OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER - INVESTIGATOR (ME)

Investigator (ME)

The Investigator (ME) under direction of the Chief Investigator, investigates deaths occurring within El Paso County to aide in the determination of cause and manner of death as required by law. This includes examination and photography of the body and the scene, and evidence collection and preservation to obtain pertinent information from various parties and prepare detailed written reports.

This position works in is a high stress environment. Serious inquiries only.

Acceptable Experience and Education Bachelor's Degree or combination of education, training, and experience in fields such as forensic science, criminal justice, science related field, or other fields which gave direct experience with cadavers and/or emergency trauma situations and report generation. Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certificates, Licenses, and other Requirements Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso. Must have or attain within 18 months of hire, Registry Certification with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and upon eligibility obtain Board Certification with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. In order to access the County's network and systems, a personal mobile smart device is required by the hire start date.

Essential Duties Receives information regarding a death from reporting agencies and makes independent decisions on when to apply Texas State Law in determining departmental jurisdiction. Responds to death scenes and other locations throughout the county to include but not limited to roadways, highways, residences, hospitals, and varying uncontrolled environments such as canals, desert mountainous areas, bodies of water, and burnt or destroyed homes or vehicles, other than the place of death to document the scene of incident prior to death; Operates a county vehicle to respond to death scenes, observing all driving laws and safety practices as set forth by the County of El Paso Vehicle Usage Policy. Initiate reports on all cases reported, using the department program. Determines scope of investigation needed on cases falling under the Medical Examiner Jurisdiction according to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49.25 and American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator standards. Investigates infant deaths in accordance with the Center for Disease Control Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Protocol Determines if decedent requires transport to the OME; coordinates transport of decedents from scene to OME or funeral home; Wears protective safety equipment as appropriate including, but not limited to: reflective vest, latex gloves, face mask w/shield, frisker gloves, full-body Tyvek suits, hardhat, shoe covers, and rubber boots; Makes timely notifications as appropriate including, but not limited to the Chief Medical Examiner or Deputy Medical Examiner on call, Chief Investigator, designated Tissue Banking Institution and Organ Procurement Agency, Health Department for infectious disease cases, and the respective local and federal Law Enforcement agencies of jurisdiction; Identifies and formally notifies the next of kin pursuant to Article 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures; makes timely death notifications to next-of-kin as needed and in coordination with local law enforcement; relays cause of death to families once determined by medical examiners; Determines whether to contact the homicide division of the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation for cases that are suspect of being other than natural; Searches all deceased and removes all valuables; collects, preserves, and packages evidence following proper procedures and chain of custody; inventories medications found on scene; Procures vitreous sample with use of syringe in accordance with Investigator Guidelines, and secures admission urine and blood samples from medical institutions as needed; Assist in releasing bodies to funeral homes or other authorized parties in the absence of morgue staff. Takes photographs of the decedent and scene; interviews families, physicians/medical staff, law enforcement, and conducts preliminary body examination at the scene as needed; Compiles a well written and detailed report on all deaths investigated, scenes visited, and all interviews conducted by the investigator, to include preliminary examinations of deceased on scene in accordance with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator Standards; Conducts extensive follow up work or investigations as needed or directed by a supervisor or pathologist; Meets with families of deceased to explain death and to assist with initial grieving process; refers family members to resources as appropriate; Requires daily interaction with families in varying stages of grief and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries, and complaints; Makes contact with family members or agencies including but not limited to law enforcement, hospitals, and community groups in person or via telephone for medical history, social history, and to obtain information to establish chain of events leading to death, history, or identification; Keeps an accurate account of activities during the shift to include security checks and property inventories, on the Investigator daily log; Answers and returns phone inquiries and documents calls as a case note in corresponding investigator report. Enters a complete investigator report and additional related statistical data in appropriate computer program as soon as all pertinent data is collected; Answers questions pertaining to deceased as appropriate; Attends and participates in meetings, training and information sessions; Participates in the Mass Disaster Plan for the Office of the Medical Examiner; Provides support, mentors, transfers knowledge, and skills to staff at all technical levels in a team environment to meet established goals and objectives; Ensures that investigator vehicle is fully stocked with equipment; ensures vehicle is in good working condition; reports any equipment needing repair to supervisor; Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field; Substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations; Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and Creates a high quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.

Other Important Duties * Performs such other related duties as may be assigned. Be available by telephone to respond to work beyond standard workday or workweek hours as necessary. Work 24-hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends. As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: death investigation procedures, standards, legal/policy requirements; applicable Federal, State and Local laws, including Article 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures; accreditation and certification requirements; medical and legal terminology; human anatomy and physiology; disease etiology; cameras and photographic procedures for crime scenes; collection of evidence and chain of custody; modern office procedures, methods and various available computer equipment, software, supplies and maintenance services; principles of organization and administration; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications. Skill/Ability to: understand, analyze and interpret medical/forensic information and terminology; understand, explain and apply laws; handle remains of deceased persons; work effectively under unpleasant conditions; deal effectively with distraught persons; use post-mortem techniques and procedures; make decisions and independent judgments; have good fact finding skills and analytical skills; communicate effectively in writing; communicate effectively with people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and temperaments who are under extreme duress and in grief; utilize basic office equipment; use a computer to gather and analyze data; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports; determine the appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations; maintain accurate records and document actions taken; follow written and oral instructions; drive a motor vehicle; wear Personal Protective Equipment and respirators; comply with departmental policies regarding blood-borne pathogens, radiation safety, biohazard and chemical exposure prevention, and other regulations and policies governing the operation of the Office of the Medical Examiner; comply with case confidentiality requirements of the department; work under adverse and/or hazardous conditions involving frequent exposure to scenes of sudden, unexpected and sometimes violent deaths, decomposed bodies, bodies with extensive physical injuries and all types of biohazards; establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work. Must pass a background; Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred. Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance: · Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; · Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment; · Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner; · Maintain strict confidentiality; · Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times; and, · Maintain and enhance the County's commitment to customer service excellence