Medical Examiner-Coroner Investigator

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center • San Jose, CA

447d • $130,229 - $158,288

About The Position

The Medical Examiner-Coroner Investigator is responsible for conducting thorough investigations into the cause, manner, and circumstances of death in cases of unattended natural death, accidents, suicides, or homicides. This role involves collaborating with law enforcement, medical professionals, and families to gather evidence and report findings, while also maintaining the integrity of the investigation process.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Biological Science, Criminal Justice, Mortuary Science, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience working with deceased persons in a medical, nursing, investigative, or Medical Examiner's Office or Coroner's Office.
• Completion of an approved course of instruction in death investigation is preferred.
• Strong preference for candidates with a valid diplomate or board certificate through The American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).
• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in supervising or leading investigative teams.
• Completion of California POST Coroner's Death Investigation course or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations into the circumstances of death and work closely with physicians to determine the cause and manner of death.
• Respond to calls from law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or private citizens concerning unattended or traumatic deaths, and authorize removal of bodies from death scenes.
• Interview witnesses, physicians, police officers, and family members to obtain facts concerning the deaths.
• Take or order photographs to be taken at death scenes.
• Assist in identifying decedents using methods such as fingerprint collection, DNA collection, and visual identification.
• Notify the family of the deceased when authorized.
• Discuss findings with law enforcement, laboratories, and other investigative agencies.
• Prepare written case reports and maintain chain of evidence.
• Appear as a witness in criminal and civil proceedings to testify to facts gathered during investigations.
• Investigate requests for indigent disposition.

Benefits

• Dental insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Associate degree