MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

The County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.

*This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.

Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty , 44-56 Political Discrimination ; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification ; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List ; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d)

EEO Statement

Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.

NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Social Media Disclaimer

The County's hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County's hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.