Medicolegal Death Investigator

Ada County • Meridian, ID

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Ada County is seeking a Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) to join their growing Coroner's team. The MDI investigates deaths, aids in determining the cause and manner of death according to state statute, particularly for unexpected, unexplained deaths or those without a physician in attendance. This role involves identifying, collecting, and preserving forensic evidence, determining the identity of the deceased, identifying and notifying legal next of kin, and assisting families. Investigations can include on-scene work, interviews, evidence collection, and documentation. Investigators may testify in court and are responsible for protecting the county's interest in cases with no next of kin or abandoned decedents, which may involve sealing homes, vehicles, and collecting property. These duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Investigative Supervisor. The position offers multiple levels based on training, experience, education, competency, and work complexity, with a focus on training and working towards ABMDI certification.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Forensic Science or a related field such as Anthropology, Chemistry, Biology, Criminal Justice, Nursing or Medical Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) within two years of hire required.
• FEMA courses 100, 200, and 700 must be completed for appropriate certifications within 60 days of hire.
• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Skill in providing comfort and assistance to people grieving the loss of family or friends.
• Skill in communicating in a clear and concise way in stressful situations.
• Skill in written communication.
• Ability to witness death scenes and observe and note details.
• Ability to analyze difficult investigatory problems, adopt effective courses of action, and draw appropriate conclusions.
• Ability to perform work successfully in high stress situations.
• Ability to use photographic equipment and take photographs.
• Ability to operate passenger cars or light trucks safely.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to maintain quality while working on multiple projects.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Prior MDI experience (implied by starting at entry level unless prior experience exists)

Responsibilities

• Investigates deaths and aids in determination of cause and manner of death according to state statute, particularly unexpected and unexplained death or those without a physician in attendance.
• Identifies forensic evidence to include collection and preservation.
• Determines the identity of the deceased, identifies legal next of kin, and notifies them of the death.
• Assists families in resolving concerns relating to the death.
• Conducts on-scene investigation, interviews, evidence collection and preservation, and various methods of documenting the case.
• Testifies in criminal and civil court.
• Protects the counties interest in cases of no next of kin or abandoned decedents, to include sealing homes, vehicles and collecting property.
• Responds to calls relating to "sudden deaths" which refers to a death in which a physician has not been in attendance of the deceased or a death under questionable circumstance.
• Confers with police, doctors, hospital staff, families of the deceased, insurance investigators, lawyers, funeral homes, Idaho Board of Pharmacy, and media.
• Examines the place of death for evidence of the cause of death and the identity of deceased.
• Gathers, preserves, and stores evidence while maintaining the integrity of the evidence through proper collection, handling, security, and chain of custody.
• Photographs and examines decedents; taking note of all defects, the scene, evidence and property.
• Identifies decedent.
• Determines preliminary cause and manner of death.
• Transports decedent.
• Admits decedents into morgue custody and assures proper chain of custody procedures are followed.
• Transport specimens to and from hospital lab.
• Coordinates donation cases.
• Attends or assists in the autopsies and supplies pathologists with information relating to the death scene.
• Conducts scene investigations in cases involving non-hospital death.
• Conducts death investigations at hospitals and care facilities where jurisdiction applies.
• Collects samples of body fluids from the deceased person.
• Identifies next of kin through investigative and legal processes.
• Provides assistance and comfort to family members who have strong emotional reactions to notification of death, with our known resources for aftercare.
• Takes responsibility for the personal belongings of individuals who have no known relative.
• Gathers, preserves, and stores decedent belongings that are brought in.
• Collection, inventory and processing of decedent medications.
• Attends depositions, inquests, and court hearings providing relevant information and testimony.
• Prepares written reports on cases, listing pertinent case facts in manner and cause of death and body examination.
• Does in person notifications to legal next of kin in our county.
• Does in person notifications for other county and state agencies.
• Works with outside agencies to complete investigations.
• Obtains and reviews medical records, police reports and all other necessary documentation for case reports.
• Works case through to final disposition with working knowledge of statutory regulations.
• Performs other related functions as required.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation’s best state retirement systems, with 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave
• Life insurance
• Robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level