Medicolegal Death Investigator

General Summary $27.39 - $29.39/Hour Ada County is a great place to work! We have more than 2100 employees dedicated to enhancing our community’s quality of life. Our Coroner's team is growing, and this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of taking this team to the next level. We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that increases your base salary by approximately 40%, including: Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one 11 paid holidays annually Participation in one of the nation’s best state retirement systems , with 11.96% employer contribution 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match , plus a 401(k) Paid parental leave, life insurance , and robust wellness programs Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing This generous Ada County Total Rewards package increases the base salary by approximately 40 percent. The Ada County Coroner’s Office will aim to provide the highest standard in medicolegal death investigation, forensic analysis, pathology services, and administration. The Office will continue to seek new ways to increase quality of work while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Learn more about Ada County Coroner's Office by visiting their website: Coroner's Office. POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY: The Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) investigates and aids in determination of cause and manner of death according to state statute; particularly unexpected and unexplained death or those without a physician in attendance. The investigator identifies forensic evidence to include collection and preservation. The MDI determines the identity of the deceased, identifies legal next of kin, and notifies them of the death. Investigators further assist families in resolving concerns relating to the death. A complete death investigation can include on-scene investigation, interviews, evidence collection and preservation, and various methods of documenting the case. Investigators are often called to testify in criminal and civil court. MDI also protects the counties interest in cases of no next of kin or abandoned decedents, to include sealing homes, vehicles and collecting property. These duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Investigative Supervisor. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) performs work that is varied and complex. As the Investigator becomes more proficient in their job, new duties and responsibilities are assigned. Multiple levels of this position exist and are based on training, direct experience, education, level of competency and complexity of the work performed. Unless an individual has prior MDI experience, they will start in the entry level, advancing through evaluations and certification. All levels must be performed to promote the highest standards of practice. Essential Functions Focus is primarily on training and working towards ABMDI certification. Training will include learning the duties of the MDI as follows : Responds to calls relating to "sudden deaths” which refers to a death in which a physician has not been in attendance of the deceased or a death under questionable circumstance; Confers with police, doctors, hospital staff, families of the deceased, insurance investigators, lawyers, funeral homes, Idaho Board of Pharmacy, and media; Examines the place of death for evidence of the cause of death and the identity of deceased; Gathers, preserves, and stores evidence while maintaining the integrity of the evidence through proper collection, handling, security, and chain of custody; Photographs and examines decedents; taking note of all defects, the scene, evidence and property; Identifies decedent; Determines preliminary cause and manner of death; Transports decedent; Admits decedents into morgue custody and assures proper chain of custody procedures are followed; Transport specimens to and from hospital lab; Coordinates donation cases; Attends or assists in the autopsies and supplies pathologists with information relating to the death scene; Conducts scene investigations in cases involving non-hospital death; Conducts death investigations at hospitals and care facilities where jurisdiction applies; Collects samples of body fluids from the deceased person; Identifies next of kin through investigative and legal processes; Provides assistance and comfort to family members who have strong emotional reactions to notification of death, with our known resources for aftercare; Takes responsibility for the personal belongings of individuals who have no known relative; Gathers, preserves, and stores decedent belongings that are brought in; Collection, inventory and processing of decedent medications; Attends depositions, inquests, and court hearings providing relevant information and testimony; Prepares written reports on cases, listing pertinent case facts in manner and cause of death and body examination; Does in person notifications to legal next of kin in our county; Does in person notifications for other county and state agencies; Works with outside agencies to complete investigations; Obtains and reviews medical records, police reports and all other necessary documentation for case reports; Works case through to final disposition with working knowledge of statutory regulations. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS: Performs other related functions as required. Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Forensic Science or a related field such as Anthropology, Chemistry, Biology, Criminal Justice, Nursing or Medical Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) within two years of hire required; FEMA courses 100, 200, and 700 must be completed for appropriate certifications within 60 days of hire; Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology; Knowledge of medical terminology; Skill in providing comfort and assistance to people grieving the loss of family or friends; Skill in communicating in a clear and concise way in stressful situations; Skill in written communication; Ability to witness death scenes and observe and note details; Ability to analyze difficult investigatory problems, adopt effective courses of action, and draw appropriate conclusions; Ability to perform work successfully in high stress situations; Ability to use photographic equipment and take photographs; Ability to operate passenger cars or light trucks safely; Ability to maintain effective working relationships; Ability to maintain quality while working on multiple projects; OTHER REQUIREMENTS Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license; This position has been designated safety sensitive and the incumbent is subject random drug testing. Work Environment & Physical Demands The incumbent will investigate deaths in locations throughout Ada County and under various weather conditions and on various terrains which may include steep, rocky or uneven terrain; The incumbent must have sufficient physical ability to handle, load and transport deceased bodies to the hospital or morgue; Requires working outside of normal business hours; all hours, weekends and holidays must be covered; MDI will be subjected to certain environmental aspects such as biohazard material, blood borne pathogens, unknown disease processes and drug paraphernalia to include drug residue and needles; Incumbent will be exposed to traumatic situations and disturbing conditions such that have been known to cause PTSD. DISCLAIMER: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code. #J-18808-Ljbffr