CLERK, INVESTIGATOR - Medical Examiner

Performs basic professional investigative duties on a day-to-day basis to achieve goals of the department, which may include activities such as conducting investigations into suspected natural related deaths, screening of cases for trauma/foul play, handling of biohazard contaminated property and human remains, and interacting with grieving families. Tarrant County employees enjoy superior health, retirement, and insurance benefits. Responsibilities Screens incoming calls for death scenes by transferring or dispatching traumatic or suspicious deaths to field investigators. Maintains ownership and conducts basic-level investigations into non-traumatic death inquests over the phone by interviewing witnesses, arriving at conclusions, problem solving and making final disposition on each case as required by NAME accreditation. Initiates the receiving process of bodies into the morgue and releases bodies to funeral homes. This includes physical contact with bodies including those that have sustained significant degrees of trauma, are in varying stages of decomposition, children, etc. Initiates the chain of custody for forensic evidence pertaining to human remains as well as complies with NAME accreditation requirements for packaging and sealing of human remains evidence. Routinely answers questions via phone or with walk-in customers and next of kin about death investigations; case status updates; body, property, and evidence dispositions; and explains office protocols. Cleans, inventories, and packages personal property and money for return to the family. May involve using cleaning products and handling of bio-hazard contaminated items with strong odors. Performs complex clerical duties such as classifying, consolidating, summarizing, sorting, filing, and distributing documents and information. Utilizes the computer, calculator, fax machines, networked copy machines, phone headsets and other standard office equipment to record, store, and retrieve information. Conducts follow-up investigations by contacting hospitals, physicians, and other agencies to gather information concerning death certificates, cremations, medical history, identification methods, and final human remains dispositions. Maintains TCME building visitor logbooks to ensure visitors are accounted for and screened for infectious diseases. In the absence of the building receptionist, may fill in as needed. Initiates tissue procurement billing paperwork. Inspects incoming/outgoing packages to verify compliance with US DOT Title 49 requirements. Delivers/receives documents, property, and/or evidence from other departments. Operates and monitors radio systems and call boxes for the Forensic Death Investigation and building Facilities staff. Drives and/or walks to hospital laboratories to retrieve, package, and document blood and tissue forensic evidence associated with human remains in accordance with NAME accreditation requirements. Assists with training of new employees. Performs all other related duties as assigned. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Three (3) years of experience working in a medical or clerical environment. Ability to operate multiline IP phone system. Valid Texas driver license. Must have communication, typing, and computer skills. Must have some knowledge of medical terminology. While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to sit, stand, lift, transport, stoop, grasp, climb, walk, and bend. There is exposure to household type cleaning agents (such as diluted bleach, alcohol-based window cleaner, chlorine-based cleanser); and occasional exposure to pesticides. There is occasional exposure to inmate control devices that emit pepper agents via aerosol spray, gel, or foam. There is the potential of exposure to toxic smoke. #J-18808-Ljbffr Tarrant County