Medical Examiner Associate

Clark County, Washington

6d•$18,803 - $27,263

About The Position

The Associate Medical Examiner conducts death investigations to determine the cause and manner of death. Duties include performing autopsies and external examinations; determining or verifying decedent identity; reviewing decedent history; interpreting tests and histologic slides; providing expert testimony; and participating in public health committees as primary work duties allow. The Associate Medical Examiner may serve as acting clinical department head in the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner. The position reports directly to the Chief Medical Examiner, has broad responsibility and considerable latitude for independent judgment, and works autonomously in daily forensic pathology and operational activities. Work is subject to review by the Chief Medical Examiner.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited school of medicine.
Complete an accredited forensic pathology fellowship training program.
Hold a Washington medical license by the time of hire.
Currently be board certified in Anatomic Pathology.
Obtain Forensic Pathology Board Certification from the American Board of Pathology within three years of appointment and maintain board certification as a condition of employment.
Be a resident of Oregon or Washington.
Maintain a valid driver license in the state of residency.
Knowledge of death investigation center operations, services, and activities.
Knowledge of pathology and forensic pathology procedures.
Knowledge of methods, practices, equipment, and procedures for handling deceased individuals.
Knowledge of report-writing principles and techniques.
Ability to prepare detailed technical reports.
Ability to solve complex death investigations.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact and cooperate with coworkers and deal effectively with law enforcement personnel, attorneys, court personnel, county commissioners, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Perform duties in compliance with department policies and procedures.
Perform timely postmortem examinations and retain samples, specimens, and tissues necessary for analysis, examination, and documentation consistent with forensic pathology practices.
Prepare written autopsy reports using appropriate reporting forms and conventions.
Issue written preliminary cause-of-death reports when the determination does not depend on further investigation.
Maintain appropriate records, reports, and other investigation documentation, including documentation regarding physical evidence transferred from other investigative agencies.
Confer with law enforcement officials about cases performed and occasionally about other cases.
Provide expert testimony.
Visit death scenes or locations where remains were discovered to provide professional assistance as appropriate.
Take documentary digital images.
Recommend and assist with implementing goals and objectives, and help establish schedules and methods for providing forensic pathology services.
Participate in public health committees as primary work duties allow.
Serve as acting clinical department head in the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner, as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Medical Examiner.