in
State of Iowa

Medicolegal Death Investigator

State of Iowa See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • $59,321.60 - $91,977.60/year
  • Ankeny - 50023 - Polk County, IA
May 12, 2025 Investigator

Job Description

Job Description

This is  a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.  Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.


The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner is seeking a Medicolegal Death Investigator to join our team!

Responsibilities:

  • Compiles information to assist state medical examiner in determining manner and cause of death. 
  • Maintains chain of custody of evidence. 
  • Discusses with next of kin, the circumstances of death of their loved one. 
  • Contacts law enforcement, funeral homes and other entities for additional information regarding the decedent. 
  • Supports ME and MEI in completing case entry into the Electronic Medical Examiner 
  • Registration (EMER) system including all required field entries. 
  • Serves as a department and program consultant to local and state law enforcement and medical professionals, providing technical assistance and guidance in gathering information to assist in cause and manner of death of decedents. 

Desired Requirements:

  • ABMDI Registry certification in medical legal death investigation within one year of hire 
  • ABMDI Board certification within 2 years after hire. 
  • Applicant must pass a Level 1 background check prior to employment. 
  • Participates in appropriate continuing education for obtaining/maintaining ABMDI certification.

Benefits
Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
  • Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
  • Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29%and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
  • Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
  • Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs. 

For additional information on benefits click here.
 
Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.
 
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, or education, or nutrition and three years of professional experience in these areas;

OR
Masters degree in nursing, public health or science, a human services or health-oriented field, or education, may be substituted for one year of the required experience;
OR
certification as a paramedic and the equivalent of three years of full-time experience as a paramedic;
OR
an equivalent or combination of the required education and experience, totaling seven years, will be qualifying.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Salary
  • $59,321.60 - $91,977.60/year


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