OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER - INVESTIGATOR (ME)

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree or a combination of education, training, and experience in forensic science, criminal justice, a science‑related field, or other areas that provide direct experience with cadavers and/or emergency trauma situations and report generation. Must possess or obtain by hire a valid driver’s license applicable to job responsibilities with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso. Must obtain within 18 months of hire Registry Certification with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and, upon eligibility, Board Certification with the same board. Must have a personal mobile smart device available to access the County’s network and systems by the hire start date. Job Summary The Investigator (ME) works under the direction of the Chief Investigator to investigate deaths occurring within El Paso County. Responsibilities include examination and photography of the body and scene, evidence collection and preservation, and preparation of detailed written reports. Responsibilities Receive information regarding a death from reporting agencies and determine departmental jurisdiction. Respond to death scenes and other locations throughout the county, including roadways, highways, residences, hospitals, canals, deserts, mountains, bodies of water, and burnt or destroyed structures. Operate a county vehicle to respond to death scenes while observing all driving laws and safety practices. Initiate reports on all cases using the department program. Determine scope of investigation needed for cases under Medical Examiner jurisdiction. Investigate infant deaths in accordance with CDC Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Protocol. Coordinate transport of decedents from scene to OME or funeral home. Wear appropriate protective safety equipment. Make timely notifications to the Chief Medical Examiner, Deputy Medical Examiner on call, Chief Investigator, designated Tissue Banking Institution and Organ Procurement Agency, Health Department, and local/federal law enforcement. Identify and formally notify next of kin pursuant to Article 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures. Determine whether to involve homicide division of law enforcement for suspicious cases. Search all deceased items, remove valuables, collect and preserve evidence following proper procedures and chain of custody, and inventory medications found on scene. Procure vitreous samples and secure admission urine and blood samples from medical institutions as needed. Assist in releasing bodies to funeral homes or other authorized parties when morgue staff are absent. Take photographs, interview families, physicians/medical staff, law enforcement, and conduct preliminary body examination at the scene. Compile a well‑written and detailed report on all deaths investigated, scenes visited, and all interviews conducted. Conduct extensive follow‑up work or investigations as directed by a supervisor or pathologist. Meet with families of deceased to explain death and assist with initial grieving process; refer family members to resources as appropriate. Interact daily with families in various stages of grief and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints. Contact family members or agencies for medical, social, and historical information to establish chain of events leading to death. Keep an accurate account of activities during the shift, including security checks and property inventories, on the Investigator daily log. Document phone inquiries and calls as case notes in the investigator report. Enter complete investigator report and related statistical data into the computer program promptly. Attend and participate in meetings, training, and information sessions. Participate in the Mass Disaster Plan for the Office of the Medical Examiner. Provide support, mentor, and transfer knowledge to staff at all technical levels. Ensure investigator vehicle is fully stocked with equipment and in good working condition; report any needed repairs to supervisor. Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field. Substitute for temporary absences by performing delegated duties to maintain continuity of operations. Commit to excellent customer service and demonstrate cooperation and individual effort. Create a high‑quality work culture through training, mentoring, and leadership development. Perform such other related duties as assigned. Be available by telephone to respond to work beyond standard hours as necessary. Work 24‑hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends. Provide emergency response services as required by the County Emergency Response System. Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of death investigation procedures, standards, legal/policy requirements, applicable federal, state, and local laws, accreditation and certification requirements, medical and legal terminology, human anatomy and physiology, disease etiology, cameras and photographic procedures, evidence collection and chain of custody, modern office procedures, computer equipment, organization and administration, English usage, grammar, punctuation, and effective interpersonal communication. Skill/Ability to analyze and interpret medical/forensic information; understand, explain, and apply laws; handle remains of deceased persons; work under unpleasant conditions; cope with distraught persons; use post‑mortem techniques; make independent judgments; possess good investigative skills; communicate effectively in writing and with diverse populations; use basic office equipment; operate a computer for data gathering and analysis; prepare clear, concise reports; determine appropriate actions in emergency or stressful situations; maintain accurate records; follow written and oral instructions; drive a motor vehicle; wear personal protective equipment; comply with departmental policies concerning blood‑borne pathogens, radiation safety, biohazards, chemical exposure prevention, and confidentiality; work under hazardous conditions; and establish cooperative relationships with contacts during work. Must pass a background check; Bilingual (English‑Spanish) preferred. Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance. Work well with others in a team oriented environment. Maintain strict confidentiality. Project positive support of the department and all county organizations. Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence. Benefits El Paso County offers a comprehensive benefit package. Holidays 16 holidays per year as recognized. Vacation Accruals credited on a biweekly basis; available after 6 months of continuous service. Year‑to‑year carry‑over limited to twice the employee’s annual rate. Part‑time employees accrue at half the rate of full‑time employees. 10 days (1 through 15 days (5 through 20 days (15 years of service or more) Sick Leave Accruals credited on a biweekly basis; available after 3 months of full‑time service. Employees accrue 15 days of sick leave per year. Miscellaneous Paid Leaves Military Leave – 15 days of paid leave per fiscal year for active military service. Bereavement Leave – 3 days for immediate family members and 4 hours for other family members and friends. Medical Health Benefits Consumer‑Driven Health Plan (CDHP) – EE Only $5.34; EE & Spouse $145.30; EE & Children $101.93; EE & Family $200.09; 6% Wellness Discount provided for each category. Core Plan – EE Only $35.70; EE & Spouse $226.41; EE & Children $174.96; EE & Family $322.25; 6% Wellness Discount provided for each category. Retirement and Deferred Compensation Retirement benefits provided by TCDRS. Regular employees required to contribute 7%; County matches 250% upon eligible retirements. 457 Deferred Compensation program available on a pre‑tax basis (optional). LIFE INSURANCE Full‑time employees receive basic life insurance of $10,000 at no cost. Supplemental coverage available for additional fees. DISABILITY PROGRAMS Long‑Term Disability – 60% of income for disability longer than 90 days. Short‑Term Disability – 60% of income for disability shorter than 90 days. Retiree Health Insurance Retired employees eligible to continue health insurance at the rate set by the El Paso County Risk Pool Board. Employee Assistance Program Provides a variety of counseling services. Section 125 Medical & Dependents Care Program Optional program allowing pre‑tax payment of medical and dependent care expenses. Healthy Lifestyle Reimbursement Reimbursement of $15 per month for 6 months of continuous gym usage. Educational Assistance Program (EdAP) Reimbursement up to $2,000 per calendar year for eligible education expenses. Employee Fitness and Wellness Center Opened October 2021 at the County Courthouse; cost $5 per employee per month. #J-18808-Ljbffr