The County Public Service Board (CPSB) is seeking to recruit qualified, dedicated, and compassionate individuals to serve as Mortician II (Morgue Attendants) under Job Grade CPSB 13 (equivalent to Job Group ‘F’). This is a critical role within the healthcare system, offering vital support in the management and care of deceased individuals, while also ensuring high standards of dignity and professionalism are maintained throughout the handling of bodies.
Number of Vacancies:
Four (4) positions are currently available.
Terms of Employment:
Permanent and Pensionable – offering long-term career security and retirement benefits for successful candidates.
Salary Scale:
The salary is based on the CPSB 13 scale and is structured as follows:
- Starting Salary: Ksh. 19,220
- Incremental Progression:
- Ksh. 19,220 x 680
- Ksh. 19,900 x 700
- Ksh. 20,600 x 780
- Ksh. 21,380 x 800
- Ksh. 22,180 x 950
- Final Salary Step: Ksh. 23,130 per month
This progression is subject to satisfactory performance and confirmation in service.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
As a Mortician II, the officer will be responsible for a wide range of tasks that ensure the dignified handling, processing, and care of deceased persons within public health facilities. The responsibilities include:
1. Reception and Admission of Deceased Bodies
- Collecting bodies from hospital wards or emergency departments and transferring them to the mortuary.
- Receiving and officially admitting deceased persons into the mortuary registry.
2. Documentation and Records Management
- Accurately recording personal details and circumstances of each body received.
- Ensuring proper documentation is completed in line with hospital protocols and legal requirements.
- Maintaining confidential and secure mortuary logs and records.
3. Identification and Legal Coordination
- Identifying medico-legal cases and ensuring that such bodies are handled according to legal procedures.
- Liaising with police officers, pathologists, and legal authorities in the processing of unidentified or forensic cases.
4. Body Preservation and Preparation
- Performing embalming procedures to preserve bodies for viewing, transportation, or delayed burial.
- Preparing bodies for burial which includes cleaning, body reconstruction (if necessary), and dressing in accordance with family or cultural requests.
5. Cosmetic Treatment and Presentation
- Beautification services such as body shaving, applying cosmetics or make-up, and plaiting hair as needed to restore the deceased’s appearance for public viewing.
- Ensuring that families are presented with a dignified and respectful image of their loved ones.
6. Support During Post-Mortem Procedures
- Assisting pathologists during autopsies or post-mortem examinations by handling instruments, positioning bodies, and cleaning up afterward.
- Preparing autopsy rooms and ensuring that all necessary tools and supplies are sterile and ready for use.
7. Sanitation and Equipment Maintenance
- Responsible for thorough cleaning of the mortuary environment including floors, body storage areas, and preparation rooms.
- Disinfecting and sterilizing mortuary tools, equipment, and personal protective gear after each use.
8. Family Assistance and Customer Service
- Providing compassionate assistance to bereaved family members during body identification and collection processes.
- Helping relatives navigate mortuary procedures, and ensuring clear communication with empathy and professionalism.
Minimum Requirements for Appointment
To be considered for appointment to this role, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic and Professional Qualifications
- A Certificate in Mortuary Science or a related field from a recognized institution.
- The course should have lasted a minimum of six (6) months.
- The certificate must cover practical aspects of embalming, body handling, hygiene, and anatomy.
2. Professional Registration and Licensing
- Must possess a valid registration certificate from the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA).
- Must hold a valid practicing license issued by the same authority.
These certifications confirm that the individual is legally recognized to practice in the field of mortuary science in Kenya and has met the set standards of training and competence.
Core Competencies and Personal Attributes
Candidates are expected to demonstrate the following skills and attributes, which are crucial to effectively performing the duties associated with this role:
- Emotional Resilience: The ability to work in a sensitive and emotionally challenging environment involving deceased persons and grieving families.
- Attention to Detail: Precision is essential in recording data, performing embalming, and ensuring sanitary procedures.
- Compassion and Dignity: Respectful handling of bodies and sensitivity toward families in mourning.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness: Strong commitment to maintaining cleanliness in all mortuary spaces and equipment.
- Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare providers, pathologists, and support staff.
- Communication Skills: Clear and empathetic communication when dealing with family members and coworkers.
- Ethical Conduct: Adherence to professional and legal standards in the treatment of deceased persons.
Work Environment and Conditions
Mortuary attendants will work in hospital-based mortuary facilities or county-managed morgues. They should be prepared to:
- Work in shifts, including weekends and public holidays.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
- Be exposed to bodily fluids, odors, and sometimes disturbing scenes requiring strong composure and mental discipline.
Application Guidelines
Interested and qualified candidates should ensure they meet all the minimum requirements and prepare the necessary documentation.
