Medicolegal Death Investigator

at Ada County in Boise, Idaho, United States

Job Description

Medicolegal Death Investigator

$20.00 – $21.00 Hourly

Boise, ID

Job Type

Full-Time with Benefits

Department

Coroner

Job Number

01112

Closing

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

General Summary

Investigates and determines of cause and manner of death according to state statute. Determines identity of the deceased, identifies next of kin, and notifies them of the death and assists families in resolving concerns relating to the death.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Medicolegal Death Investigator performs work that is varied and complex, and which is performed under general supervision.

Essential Functions

+ 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;

+ Attends or assists in the autopsies and supplies pathologists with facts relating to the death scene;

+ Conducts scene investigations in cases involving possible homicide or suicide;

+ Collects samples of body fluids from the deceased person;

+ Identifies next of kin and notifies them of the death;

+ Provides assistance and comfort to family members who have strong emotional reactions to notification of death;

+ Takes responsibility for the personal belongings of individuals who have no known relative;

+ 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.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

+ Gives necessary assistance to “reaction” cases and provides protection to the residual estate;

+ 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, Radiology, Nursing or Medical Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;

+ Certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)within one year of hire required;

+ 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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

+ The incumbent will be required to carry and respond to a cellular phone provided by the County;

+ Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license;

+ Must be on-call 24/7 during specified time periods and must be able to work shifts as required;

+ This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to 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;

+ May require working outside of normal business hours.

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.

Ada County recognizes that employees are our most valuable asset. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to benefit-eligible employees designed to support the health, wellness and long-term financial stability of our employees and their families.

Visit us at adacounty.id.gov/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits to view details regarding our benefits package, including: paid leave, healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, and more!

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Agency

Ada County

Department

Address

Website