Medicolegal Death Investigator (Part-Time)

Performs medico/legal death investigations for the County Coroner’s Office. Work involves investigating and reporting on deaths from unknown natural causes, homicide, accident, suicide. Work includes assisting and coordinating efforts with various agencies and entities.  Employees proceed independently to complete investigations, developing information and following up on matters on their own and using judgment to deal with most problems encountered in the work; supervision and case direction are provided by the Chief Deputy Coroner Investigator.

• Responds to death scene assignments.  Secures the death scene; makes physical examination of deceased; photographs and performs evaluation of the scene.  Identifies the deceased.
• Interviews witnesses, family members, physicians, employers, friends, professionals and others associated with the deceased; compiles statements, documents, related factual evidence, medical records and other records that may be related to the death. 
• Facilitates body removals; assists when needed.
• Notifies next of kin of deceased.
• Schedules, coordinates and attends autopsies with pathologist, law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Assists pathologist as needed.
• Writes and compiles reports using obtained information so as to assist the Coroner in determining cause of death.
• Ensures proper release of information to public through press releases and/or media interviews. 
• Provides training and education in the field of forensic death investigation to other law enforcement, health agencies, schools, community service agencies and the general public. 
• Acts as a liaison with law enforcement personnel, the District Attorney’s Office, funeral directors, hospitals, next of kin and news media.
• Locates collects and preserves evidence; arranges for technical analysis of evidence as appropriate.
• Works with Public Administrator to protect property. 
• Writes comprehensive reports of investigations and confers with the Coroner and attorneys regarding cases.
• Assists at Coroner’s inquests; testifies in court; serves subpoenas; advises prosecuting attorneys of facts likely to be presented in testimony.
• Performs basic vehicle maintenance; picks up supplies.
• Performs related work as required.
• Performs other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

OPTION #1: Bachelor's Degree & years of experience

• Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in a human science field* required
• Two years or more of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required

• Associate’s degree with a concentration in a human science field* required
• Three years or more of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency required
• Four years or more of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required