Medical Examiner Investigator

Clark County, Washington

105d • $30 - $41

About The Position

The Medical Examiner Investigator is responsible for the objective investigation of the circumstance of unnatural and/or unattended deaths. The work involves observing, evaluating, and documenting death scenes. The work of the Medical Examiner Investigator includes but is not limited to the use of digital photography, scene description (written summary and diagram); interview of witnesses and others persons; transportation of human remains to the Medical Examiner’s Office; and notifying next of kin. Medical Examiner Investigators may be the first official to contact the family of the deceased individual and as such, are required to be sensitive and exhibit an understanding of the initial grieving process. The Medical Examiner Investigator compiles the investigative information regarding the death and prepares an investigative report for review and approval of the Medical Examiner.

Requirements

• An Associate’s Degree is required with work experience performing criminal and/or civil investigations or forensic medical examination processes.
• A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred with work experience performing criminal and/or civil investigations or forensic medical examination processes.
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience in medical, criminal justice, or related fields that would demonstrate the ability to perform the requirements of the position will be considered.
• Requires a valid driver’s license (from state of residence) and evidence of a safe driving record.
• Must possess or attain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator (ABMDI) Registry Certification generally within 24 months of date of appointment to position.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of interviewing, investigative, and grief counseling methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, equipment and procedures involved in handling deceased persons.
• Knowledge of data collection and report writing principles.
• Basic pathology and forensic pathology procedures related to a Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Knowledge of procedures necessary to prepare a body for autopsy and some knowledge and experience in autopsy assisting.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Receives notification of deaths and determines jurisdiction within the Medical Examiner's Office standard guidelines.
• Responds to investigate death; drives to death scenes to perform initial on-scene examination of remains.
• Takes digital images and records scene observations (written summary and diagram).
• Interviews witnesses and collects, preserves, and transports evidence.
• Obtains demographic information pertinent to the cause and manner of death and death certificate completion.
• Interacts with healthcare practitioners to obtain confidential medical history and records of the decedent.
• Reviews medical records of the decedent.
• Interacts with law enforcement officials in the appropriate exchange of investigative information related to death investigations.
• Lifts and loads human remains onto a gurney for transport from death scenes, hospitals, and other care facilities.
• Identifies and locates next of kin or legal representative of the decedent and makes death notifications.
• Performs thorough investigations and prepares clear, concise, and comprehensive investigative reports of the circumstances of the death.
• Answers telephones within the Medical Examiner’s Office responding to questions from the public, medical professionals, law enforcement, and families.
• Provides pre-trial interviews, depositions, and court testimony.
• Assists in autopsies on an as needed basis.

Benefits

• Medical, vision and dental insurance.
• Paid leave.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Retirement and deferred compensation.

What This Job Offers

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