Medical Legal Death Investigator

About the Position

At the Lane County District Attorney’s Office, our mission is to strengthen public safety and enhance quality of life for our community. We do this by holding offenders accountable, protecting the rights of the innocent, and ensuring children and families receive the support they need. We also play a critical role of assisting in the determination of the cause and manner of death by investigating traumatic or unattended deaths, helping bring clarity and closure to families during difficult times.

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Medical-Legal Death Investigator to join our team. In this role, you will be on the front lines of our death investigation program, working under the direction of the District Attorney and Deputy State Medical Examiner as outlined in ORS 146.090. This is meaningful, challenging work that requires compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to serving our community.

• Gather information at scenes and examining bodies for evidence of medical disease and/or injury.
• Take skillful scene and body photos for documentational purposes.
• Interview relatives, witnesses and/or other involved parties to obtain critical details for the investigation.
• Collect bodily fluid specimens for toxicology testing as well as collect physical evidence.
• Prepare detailed and grammatically sound death investigation reports. 
• Authorize and coordinate the removal of bodies to/from specified locations by the designated funeral home or contracted transport service company.
• Take custody of deceased's personal effects when applicable, document a thorough and detailed inventory, and then release the property over to a responsible person such as a funeral director, relative or law enforcement.
• Assist in the coordination of death notifications or personally perform them.
• Engage as the multifaceted conduit between families, medical personnel, funeral directors, law enforcement, etc., and the Deputy State Medical Examiner during all phases of the investigation.
• Assist with postmortem examinations during training and when regular technicians are unavailable or need additional assistance.
• Review police reports, video/audio recordings, medical records, dental charts, etc., to summarize in the investigative reports.
• Update and maintain the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office file system.
• Occasionally provide testimony for grand jury and criminal or civil trials.
• Represent the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office before the media and occasionally make presentations to the general public.
• Answer inquiries and correspondence with insurance companies, attorneys, law enforcement, physicians and families.
• Understand and apply the laws, rules and regulations prescribed by ORS 146 and other statutes that relate to death investigations.

About the Division

Christopher J. Parosa is Lane County's elected district attorney. His office is responsible for the prosecution of all crimes in Lane County Circuit Court.

Divisions in the District Attorney's Office include Criminal; Juvenile; Family Law (Child Support Enforcement); Victim Services, and Death Investigations.

Our Mission: Strive to improve public safety and quality of life by prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, securing the appropriate support for children and families, and assist in the determination of cause and manner of death by investigating traumatic or unattended deaths.

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

Training and Experience:

• Five years of medical investigative, similar investigation experience, biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or a related field; or an equivalent combination sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Training and experience in paramedicine (EMT or paramedic) or nursing.
• Familiarity with basic anatomy, common medical conditions, and general medical terminology.
• Effective communication with and between diverse organizations and individuals such as law enforcement, medical personnel, and family members.
• Ability to independently analyze and prioritize multiple complex or critical tasks, often occurring simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Familiarity with modern office procedures, methods and computer technology.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, medical facilities/providers, and local law enforcement agencies in the usual course of work.
• Oregon Medicolegal Death Investigator (OMLDI) Training Certification: A 40-hour in person course provided in Clackamas at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office with written and practical examinations on completion. Certification at time of appointment or obtained within one year of employment satisfies the requirement.
• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Basic Certification: Relevant experience, training, and documentation are obtained on-the-job to qualify for sitting for the proctored examination. Certification at time of appointment or obtained within one year of employment satisfies the requirement.

Testing Requirements:

• Applicants for this position will be required to take and successfully pass assessments around understanding of this role.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to respond to a scene of investigation within one hour.
• This position is subject to a full criminal offender record check.

DRIVER’S LICENSE

• Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Job Classifications - Lane County

Selection Process

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2022 -2024 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Veteran Preference Information