Support Specialist- Crime Scene Unit

POSITION SUMMARY

• Creates case assignments for the Unit for report writing purposes. This includes both physical case files and digital assignments within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) .
• Disseminates digital evidence to CSU stakeholders.
• Assists with records management

o Maintains CSU case file organization.
o Performs quarterly audits of completed case files, ensuring that all contributing parties to the case file are included.
o Assists in filing CSU case files and chain of custody forms.
o Creates case assignments for the Unit for report writing purposes.
o Scans and uploads various documents into corresponding cases within LIMS.
o Fulfills CSU Records Requests.
o Acts as a liaison to divisions regarding internal case information.

• Creates cases from outside agencies in LIMS via submission forms and/or other systems.
• Uploads of evidence lists to HFSC’s Where’s My Result portal, or equivalent.
• Maintains organization of CSU Locker/Drying Cabinet Logs.
• Acts a liaison between CSU and Logistics:

o Retrieves packages and supplies from Storeroom.

o Responsible for purchase workflows and maintenance of receipts for purchases.

• Manages CSU’s fleet
• • Manages Uniform/Equipment ordering, inventory, and storage.
  • Performs routine safety checks – eye wash stations, security walk throughs, safety committee meetings, fire extinguisher check.
  • Acts as building escort in CSU secured areas for external parties.
  • Assists both Training and Support Supervisors with training the unit on casefile workflows and casefile transfers.
  • Assists in creating an array of spreadsheets that capture data for statistical purposes as requested.
  •  Works with Training Supervisor to coordinate training registrations for the unit and is responsible for uploading training materials for CSIs.
  • Performs or coordinates equipment maintenance to meet accreditation and unit needs (laser range finder, photo markers, rulers, cameras, generator, camera equipment, FARO, drying cabinets, etc.).
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Keyword: Facilities, Logistics, Coordinator, Standard Operating Procedures
Required Experience:

Experience

• A minimum of 6 months’ experience related to administrative tasks required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing work assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to work with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Demonstrated the ability to think critically, troubleshoot effectively, and make timely decisions.
• Demonstrated sound organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships with fellow employees, internal clients, and external stakeholders.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and Microsoft’s cloud-based service, SharePoint, is required. Working knowledge of a Laboratory Information Management System and Microsoft Access is preferred.

Education, Training & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required. Relevant experience in lieu of degree may be considered.
• Ability to become proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Certifications are not required but highly recommended. Certification must be maintained throughout employment with the Houston Forensic Science Center.

Competencies

• Accountability: Ability to accept responsibility and account for their actions.
• Accuracy: Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Active Listening: Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex forensic concepts, findings, and conclusions to diverse audiences, including law enforcement officials, attorneys, judges, and juries.
• Creative: Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea.
• Detail Oriented: Ability to pay attention to minute details of a project or task.
• Ethical Conduct: Dedication to upholding high ethical standards, integrity, and impartiality in all aspects of crime scene investigations, evidence handling, and forensic analysis.
• Honesty / Integrity: Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Initiative: Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
• Motivation: Ability to inspire oneself and/or others to reach a goal and/or perform to the best of their ability.
• Organized: Ability to be structured and methodical in working skills.
• Problem Solving: Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with problems.
• Relationship Building: Ability to effectively build relationships with others.
• Reliability: The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with crime scene investigations, evidence handling, and forensic analysis to minimize errors, contamination, and legal challenges.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaboration with law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, medical examiners, forensic experts, and other stakeholders to facilitate information exchange, coordination of efforts, and case resolution.
• Team Builder: Ability to help ensure that team members are invested in team activities and decisions, and that the team works together to achieve a goal.

• Although most duties can be accomplished from a seated position with occasional walking and standing, the incumbent may need to squat or bend, reach outward or upward to effectively discharge job duties.
• Willingness to travel to off-site locations as needed.
• Ability to lift and carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment 

Houston Forensic Science Center was formed to provide accurate and timely analysis of forensic evidence and related services.

Essential Function Statement 

Houston Forensic Science Center has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions are included with the duties and responsibilities. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.