Medical Examiner Investigator

Johnson County•Iowa City, IA

9d•$35 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, conducts death investigations in the field and in institutional settings, issues cremation permits, acts as a liaison between the Johnson County Medical Examiner Department and other agencies and families of decedents, and performs related tasks. This role involves performing forensic death investigations for various types of deaths, consulting with the medical examiner, preparing reports, and serving as a liaison with other agencies and families. The position also includes responsibilities such as cleaning equipment, restocking supplies, coordinating with the Iowa Donor Network, performing death notifications, assisting in training, collecting specimens, and providing court testimony.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in criminal justice, nursing or closely related field AND three (3) years related experience which includes a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a licensed or certified nurse or medical care provider; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Must pass background check.
Arrive at scene within one-half (1/2) hour of notification.
Within six months of hire, must reside in Johnson County or within a twenty-five mile radius of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
Valid driver’s license, safe driving record and insurable under county liability coverage.
May also require use of private vehicle for official business.
Attend the Basic Medicolegal Death Investigator Training Course within the probationary period.
Attain certification as a Registered Medicolegal Death Investigator with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, Inc. within one year of employment.
Attend the Masters Conference for Advanced Death Investigation within two years of employment.
Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, forensic science, forensic pathology, pharmacology, medical technology, and emergency medical services.
Knowledge of forensic death investigative techniques and the laws related to investigation, interviewing, evidence collection and preservation, and chain of custody.
Knowledge of forensic death investigation for both routine natural deaths and atypical deaths.
Knowledge of narrative report writing.
Knowledge of English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
Knowledge of County roads, use of maps and safe motor vehicle operation.
Ability to be on call 24 hours a day.
Ability to represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner.
Ability to learn, interpret, apply, and articulate Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner and Departmental policies and procedures, the Code of Iowa and the Iowa Administrative Code.
Ability to collect data, keep records, prepare reports and forms.
Ability to be detail-oriented, quality driven and accurate while performing duties.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, health care professionals, funeral directors, law enforcement officers, emergency medical service personnel, witnesses, organ procurement organization representatives, family members, other public agency representatives and members of the public.
Ability to provide customer service that is courteous and responsive.
Ability to interact effectively with persons from widely divergent backgrounds, interests and points of view.
Ability to handle bodies appropriately to ensure evidence preservation and conduct duties in a manner which shows respect for the deceased and their families.
Ability to observe standard precautions, safe work practices and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ability to handle low to high levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position.
Ability to have the stamina to handle the physical and mental demands inherent in the work, such as hazardous environments, unpleasant sights and odors; as well as distraught persons.
Ability to work outdoors in different terrains and in all weather conditions.
Ability to safely handle potential exposure to harmful blood and body fluids, infectious disease, harmful chemicals and drugs.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and competing priorities.
Ability to organize and present facts, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to use a computer for the purposes of word processing, data entry, spreadsheets and presentations.
Ability to operate common equipment such as calculators, fax machines, photo copiers, printers, multi-line telephones, GPS devices, digital cameras and wireless communication devices.
Ability to have clarity of speech, hearing and writing which permits effective communication.
Ability to have sufficient vision which permits light to moderate production and review of materials both in electronic and hard copy forms, and which permits performance of duties at night.
Ability to have sufficient manual dexterity to make legible handwritten notations and which permits light use of a keyboard and mouse.
Ability to sit, squat, kneel, climb, crawl, jump, twist, reach, bend, stoop, and stand.
Ability to push, pull, move, lift and/or carry up to 125 pounds.
Ability to occasionally perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time.
Ability to have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work and attend meetings at various locations.
Ability to work flexible schedule as required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts death investigations in the field and in institutional settings.
Issues cremation permits.
Acts as a liaison between the Johnson County Medical Examiner Department and other agencies and families of decedents.
Performs forensic death investigations to include such deaths as decomposed and skeletal remains, suicide, homicide, accidental, sudden unexplained infant deaths, fire, drowning, drug or poison related, motor vehicle, environmental exposure and in-custody deaths.
Acts as a representative of the Department and consults with the medical examiner during the investigation.
Performs routine duties associated with investigations and autopsies, particularly external examinations, identification procedures, investigative and clerical duties, as well as transmittal of results of autopsy and investigation to appropriate law enforcement agencies and other involved persons as directed by law.
Measures, describes, photographs and records observations and witness statements at death scenes.
Promptly responds to telephone inquiries as directed by policy.
Prepares cremation permits, initiates investigation if necessary and promptly transmits permit to requesting funeral directors.
Serves as a liaison with the medical examiner on-call concerning autopsies, investigations, media relations and cremation permits.
Transports bodies in the designated vehicle or arranges for their transportation.
Ensures proper identification, receipt, transfer, secure custody and adherence to infection control precautions.
Prepares and submits preliminary investigative reports, forms and permits to the Department office prior to the end of work shift.
Assists in obtaining clinical specimens that were collected at hospitals and arranges shipment to locations as directed.
Obtains and reviews documents and records which may include medical records, photographs, dental records, x-rays and other items of evidentiary nature for identification and/or investigative purposes.
Follows up on cases as guided by information developed through autopsy, interview, investigation and/or laboratory findings.
Assists in investigations outside of the County, including consultation with funeral directors, law enforcement officers, county attorneys, and other persons having legitimate interest in cases under the jurisdiction of the Johnson County Medical Examiner and acts as an investigative liaison for the Department.
Cleans and sanitizes soiled and/or contaminated equipment, uniforms and motor vehicles.
Restocks supplies and equipment; maintains and fuels motor vehicles as required.
Notifies and coordinates with the Iowa Donor Network as per department policy.
Performs compassionate death notifications to next-of-kin as soon as possible.
Follows up with families as directed by policy.
Assists in training new employees.
Collects blood, urine and vitreous specimens from the bodies of decedents.
Presents clear and accurate court testimony.
Attends work-related meetings and professional development activities as directed.
Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
Attends work regularly at the designated time and place.

Benefits

Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement Systems (IPERS)
ISave 529
Public Loan Forgiveness
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Deferred Compensation plan with County matching for eligible employees
Generous paid time off—encompassing vacation time, sick days, personal days, holidays, and paid parental leave
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance