JOB
POSITION SUMMARY This position conducts medicolegal investigations of deaths as outlined in Wisconsin State Statutes.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.Responds to death calls, observes death scene, questions witnesses, and examines evidence to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident. Conducts thorough and independent death scene investigations to determine cause and manner of deaths falling within jurisdiction under State statutes. Examines evidence at the scene to establish an initial assessment of the cause and manner of death as natural, suicide, homicide, accidental or undetermined. Takes photographs, collects toxicology samples, and other forensic evidence from the body. Assists in identification of the decedent. Collects and preserves physical evidence in accordance with the established chain of custody procedures and in cooperation with law enforcement. Performs death notifications. Answers families’ questions regarding the decedent.Removes and transports the body from the scene to the appropriate facility. Conducts medical and social history data collection on cases from hospital personnel, health care personnel, families, friends, neighbors and other sources. Determines the necessity of an autopsy, toxicology and/or other testing. Performs or orders physical examinations or tests incidental to any matter of a criminal nature when requested by the Court or District Attorney.Documents case investigations and all property recovered and released to next of kin in cooperation with law enforcement. Obtains personal data and medical history by examining documents and interviewing relatives, friends and acquaintances. Completes cremation releases, disinterment permits, medical record requests, subpoenas and other legally binding documents. Maintains complete case files on all cases reported to the Medical Examiner’s Office. Completes forms, utilizes appropriate case management software, and prepares reports and other documents and materials relevant to an investigation.Compassionately deals with the family and loved ones of the deceased in a professional manner, which may include death notification and appropriate release of all information regarding the cause and manner of death. Upon request from the District Attorney, gives accurate and complete testimony as to the method of investigation used in a case and the findings of that investigative process.Maintains medical supplies inventory.Provides on-call death investigation coverage, which is 24/7 unless proper replacement is reported.Other duties as assigned.EXPECTATIONS Interprets and applies Federal, State, municipal, and Department rules, regulations, and policies.Attends work regularly and is punctual.Behaves professionally and presents an appropriate standard of grooming, hygiene, and dress that align with health and safety standards. Conducts self in such a way as to reflect positively on the County.Fosters positive working relationships and accepts new responsibilities.Learns and understands the safe practices for the job being performed and complies with the safe work practices and personal protective requirements for the job. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESKnowledge in performing thorough death investigations and ability to complete effectively. Ability to analyze and interpret medical and legal documents. Ability to assess scene of death and effectively investigate situation. Ability to draft legal correspondence and create reports.Knowledge of local government operations and administration.Knowledge of the County and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, State, and Federal regulations related to department programs and operations.Knowledge of computer software consistent for this position.Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.Skill in time management; prioritizing duties to accomplish a high volume of quality work product requiring minimal supervision.Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations successfully.Knowledge and ability to follow the policies and practices contained in the County Personnel Handbook. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours if needed.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENTThe physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with Human Resources. This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.Work requires operating motor vehicles. This may involve driving in inclement weather conditions.Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions.Work may require working in dangerous situations.Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision.Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.Work requires wearing specialized personal protective equipment.May be subject to exposure to blood/body fluids and infectious and communicable diseases in various environments.JUNEAU COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.