Medicolegal Investigator

Duties

• Respond to and conduct comprehensive death investigations within Weld County regardless of time of day and/or weather conditions;
• Conduct a detailed medicolegal investigation, including photographing the scene and body;
• Processing the scene and body; conducting interviews with NOK, law enforcement and medical staff;
• Removing the body, or bodies, from the scene;
• Conduct a thorough head-toe examination of the body under field conditions and be able to identify post-mortem characteristics, signs of disease and/or injury, and any identifying features;
• Estimate date and time of death;
• Interview witnesses, family members, physicians, employers, and others associated with the deceased.
• Obtain statements, documents, and related factual evidence;
• Produce highly accurate, complete, and unbiased reports, while keeping detailed records.
• Input information into database accurately. Efficiency in Microsoft office products is essential (Word, Outlook, Excel);
• Prepare death certificates with accurate and detailed information;
• Examine, understand, and interpret records, including medical records needed in a death investigation;
• Examine, understand, and interpret records, including medical records needed in a death investigation;
• Properly notify next-of-kin. Provide information and assistance to families;
• Present cases to the forensic pathologist at autopsy;
• Interact with other government agencies, such as Police/Sheriff, Fire, EMS, OSHA, FBI, school districts, hospitals and organ donation teams;
• Maintain certifications by fulfilling all ongoing, required training.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required;
• College degree in any field preferred.
• Basic medical terminology course or equivalent training preferred.

Preferred experience

• Paid coroner experience, including internships of no less than three months.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General office practices and procedures.
• Investigation and interviewing techniques and procedures.
• Applicable Federal and State laws, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of Colorado Coroner Statute 30-10-606.
• Basic to intermediate medical terminology.
• Basic to intermediate anatomy and physiology.
• Basic understanding of the mechanisms associated with death and common causes of death.
• Basic understanding of common prescription, non-prescription and illicit drugs.
• Basic knowledge of the law as it pertains to search and seizure.
• Read and comprehend department and County rules, regulations, policies and standard operating procedures.
• Regular, predictable attendance.
• Evaluate information from medical records and clinician interviews.
• Submit concise and coherent reports in oral and written form.
• Establish and maintain cooperative professional work relationships with persons from a variety of organizations and agencies.
• Comfortably assist persons bereaved by the death of a loved one and professionally manage emotional situations related to death.
• Understand one's own limitations in dealing with stressful situations on a frequent basis.
• Be able to concentrate on more than one task at a time and to make independent decisions.
• Be motivated to prioritize and manage one's time and duties.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must have own transportation to and from work, with required liability insurance and a valid driver's license.
• Must possess or obtain within one year of employment a Medicolegal Death Investigator's certification acceptable to the Weld County Coroner's Office.
• Must be available to begin orientation within 30 days of offer.

Physical Demands

• Acceptable eyesight to perform investigator duties.
• Appropriate voice skills to be clearly understood on telephone, radio, and in public contacts.
• Acceptable hearing to hear well on telephone, radio, and public contacts.
• Able to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time, to walk up and down stairs, and to get into and out of vehicle repeatedly.
• Must be able to lift, carry, drag, or push, an average body weight of 150 to 200 lbs., both alone and with help.
• Able to climb ladders or stairs or climb up to and down from higher levels using unconventional methods.
• Must have fine and gross motor skills, hand dexterity, full use of fingers, hands, and arms, and good grip strength to perform investigative duties.
• Able to drive in any safe environmental conditions (rain, snow, fog etc) 24 hours a day.
• Able to work in hazardous or dangerous work areas or situations.
• Capable of working under stressful situations and while fatigued.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment, as required.
• Able and willing to work nights, weekends and holidays in a mandatory rotating schedule.
• Able and willing to work additional shifts or schedules, as needed.
• This position is non-exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay.

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