Medicolegal Death Investigator - Medical Examiner's Office - J16080

Base Pay: $23.57 Hourly .

Under general supervision receives reports of death, visits death scenes, conducts investigations regarding circumstances of death, examines decedents, prepares official investigative reports; releases cause and manner of death information to the public, official agencies, and media according to office polices, trains newly hired Medical Investigators, and performs other duties as required. The employee is required to be on duty before, during, and after natural disasters and emergencies, as directed by the supervisor.

This employee reports to the Chief Medical Examiner. Work product reviewed by Chief Medical Examiner, Deputy Medical Examiner and Senior Death Investigator. Works closely with law enforcement agencies, funeral homes, hospitals and physicians, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Answers calls from the death notification phone line, evaluates the jurisdictional authority of this office regarding those calls, and makes a preliminary determination based on the Texas Medical Examiner Act as to the disposition of the case which is reviewed by the Medical Examiner. Conducts death scene investigations, when necessary, which includes visiting the death scene, drawing diagrams, taking quality photographs, interviewing witnesses, family members, law enforcement agents, or other pertinent individuals to obtain information about circumstances surrounding the death;

examines decedent for wounds or other evidence pertinent to death. Prepares written investigative reports on investigative findings and observations. Contacts physicians, medical facilities, and investigative agencies to obtain medical information pertinent to death investigation. Coordinates identification measures in all cases, particularly in cases of unidentified decedents. Contacts next of kin regarding death notification and the disposition of the decedent’s remains.

Receives calls from agencies (including news media) and releases appropriate information regarding cases. Serves as a liaison with law enforcement agencies, coordinating the exchange of information regarding cases. Provides general 24 hours a day security and supervision of the medical examiner’s building. Monitors alarm systems. Consults with Medical Examiners regarding necessary follow-up information required for case investigation. May assist in the transfer and return of physical evidence to law enforcement agencies.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below 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. Any employee who drives a vehicle on official business must have a driving record which meets standards set by the County and the County’s insurance carrier.

Bachelor’s degree in fields to include Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Biomedical Science, or closely related field; or, Associate’s degree in fields to include Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Biomedical Science, or closely related field with additional verifiable work experience (1-3 years); or, Certification as an RN, EMT-Paramedic, or equivalent medical certification; with additional verifiable work experience (1-3 years). Must know the Texas State Medical Examiner Act and related statutes;

knowledge of crime scene investigation and procedures; knowledge of the criminal justice system; knowledge of human anatomy, health care systems, basic…