Medicolegal Death Investigator

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a rare opportunity to work as a Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) in the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office (PCMEO). You may be responsible for receiving reports of death, determining statutory jurisdiction, and performing scene investigations. You will be assisting MDI staff with phone calls, follow-up, taking reports of death, and gathering information to perform thorough, consistent, and impartial, medicolegal death investigations. PCMEO serves the living through professional death investigations and forensic postmortem examinations, up to and including autopsy. The office works together both within and across teams to provide forensic pathology and death investigation services that are timely, accurate, thorough, and independent from outside influences. The staff performs a critical role for Pierce County. PCMEO is a stand-alone, secure forensic autopsy facility accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME). The office currently has a Lodox™ full-body radiography machine and is undergoing a facility improvement to incorporate advanced imaging computed tomography (CT) into the daily workflow. PCMEO is a modern, moderate-volume, well-equipped four-autopsy station facility with four full-time forensic pathologists, including the Chief Medical Examiner. The office is at the forefront of applying advanced imaging technology and electronic case management systems to streamline workflows and optimize efficiency. A facility renovation project is underway and designed with an eye toward future growth. The office is fully equipped with modern technology and furnishings. Parking is secure, free, and on-site.

Requirements

Education and/or training equivalent to two years of college, community college, university, law enforcement, or military in the fields of nursing, natural science, forensic science, paramedical, or criminal justice
Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license is required
Registry Certification with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) is required within two years of employment.
Must maintain certification while employed in this classification
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and follow State driving laws
An employee in this position is subject to 24-hour availability and must be willing to work non-standard hours, as required
The applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in death investigation
A four-year degree in a natural sciences discipline or a death investigation or health sciences-related field (e.g., nursing, forensic science, or criminal justice) is highly desirable

Responsibilities

Answer telephones to receive reports of deaths.
Perform case follow-up and search for next-of-kin.
Analyze information to make preliminary determinations concerning medical examiner jurisdiction in accordance with RCW 68.50.010.
Examine death scenes and decedents and confer with appropriate parties, which include witnesses, family, friends, co-workers, law enforcement officials, and medical/health care personnel to gather information about deaths and ascertain circumstances, medical history, and probable cause of death.
Take photographs, prepare diagrams, and describe death scenes.
Transport human remains and associated physical evidence.
Write complete and comprehensive statements/reports of investigation and other reports to support the establishment of cause and manner of death.