Job Description

Assists with the investigation of deaths reported to the Medical Examiner, particularly as regards the seeking, gathering, and documentation of pertinent circumstantial, historical, and other medicolegal data. Aids the Medical Examiner with identification of the decedent, determination of cause and manner of death, preservation of evidence, and anticipated future questions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives and responds to the initial report of a death or request for cremation;
• Creates an office record with the preliminary information;
• Seeks and gathers facts and additional data necessary to establish the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction;
• Communicates and coordinates with the Medical Examiner, family members, employers, witnesses, and personnel from law enforcement, hospital, medical, civil, mortuary, insurance, and other fields;
• Responds as appropriate to the death or injury scene or body location;
• Inspects and documents by means of notes, diagrams, sketches, and photography the appearance and condition of the locale, body, and other pertinent objects on or near or associated with the body;
• Makes preliminary external examination of the body as appropriate with reference to identification of findings and factors related to time, place, manner, and cause of injury, disease, or death, and with reference to routine physical characteristic documentation and identity;
• Obtains pertinent past and present medical, social, family, and other history from persons and sources associated with the decedent, including family, physicians, hospitals, co­workers, employers, and law enforcement agencies;
• Prepares for collection and removal the body and any pertinent valuables or evidentiary materials, and removes or transports the body or materials to the appropriate location or facility;
• Ensures the preservation and storage of evidentiary items and materials, available records, the body, and any associated clothing, valuables, or personal effects;
• Prepares and delivers required documentation and reports as directed;
• Initiates and assists with necessary follow-up investigations and communications;
• Acts as official representative of the Medical Examiner as appropriate and as requested for records review, discussions, and conferences with other agencies or for depositions or courtroom testimony;
• Obtains continuing education and training as available and as directed in order to maintain high standards and learn and implement new investigative methods;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience Required:

• Master's Degree in related field or Bachelor's Degree with three years' acceptable and proven experience in death investigation; and/or Licensed Paramedic/EMT with proven and documented experience.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Knowledge of the rules and regulations affecting the operation of the Medical Examiner's Office.
• Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service and telephone etiquette.
• Knowledge of safety procedures.
• Knowledge of the rules of evidence and court procedures.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to consult with the medical examiner as necessary or required.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement.