Medicolegal Death Investigator

Duties:

Essential functions: This is not an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties or functions associated with the job.

• Manage the activities of the medical examiner’s office as prescribed by state statutes, and as directed by the District Deputy State Medical Examiner; maintain records, and process necessary reports relating to deaths, including death notices; investigative reports, autopsies, laboratory analyses and inventories. Prepare and maintain records, reports and statistical data.
• Conduct investigations of deaths’ take custody of body and personal effects of the deceased; assist local law enforcement to preserve evidence; obtain medical history and other information relevant to the death; contact coworkers, funeral homes, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, District Attorney’s office, relatives and public to aid in the resolution of questionable deaths.
• Examine body and environment at the scene of a death, determine approximate time of death, cause and manner of death; participate in autopsy; use sound judgment and precautions in situations where personal health and safety may be compromised such as exposure to contagious diseases.
• Notify next of kin and relatives of death; interview witnesses and relatives; arrange for disposition of body; answer questions from family, public and/or media.
• Assist the investigations division Lieutenant with various functions to include investigations of major crimes involving serious injury and other investigative areas requiring medical expertise.
• Review all case investigations by on-call deputy medical examiner for completion and accuracy.
• Testify in court regarding death investigations; Serve as staff representative at various meetings and/or reviews such as Douglas County Major Crimes Team, etc.
• Participate in the development, administration and monitoring of program budget; assist division commander and District Deputy State Medical Examiner in establishing and maintaining office policy and procedures.

Requirements:

Any equivalent combination of education and experience, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required, will be considered. however, the following is preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or mortuary science.

Required

• At time of appointment, must possess valid Oregon drivers license
• A current Oregon State Deputy Medical Examiner’s certificate.

Knowledge of:

• Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures and practices of medical diagnostic or law enforcement investigation techniques as they apply to death investigations; considerable knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy, state statutes as they apply to death investigations and vital records, rules and regulations; principles, practices and techniques of program management.

Skill in:

• Interviewing persons involved with traumatic events, family members of deceased, law enforcement and emergency services personnel; Investigations.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; make independent decisions based on knowledge of internal, State and Federal procedures and protocol under the most difficult of circumstances. Establish and maintain clear and concise records, reports and statistical data; represent Department in a variety of settings; maintain confidentiality; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; courteously meet and deal effectively with law enforcement personnel, District Deputy State Medical Examiner, District Attorney’s Office, other County Department representatives, hospital, medical and mortuary staff, deceased family members, other government agencies, vendors and the public.

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