Forensic Medicolegal Death Investigator

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office (KCME) is a unique and challenging place to work. We investigate all sudden, unexpected, and unnatural deaths in the county. As the largest medical examiner’s office in Washington State, KCME manages a high and varied caseload that demands professionalism and resilience from staff. We approach this work with dedication and a strong, supportive team culture. The Investigations Section is known for its longevity—about half of the team has been here ten or more years, and three members have served for more than twenty. At the same time, we are continually welcoming new staff who bring fresh perspectives and energy.

Forensic Medicolegal Death Investigators investigate all sudden, unexpected, and suspicious deaths that take place in King County. They go to the scene of the death, conduct interviews, take photographs, assess postmortem changes, collect evidence and property, and transport decedents back to the Medical Examiner’s Office. They also confirm decedent identity, find next of kin. and conduct death notifications. They write investigative reports and gather additional information and records used by Forensic Pathologists in determining cause and manner of death.

Temporary opportunity. Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) positions are "at-will" positions but are eligible for benefits. This TLT is currently anticipated to last one (1) year. However, funding sources for this work remain uncertain and dependent upon decisions actively being made at both the federal and local levels. As a result, the end date of this position may be adjusted based on those decisions. The County and the Department continue to work to secure long term funding sources.

This vacancy can also be filled as a Special Duty opportunity. For Special Duty Assignment interest, you must be a Career Service, Career Service Exempt or other regular (non-temporary) employee in King County who has completed their initial County probation. You must have supervisor approval prior to taking a Special Duty Assignment.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

• Respond to and investigate death scenes; photograph, collect, and document evidence; 
• Lift and transport human remains by yourself, weighing an average of 175lbs, in various stages of mutilation and decomposition; 
• Adhere to county mandated protocols regarding control and documentation of personal property; 
• Document chain of evidence, and adhere to KCMEO process and protocols pertaining to collection and security of evidence; 
• Effectively interview family members, witnesses, and notify next of kin of a death; 
• Effectively gather and interpret medical records;
• Conduct investigations-typically by phone and computer-to locate next of kin and arrange disposition of remains; 
• Conduct computer investigations to gain additional pertinent information; 
• Complete detailed investigative reports; 
• Use KCMEO-specific software; 
• Work closely with law enforcement, medical providers, and other agencies; 
• Answer phone calls;
• Release human remains and property to funeral homes; 
• Do a variety of additional tasks related to the work of KCMEO.

Required:

• Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
• Ability to learn legal/medical terminology and health and safety protocols related to decomposition within the first months of employment
• Ability to investigate and photograph death scenes; gather evidence; transport remains; and secure, document, and manage personal property and evidence
• Ability to lift and maneuver human remains averaging 175 lbs., including in advanced decomposition or traumatic conditions
• Ability to make sound decisions in ambiguous or rapidly evolving situations
• Ability to interview witnesses and families in crisis, document evidence accurately, gather information, and maintain detailed records
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work respectfully and compassionately with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, law enforcement, attorneys, and the public 
• Ability to work reliably as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Possession of a Washington State driver’s license (or ability to obtain one before employment). 
• Willingness to obtain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) certification within five (5) years of hire

• Experience in the field of death investigation; currently ABMDI certified or in process to become certified 
• Strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology, postmortem changes, pathological injuries, and other forensic death investigation principles 
• Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team 
• Training and experience in trauma informed care and helping others dealing with grief
• Experience in a field where they must provide effective customer service during extremely stressful situations 
• Fluency in one of the languages most commonly spoken by limited English speakers in King County
  

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

• NEOGOV Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)

Please note: Cover letters, resumes, and additional attachments will not be reviewed as part of the evaluation process.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Necessary Special Requirements

• The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
• The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment. 
• Pre-employment Physical
• For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring. For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en. 
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department. 
• If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Work Schedule

Investigators work 4 days per week, 10 hours per day. The work takes place 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, and shifts are chosen based on seniority. As a result, newer investigators typically work night shifts for many years.  All investigators work some holidays. Which holidays are worked is related to the shift/schedule you work. 

Vacation/holidays off are chosen by seniority, and staffing is such that only one investigator can go on vacation at a time, so it may be many years before someone can take the most popular days off (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). These positions cannot work remotely, and alternative schedules are not possible.

Work Location

Harborview Medical Center Campus at the Ninth and Jefferson Building (NJB) - 908 Jefferson Street, Seattle. Investigators travel all over King County for death scene investigations, but are housed in-office at Harborview. 

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. 

Union Membership

This position is represented by WSCCCE L 1652. 

Contact

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Sarah Dunkinson (sdunkinson@kingcounty.gov).