On-Call Medical Examiner Investigator

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine - Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo, MI

Educational Services

About the position

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking qualified (on-call) Medical Examiner Investigators for the Medical Examiner's Office. These individuals will investigate the medically relevant circumstances surrounding deaths reported to the Office of the Medical Examiner and prepare written reports documenting the investigative findings. We have position openings in the counties of Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalamazoo, Mason, Muskegon, St. Joseph, Van Buren.

Responsibilities

• Respond to scenes of reported deaths and perform a skilled investigation
• Determine whether a death is within the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction and requires an investigation, based on Michigan Law and Western Michigan University School of Medicine Forensic Pathology policies and procedures
• Maintain availability by pager or telephone during on-call hours
• Prepare human remains for transport
• Communicate effectively with emergency personnel and law enforcement investigators in order to obtain accurate and comprehensive information regarding the circumstances surrounding a death
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with the decedent's loved ones and other witnesses
• Obtain medical history from physicians, medical records, emergency personnel, relatives, witnesses, police and other involved persons
• Communicate effectively with Funeral Directors and funeral home personnel
• Speak and write in a professional manner; maintain a professional appearance
• Submit clear, accurate and objective reports, in a computerized web-based records management system, in a prescribed format in a timely manner for all death investigations
• Insure that the next-of-kin is notified of the death
• Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and skills by attending continuing education seminars, training programs and appropriate courses
• Comply with policies and procedures established by the Medical Examiner
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Medical Examiner and/or Chief Medical Examiner Investigator
• At times may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from cadavers outside of department
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions
• All other duties as assigned
• Must reside in one of the counties we serve

Requirements

• An associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college, university or accredited technical school
• An equivalent combination of education and experience
• Law enforcement experience of at least three years, or
• Medical background, or
• Experience as a first-responder (e.g. Firefighter, EMT)

Nice-to-haves

• Preferably at least 24 years of age
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Michigan Operator's License
• No prior felony convictions
• Ability to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of modern medical examiner principles, procedures, techniques and equipment
• Ability to maintain good physical condition in order to safely perform job duties
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with peers and supervisors
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions
• Ability to follow and give verbal and written instructions
• Must be able to respond to a scene within the assigned county within 60 minutes of report
• Must be available to commit to at least 8-10 on-call shifts per month
• Internet access
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision