Medical Examiner Investigator

Fulton County•Medical Examiner, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This unclassified position vacancy is in the Medical Examiner's Department. The purpose of this classification is to perform specialized work in investigating deaths that occur in Fulton County, including collecting and processing evidence and locating and notifying next of kin. The Medical Examiner Investigator receives and reviews notification of death from law enforcement agencies, hospitals or other sources, takes information regarding incident location and other details, determines jurisdiction of death, and maintains related documentation. They investigate deaths as assigned, conducting investigations of deaths that result from criminal, suspicious, or undetermined causes, coordinating investigation activities with other law enforcement agencies, and managing assigned caseload of investigations. The role involves securing death scenes, examining the body and scene for clues and evidence to determine the cause of death, taking photographs, collecting, evaluating, and preserving evidence, including biological samples, maintaining control and chain-of-custody over physical evidence gathered, and ensuring proper handling, packing, and transport of evidence. Additionally, the investigator conducts interviews with witnesses, law enforcement, medical personnel, and family members, gathers information regarding personal histories, takes statements, and verifies their accuracy. They document all investigative information by preparing detailed case reports and records, generating investigative summaries, and subpoenaing police reports and medical records as needed. A key responsibility is locating and notifying next of kin by conducting research and advising families of the death, assisting with funeral services, County burial, obtaining death certificates, or other details as needed. The position also involves processing a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, operating various equipment and supplies, and communicating with supervisor, other employees, law enforcement, medical personnel, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Additional functions include participating in court proceedings and testifying in court as needed, and performing other related duties as required.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Biology, Forensic Science, Criminal Justice or related field
Two years of experience in emergency medical services, forensics or law enforcement
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Nice To Haves

Competencies and transferable skills developed through military service, including: Leadership Under Pressure, Operational Planning & Execution, Adaptability & Rapid Problem Solving, Team Cohesion & Communication, Safety & Risk Awareness, Technical & Equipment Proficiency.

Responsibilities

Receives and reviews notification of death from law enforcement agencies, hospitals or other sources: takes information regarding incident location and other details; determines jurisdiction of death; maintains related documentation.
Investigates deaths as assigned: conducts investigations of deaths that result from criminal, suspicious, or undetermined causes; coordinates investigation activities with other law enforcement agencies; manages assigned caseload of investigations.
Secures death scenes: examines body and scene for clues and evidence to determine cause of death; takes photographs; collects, evaluates, and preserves evidence, including biological samples; maintains control and chain-of-custody over physical evidence gathered; ensures proper handling, packing, and transport of evidence; coordinates transportation of body to morgue or funeral home.
Conducts interviews with witnesses, law enforcement, medical personnel, and family members: gathers information regarding personal histories, including medical and social histories; takes statements; and verifies truth/accuracy of statements.
Documents all investigative information: prepares detailed case reports and records; generates investigative summaries; subpoenas police reports and medical records as needed.
Locates and notifies next of kin: conducts research utilizing law enforcement records, hospital records, fingerprints, Social Security records, Internet, etc.; advises family of death; assists with funeral services, County burial, obtaining death certificates, or other details as needed.
Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including incident and traffic reports, medical records and police reports; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including investigative reports, medication list, property list, and subpoenas; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
Operates or uses various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains a motor vehicle; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
Communicates with supervisor, other employees, law enforcement, medical personnel, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Participates in court proceedings and testifies in court as needed.
Performs other related duties as required.