Medical Examiner Assistant-HRL

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

• Provide front-line reception services and serve as a key point of contact for the public, delivering accurate and sensitive information related to Medical Examiner records
• Prepare and maintain case files for the deceased, including death certificates and autopsy report transcription
• Review and approve cremation requests and, when necessary, review photographs related to case documentation
• Compile and process documentation for subpoenas and FOIA requests for attorneys, insurance companies, and the public
• Generate receipts for payments and assist with financial tracking related to services
• Process requisitions, purchase orders and receipts for accounts payable, reconcile credit card statements and place inventory orders.
• Utilize specialized software and complex computer systems to manage records and documentation

• Be part of a meaningful team that provides essential services to the community
• Work in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment where your accuracy and professionalism make a difference
• Gain experience working with legal documentation, public records, and specialized systems
• Collaborate with a dedicated team in a unique and impactful field

Minimum Qualifications

A. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test.

Have had at least two (2) years of full‑time clerical experience, one (1) year of which included medical terminology experience.

NOTE: An Associate’s degree or equivalent education with course work in Human Anatomy, Biology, or Nursing, OR a certificate in Medical Terminology, may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience listed above. OR A Bachelor’s degree in one of the degree areas listed above may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Orients, trains, checks, and assigns work to student and office support personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Greets, registers, and assists grieving families, funeral homes, prosecutors, lawyers, police and Sheriff's departments and the public by providing death records and related information. Refers clients and forwards messages to proper parties.

Prepares invoices for funeral homes for cremation permits and body pouches; posts charges, prepares invoices, sends, or faxes invoices, processes payments, writes receipts and posts, and maintains balances.

Sets up autopsy files for doctors in preparation for the autopsies for the day.

As necessary, amends cause and manner of death on death certificates and calls funeral homes to notify of change so an accurate death certificate can be obtained from the Clerk's office.

Types death certificates and fetal death reports. Inputs autopsy reports from doctor's dictation.

Reviews photos of crime scenes, accident scenes and autopsies to place in deceased files. Requests additional photos from investigators when necessary.

Prepares affidavits to correct or amend death certificates and sends to appropriate Clerk's office or vital records.

Assists Medical Examiner in preparation of records for court in cases of prosecution.

Reviews death certificates and cremation permits from funeral homes requesting approval for cremations. Ensures cause and manner of death is natural and death certificate is signed by the Medical Examiner and/or certified physician. Writes receipts for cremation permits when funeral home representatives pay in person.

Retrieves child death files for review and screening meetings.

Receives and stamps subpoenas, reviews for completeness, prepares copy for doctors, and files in decedent's folder.

Processes mailed requests from various individuals and groups (i.e. insurance companies, attorneys and the public) for photos, records, reports, investigative paperwork, slides, etc. Reviews requests for appropriate authorization or subpoenas to obtain information. Determines charges for information and bills appropriate individuals or companies.

Prepares weekly tissue sample lists and case information worksheets.

Writes receipts for payment of reports, permits, slides, photos, tours, and other services provided by the division.

Works with "Gift of Life" on organ procurement cases.

Maintains monthly counts of autopsies, cremations, medical certifications, drug causes, fetal deaths, subpoenas, and other services provided by the division for statistical recordkeeping and billings.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Sorts, opens, and distributes in‑coming mail and departmental materials.

Files various reports, documents, correspondence, etc., following standardized office procedures.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information, and to use basic motor skills required in the operation of typical office equipment and supplies.

May come into contact with people who could become confrontational.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical office environment.

IMPORTANT NOTE : The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Coursework, training, and/or experience in medical transcription, office support methods and technology.

2. Thorough ability to communicate in a clear, polite, and courteous manner.

3. Considerable knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and arithmetic.

4. Considerable ability to follow oral and written instructions.

5. Considerable skill and ability in operating a variety of office machines such photocopiers, computer printers and fax machines.

6. Considerable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

7. Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must submit to annual tuberculin skin test or chest X-ray at County expense.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.