Medical Examiner Investigator

Duties:

• Receives reports of deaths from physicians and other medical workers, police, funeral directors, family or other persons concerning unattended or traumatic deaths. Using supervision and guidelines, determines if case is within legal jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner.
• In coordination with law enforcement, investigates death scenes for evidence relating to the cause and manner of death, including taking possession of and supervising the transportation of the body, securing and labeling evidence, and interviewing witnesses; takes death scene photographs.
• Confers with law enforcement agencies to coordinate investigation of death resulting from criminal acts; participates in death review conferences in cases of child, fetal, and elder death review cases.
• Verifies the identity of decedent, locates and personally notifies relatives of decedents, interviews the relatives for background information; advises them of Medical Examiner Office procedures.
• Takes inventory of decedent's property and coordinate property protection.
• Prepares reports of investigative findings; prepares death certificates, property forms, release forms, evidence inventories and related documents; reports findings to management and/or Chief Medical Examiner.
• Notifies Public Health Department, Cal OSHA, the District Attorney and law enforcement agencies or other agencies as required relating to the circumstances surrounding death. Appears as a witness in criminal and civil proceedings to testify to facts gathered during investigation.

Requirements:

Either Pattern I

• Experience: One year of experience as a Medical Examiner Investigator Trainee with San Joaquin County.

Or Pattern II

• Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college in Biology, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Mortuary Science or a related field.

Experience:

• One year of experience in a medical, nursing, or investigative field, Medical Examiner's Office or Coroner's Office, which must include working with deceased persons and/or their families, investigating, interviewing individuals, and preparing detailed written reports for law enforcement, medical, or other related agencies.

Substitution:

• Additional qualifying experience can substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

License:

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Special Requirement: Failure to meet these requirements shall result in a release from employment.

1. Completion of an approved course of instruction in death investigation, such as California POST Coroner's Death Investigation course or equivalent, is required within one (1) year of appointment.
2. Completion of a POST certified PC 832 course is required within one (1) year of appointment.

Desirable Certification:

• Valid certification from American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE

• Investigative principles and techniques; rules of evidence; toxicology physiology anatomy, medical terminology and basic pathology of death; methods to preserve and safeguard evidence; legal provisions regarding death investigation in California; and department policy and procedures.

ABILITY

• Learn basic anatomy and physiology; work closely with physicians when investigating cause, manner, and circumstance of unattended or traumatic death; read and understand medical charts; deal tactfully with persons especially under emergency and emotional situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships; write and type accurate and comprehensive reports on the findings of an investigation; gather and evaluate evidence; demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills; work alone and independently without direct supervision in unpleasant or stressful conditions; effective oral and written communications.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Mobility – frequent operation of a data entry device; repetitive motion; sitting, standing, walking for extended periods; driving; frequent pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing.
• Lifting - frequently 5 to 75lbs; occasional lifting/turning of heavy objects or people;
• Visual - constant good overall vision, reading/close-up work; color perception and use eye/hand coordination; frequent use of depth perception and field/peripheral vision;
• Dexterity - frequent reaching; grasping; repetitive motion; writing;
• Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone/radio, talking in person;
• Emotional/Psychological – constant decision making, concentration, and public contact; public speaking; frequent working alone; occasional exposure to trauma, grief, death, and hazardous materials;
• Special Requirements – wear assigned safety equipment; may work different shifts, weekends, holidays, nights, and/or occasional overtime;
• Environmental – frequent exposure to noise and varied weather conditions; frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions, such as decomposed bodies, bodies with extensive physical injuries, and other similar conditions.

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