Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator

Full- Time/ Non- Exempt Position Starting Wage: $33.85- $37.61 Job Summary The Medical Examiner’s Office responds to reports of death 365 days a year (including evenings, overnight, weekends and holidays), The Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) is used to fill vacancies when the Medical Examiner is not available, and when there are simultaneous calls for service. The Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator is the lead investigator under the Medical Examiner. The Lead MDI assumes Medical Examiner daily activities in the absence of the Medical Examiner. The Ozaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office operates under the statuary obligation of determining cause and manner of death, along with the obligation of identifying deceased individuals, and locating and notifying legal next of kin. The Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator determines the manner of death through an investigative process, using deductive and inductive reasoning skills to draw conclusions based on existing knowledge, prior experience and available evidence. In cases of sudden or unattended deaths such as those resulting from accidents, homicides, suicides, overdoses or other unusual circumstances, the Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator relies on the expertise of a forensic pathologist to medically determine the cause of death. Essential Functions and Responsibilities The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully with or without reasonable accommodations to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned. 30% Death Investigations: Evaluates scenes through photographic and written documentation, and utilizes an electronic case management system for maintaining all reports and photographs pertaining to the investigation Obtains pertinent case information by interviewing first responders, witnesses, healthcare providers and family. Conducts an external body examination using photographs and written documentation. Examine the body for trace evidence. Outlines the scope and course of a death investigation, determines whether to perform an autopsy, toxicology, or if other laboratory tests are needed as required by law. Preserves and documents evidence. Establish positive decedent identification through scientific methods if necessary. Notifies the next of kin or assists with the search for next of kin when necessary. Secures and prepares the body and personal belongings for transport to the morgue, ME’s office or release to a local funeral home. Exercises the authority to determine the official cause and manner of death based on investigative findings, evidence, and consultation with the Medical Examiner and forensic pathologists as necessary, and has the authority to sign the death certificate. Additional follow-up is often required and noted in the section below. 20% Investigation Follow Up (Phone Inquiries/Notifications/Coordination): Intakes data from deaths that occur at medical facilities, and determine Medical Examiner jurisdiction Collects and reviews medical records and history, consulting with attending or primary care physicians to identify factors contributing to the death. Communicates with Next of Kin throughout death investigation. Coordinates transports to/from scene, to/from Morgue and to/from ME office. Corresponds with ME Office performing autopsies. Authorizes organ donation via Donor Network. Supplies toxicology and autopsy reports to DA/law enforcement agencies. Testifies in civil and criminal court cases when necessary. 30% Cremation Requests and Permits Obtaining Cremation Request Forms from Funeral Homes Scheduling/coordinates views with Funeral Homes Perform external body examination and photography of the body for every view Input all information obtained in the electronic case management system Reviews the signed death certificate to ensure there are no discrepancies or suspicion of unnatural causes of death. Once all documentation is verified the Cremation Permit may be signed by the Lead MDI or Medical Examiner and issued to the requesting funeral home. 10% Team Management and Supervision: Supervises, coordinates, and directs the action of MDI as requested under the direction of the Medical Examiner Reviews investigative reports Direct educational and training programs for staff members and law enforcement agencies and others as requested under the direction of the Medical Examiner Attend and participate in meetings (budget, training, fatality review team, etc.) 10% Morgue Operations and Other Duties: Maintains morgue admission and releases to/from Morgue, other ME offices, and funeral homes Maintain vehicle cleanliness and stocking of ME vans and cots Assist the Medical Examiner in maintaining finances and logs at the discretion of the Medical Examiner Supervision Exercised Supervises Medicolegal Death Investigators in the absence of the Medical Examiner. Minimum Education Qualifications Education and/or Experience Requirements Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in such areas as forensic science, biological or medical science, anatomy, anthropology, nursing, or closely related field AND 3 years (preferred) of work experience in medicolegal death investigation or closely related field. OR 5 years of work experience in medicolegal death investigation, as an autopsy assistant, funeral director, nursing, or closely related field. Requires demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology, medicine as it pertains to death, and varying forms of trauma. Using medical and legal investigative techniques and procedures in a setting consistent with the duties of the position. Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements: Must have a valid Wisconsin Driver #J-18808-Ljbffr Ozaukee County