Forensic Medicolegal Death Investigator I

Duties:

Job Duties

• Respond to and investigate death scenes; photograph, collect, and document evidence;
• Lift and transport human remains in various stages of mutilation and decomposition;
• Adhere to county mandated protocols regarding control and documentation of personal property;
• Document chain of evidence, and adhere to KCMEO process and protocols pertaining to collection and security of evidence;
• Effectively interview family members, witnesses, and notify next of kin of a death;
• Effectively gather and interpret medical records;
• Conduct investigations-typically by phone-to locate next of kin and arrange disposition of remains;
• Complete detailed investigative reports;
• Use MOE-specific software;
• Work closely with law enforcement, medical providers, and legal agencies;
• Release human remains and property to funeral homes;

Requirements:

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL AS A DEATH INVESTIGATOR: Being an investigator calls on a broad range of personal attributes from the physical, to the intellectual, to the emotional—and an investigator needs to be good at all of them.

• The ability to talk to and get information from a wide range of people about uncomfortable topics, in stressful situations.
• The ability to think on your feet – assess a situation and determine what needs to be done and how.
• While staff are not expected to have in depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and legal and medical terminology before being hired, it is essential that staff are able to learn and retain this information during training—and constantly update their knowledge throughout their career. Within 3 years of hire, all investigators are required to become certified through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.
• The ability to lift and maneuver a human body out of often tight spaces, and remove them with appropriate strength, leverage, respect and dignity.
• While the “in-the-field” aspect of this job is important, investigators spend the majority of their time in the office on the phone

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Ability to gain a knowledge of human anatomy and physiological functions; legal and medical terminology, and health and safety requirements relating to decomposed bodies during the first months of employment
• Ability to investigate and photograph death scenes, gather evidence; transport human remains, and secure, document, and control personal property and evidence
• Ability to lift, maneuver, and handle human remains averaging 175lbs, in various stages of mutilation and decomposition
• Ability to interview witnesses and family members, accurately document chain of evidence, gather information, and maintain detailed and accurate records
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and work with clients of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds in a respectful and compassionate manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, co-workers, law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys and members of the public of different cultural backgrounds
• Ability to work reliably as a member of a multi-faceted professional team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times

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