Death Investigator

Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends death scenes and works cooperatively with law enforcement personnel to ensure collection and preservation of evidence related to the death investigation; interviews family of the decedent, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, physicians and other persons to assist with the determination, cause and manner of death; collects, documents, photographs death scenes and bodies, assists in establishing identity of decedent and insures timely notification of next of kin; facilitates disposition of body; and prepares and submits detailed written fact reports.
• Receives notification of deaths; makes initial determination regarding scope of investigation including jurisdiction, scene attendance and acceptance of body for physical examination.
• Provides information and assistance to family members of decedents; responds to general inquiries and requests for information within established guidelines.
• Receives and releases decedent bodies; assists with the disposition of indigent and unclaimed bodies.
• Troubleshoots and resolves problems and issues that may include responding day or night to death scene locations for on-scene investigations; driving a county vehicle to locations throughout Midland County when performing county business; traveling by any means necessary to conduct investigations and perform duties in areas of difficult accessibility, limited visibility and mobility, or adverse conditions; assuming control of and responsibility at crime scenes or other locations by coordinating and directing duties with patrol officers and crime scene officers; establishing identity of a deceased person; performing thorough investigations into the circumstances of a death; examining the body of decedent and scene surroundings; assessing for signs of death and environmental variables; arranging removal of bodies to the morgue.
• Documents, maintains and updates required records, files and statistics as such pertains to departmental and work group operations; studies evidence and submits as needed for professional examination; enters data into computerized records management system as required; prepares investigation and case reports of circumstances; pertinent data and evidence for filing with the Medical Examiner, and other appropriate agencies including law enforcement and District Attorney's Office.
• Ensures compliance with any or all applicable laws, statues, regulations and policies. Provides information regarding state laws and codes as well as department policy and procedures in response to agencies, funeral homes and the general public.
• Testifies in court or under deposition regarding the findings of investigation of the circumstances of death.
• Performs all and any duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Qualifications, Education, and/or experience

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. May be required to maintain personal vehicle (car allowance and or mileage is budgeted) for use in any or all investigative duties.
• Eligible candidates must have experience in investigative procedures concerning the circumstances, manner and cause of death of a deceased person. An associates degree in a related field; or at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• This is a non-supervisor position.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• TCOLE Basic Peace officer License.

Knowledge, Skills and/or ability

• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications. Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions. Ability to communicate technical information to non­ technical personnel. Ability to write reports containing technical information. Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards. Ability to understand, analyze and interpret medical/forensic information and terminology. Knowledge of death investigation procedures and standards and of legal/policy requirements for the processing of evidence. Skill in identifying trauma wounds. Knowledge of cameras and photographic procedures. Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects. Ability to provide legal depositions and testimony. Ability to multitask and function effectively in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds, such as files, stacks of records, or other similar objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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