Forensic Investigator

County of Delaware•Lima, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Investigator is an entry-level position within the Office of the Medical Examiner. This position works in a 24-hour environment with rotating shifts that may include weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Under the immediate supervision of the Chief of Forensic Investigations, the Forensic Investigator receives training and assists with investigative work related to deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner’s Office. This includes deaths resulting from homicide, suicide, accident, death in police custody, sudden unexplained infant death, and other deaths considered suspicious in nature. Incumbents are expected to develop the knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary to eventually perform forensic investigative duties independently.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Ability to pass a security background check
Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology
Must be able to obtain ABMDI registry-level certification within two years of hire.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher with major coursework in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Anthropology, Nursing, Mortuary Science, Crime Scene Investigation or Medical Terminology
At least 1 year of work experience or practical internship experience in investigating deaths that fell under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner or Coroner’s Office
Work experience can be substituted for education requirements on a year-by-year basis
Certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigations (ABMDI)
Bachelor’s degree or higher with major coursework in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Anthropology, Nursing, Mortuary Science, Crime Scene Investigation or Medical Terminology
If already ABMDI certified must maintain certification throughout the entire employment

Responsibilities

Determine if deaths fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Conduct telephone and scene investigations, interview witnesses, and obtain information from first responders such as police, fire, and healthcare workers
Use digital photography to document death scenes and trauma to the body
Use medical terminology to write investigative reports and scene narratives
Use a computer to input data into a Case Management System
Responsible for locating and notifying next of kin, which includes direct interaction with distraught families
Must be able to stand for long periods of time, lift and move bodies approximately 100 pounds or more, and be exposed to unpleasant smells, hazardous chemicals, biological fluids, and extreme weather conditions when conducting scene investigations
Must be able to work any shift as necessary in a 24-hour period, including weekends and holidays.
Initially, work hours will include 12 hours, but as staffing increases will be reduced to 8-hour shifts
Must submit to a drug test upon hire and random drug testing throughout your employment