Job Summary

The Medical Examiner Investigator is responsible for the objective investigation of the circumstance of unnatural and/or unattended deaths. The work involves observing, evaluating, and documenting death scenes.

The work of the Medical Examiner Investigator includes but is not limited to the use of digital photography, scene description (written summary and diagram); interview of witnesses and others persons; transportation of human remains to the Medical Examiner’s Office; and notifying next of kin. Medical Examiner Investigators may be the first official to contact the family of the deceased individual and as such, are required to be sensitive and exhibit an understanding of the initial grieving process. The Medical Examiner Investigator compiles the investigative information regarding the death and prepares an investigative report for review and approval of the Medical Examiner.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

An Associate’s Degree is required with work experience performing criminal and/or civil investigations or forensic medical examination processes.  A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred with work experience performing criminal and/or civil investigations or forensic medical examination processes.  Any equivalent combination of education or experience in medical, criminal justice, or related fields that would demonstrate the ability to perform the requirements of the position will be considered.

Requires a valid driver’s license (from state of residence) and evidence of a safe driving record. 

Must possess or attain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator (ABMDI) Registry Certification generally within 24 months of date of appointment to position.

Knowledge of:  Interviewing, investigative, and grief counseling methods and techniques; methods, practices, equipment and procedures involved in handling deceased persons; data collection, report writing principles; basic pathology and forensic pathology procedures related to a Medical Examiner’s Office; procedures necessary to prepare a body for autopsy and some knowledge and experience in autopsy assisting; pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to: Successfully pass a comprehensive background check, communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; prepare clear, concise but thorough, grammatically correct  written reports; provide effective counseling in situations involving relatives and friends of deceased persons; gather, verify, compile and evaluate information and other data; evaluate and preserve evidence that would assist the Medical Examiner to determine manner and cause of death; provide effective and credible courtroom testimony; deal with death and human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease and trauma; maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; proficiently use word processing/keyboarding with moderate to advanced computer skills, proficiently use computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Internet Explorer, and various search engines; operate other related office equipment.

Selection Process:

Resumes and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

Examples of Duties

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS OR RESPONSIBILITES (including but not limited to the following):

• Receives notification of deaths, determines jurisdiction within the Medical Examiner's Office standard guidelines.
• Responds to investigate death; drives to death scenes to perform initial on-scene examination of remains; takes digital images; records scene observations (written summary and diagram); interviews witnesses; collects, preserves and transports evidence; and obtains demographic information that is pertinent to the cause and manner of death and death certificate completion.

• Interacts with healthcare practitioners to obtain confidential medical history and records of the decedent.  Reviews medical records of the decedent.

• Interacts with law enforcement officials in the appropriate exchange of investigative information related to death investigations.

• Lifts and loads human remains onto a gurney for transport from death scenes, hospitals, and other care facilities and transports remains to the Medical Examiner’s Office. Lift and remove loaded gurney from transport vehicle.

• Identifies and locates next of kin or legal representative of the decedent and makes death notifications; removes personal items from body, catalogues and secures personal items for later release to family or appropriate representative of the decedent.

• Performs thorough investigations and prepares clear, concise, and comprehensive investigative reports of the circumstances of the death, social and medical history, and other information relevant to the death; and performs follow-up investigations to obtain additional information needed for finalization of investigative reports.

• Answers telephones within the Medical Examiner’s Office responding to questions from the public, medical professionals, law enforcement, and families.

• Impartially facilitates disposition of remains through consultation with families, funeral homes, and others.

• Provides pre-trial interviews, depositions, and court testimony.

• Assists in autopsies on an as needed basis.

Salary Grade

Local 8.8

Salary Range

$30.58 - $41.27- per hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Recruiter

Irene Catherine Chrest

Email:

Irene.Chrest@clark.wa.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.  More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.