MEDICOLEGAL INVESTIGATOR

Sparrow•Mount Pleasant, MI

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Medicolegal Investigator obtains and documents information to assist in accurately determining the cause and manner of death, locating next-of-kin, and positively identifying decedents. This role also facilitates the collection and/or protection of evidence and property related to the decedent or the death circumstances. Additionally, the investigator provides post-mortem care to patients who die at UMHS and assists their families.

Requirements

Associate Degree with a science or criminal justice focus (including but not limited to anthropology, biology, physiology, anatomy, criminal justice, mortuary science or pathology); OR HS diploma and four years of experience in death investigation, forensic investigation, funeral directing/embalming, law enforcement, social work, or emergency medicine.
Completion of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) courses ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 OR completion within 180 days of employment.
American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Diplomat certificate OR must obtain certificate within 18 months of employment.
MI Driver License with no restrictions and no excessive traffic violations as defined by H.R. Policy #607.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with peers and supervisors.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to use a keyboard as required to perform the essential duties of the job.
Demonstrates knowledge and maintains and respects patient right to privacy by following the HIPAA Privacy and Security policies and procedures.
Adheres to ICARE values and standards of behavior (Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence).
Role model behaviors that value the diversity of caregivers, patients and customers and supports creating an environment that is inclusive, welcoming and respectful.
Communicates with patients, families and customers using AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank).
Works in a safe manner and promptly reports any hazards identified in the work environment or related to assigned responsibilities.
Adheres to policies and procedures designed to avoid, prevent and reduce the spread of communicable diseases.

Responsibilities

Receives reports of deaths from various sources and obtains information regarding the circumstances of death, entering it into a case management system to determine jurisdiction.
Performs medical examiner investigations in compliance with laws and regulations, attending death scenes within a 5-county radius.
Conducts preliminary visual examinations of the body and death scene for signs of trauma.
Examines the body to determine the cause of death (homicide, suicide, accident, or non-traumatic).
Performs physical examinations of the body, checking for marks, trauma, livor, rigor, decomposition, and insect/animal activity.
Collects and secures physical and pathological evidence, establishing chain of custody.
Reports deaths to Gift of Life for organ/tissue donation.
Interacts with and interviews individuals and witnesses to gather circumstances, medical, mental health, and social history of the decedent.
Collects identifying information of witnesses for further contact.
Obtains information from family members, witnesses, law enforcement, and medical staff regarding the circumstances of death.
Performs post-mortem care, facilitates family viewing, attends to family and team member needs, inventories and documents personal effects.
Provides and/or arranges for transportation of the decedent to the morgue.
Receives and releases decedents from the morgue, ensuring proper identification and documentation.
Conducts investigations into Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths, including re-enactments.
Photographs the body and the scene of death for documentation.
Documents all findings and enters information into the case management system.
Prepares field reports on the scene.
Performs death notifications as needed.
Identifies next of kin, researches and locates the family of the decedent, and notifies them after the decedent's identity is confirmed.
Performs viewings with family members to identify unknown decedents.
Assists families with indigent decedents and arranges for the disposition of unclaimed decedents.
Requests police reports, medical records, and other documents relevant to death investigations.
Communicates with funeral directors, law enforcement officers, other team members, and families professionally, maturely, and compassionately.
Physically manipulates decedents, including lifting up to 50 lbs unaided.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings, conferences, seminars, and trainings.
Stays abreast of new trends and information in the field.
Maintains equipment, washes vehicles, and re-stocks supplies.
Performs other duties as directed.