Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator

Ozaukee County•Port Washington, WI

1d•$34 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Examiner’s Office responds to reports of death 365 days a year (including evenings, overnight, weekends and holidays). The Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) is used to fill vacancies when the Medical Examiner is not available, and when there are simultaneous calls for service. The Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator is the lead investigator under the Medical Examiner. The Lead MDI assumes Medical Examiner daily activities in the absence of the Medical Examiner. The Ozaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office operates under the statuary obligation of determining cause and manner of death, along with the obligation of identifying deceased individuals, and locating and notifying legal next of kin. The Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator determines the manner of death through an investigative process, using deductive and inductive reasoning skills to draw conclusions based on existing knowledge, prior experience and available evidence. In cases of sudden or unattended deaths such as those resulting from accidents, homicides, suicides, overdoses or other unusual circumstances, the Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator relies on the expertise of a forensic pathologist to medically determine the cause of death.

Requirements

Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in such areas as forensic science, biological or medical science, anatomy, anthropology, nursing, or closely related field AND 3 years (preferred) of work experience in medicolegal death investigation or closely related field.
5 years of work experience in medicolegal death investigation, as an autopsy assistant, funeral director, nursing, or closely related field.
Requires demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology, medicine as it pertains to death, and varying forms of trauma.
Using medical and legal investigative techniques and procedures in a setting consistent with the duties of the position.
Must have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.
Must successfully pass criminal background check and preemployment physical.
Ability to receive ABMDI certification during employment.
Candidates must meet these requirements or possess a combination of similar education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position.
1st Shift Position that requires some evening, nights, and weekend availability.
Alternating weekly on-call, as back up for the investigators.
Must commit to monthly on-call hours which may include daytime, evening, weekends, and holidays.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and access to personal transportation, or other reliable means of city and rural travel on a 24-hour basis.
Knowledge of the statutory duties affecting the Medical Examiner’s Office, methods of conducting death investigations, and supervisory techniques.
Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations and working relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Ability to exercise judgment and make independent decisions to oversee the work of staff, communicate effectively, orally, and in writing, and interact effectively with co-workers and the general public.
In evaluating candidates for this position, The Medical Examiner’s Office may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision.
Work requires operating motor vehicles. This may involve driving in inclement weather conditions.
Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
Work may require working in dangerous situations.
Work requires wearing specialized personal protective equipment.
May be subject to exposure to blood/body fluids and infectious and communicable diseases in various environments.

Nice To Haves

3 years (preferred) of work experience in medicolegal death investigation or closely related field.

Responsibilities

Conducts the initial investigation which involves: Evaluates scenes through photographic and written documentation, and utilizes an electronic case management system for maintaining all reports and photographs pertaining to the investigation. Obtains pertinent case information by interviewing first responders, witnesses, healthcare providers and family. Conducts an external body examination using photographs and written documentation. Examine the body for trace evidence. Outlines the scope and course of a death investigation, determines whether to perform an autopsy, toxicology, or if other laboratory tests are needed as required by law. Preserves and documents evidence. Establish positive decedent identification through scientific methods if necessary. Notifies the next of kin or assists with the search for next of kin when necessary. Secures and prepares the body and personal belongings for transport to the morgue, ME’s office or release to a local funeral home. Exercises the authority to determine the official cause and manner of death based on investigative findings, evidence, and consultation with the Medical Examiner and forensic pathologists as necessary, and has the authority to sign the death certificate.
Intakes data from deaths that occur at medical facilities, and determine Medical Examiner jurisdiction. Collects and reviews medical records and history, consulting with attending or primary care physicians to identify factors contributing to the death. Communicates with Next of Kin throughout death investigation. Coordinates transports to/from scene, to/from Morgue and to/from ME office. Corresponds with ME Office performing autopsies. Authorizes organ donation via Donor Network. Supplies toxicology and autopsy reports to DA/law enforcement agencies. Testifies in civil and criminal court cases when necessary.
Obtaining Cremation Request Forms from Funeral Homes. Scheduling/coordinates views with Funeral Homes. Perform external body examination and photography of the body for every view. Input all information obtained in the electronic case management system. Reviews the signed death certificate to ensure there are no discrepancies or suspicion of unnatural causes of death. Once all documentation is verified the Cremation Permit may be signed by the Lead MDI or Medical Examiner and issued to the requesting funeral home.
Supervises, coordinates, and directs the action of MDI as requested under the direction of the Medical Examiner. Reviews investigative reports. Direct educational and training programs for staff members and law enforcement agencies and others as requested under the direction of the Medical Examiner. Attend and participate in meetings (budget, training, fatality review team, etc.).
Maintains morgue admission and releases to/from Morgue, other ME offices, and funeral homes. Maintain vehicle cleanliness and stocking of ME vans and cots. Assist the Medical Examiner in maintaining finances and logs at the discretion of the Medical Examiner.