What are the responsibilities and job description for the MEDICOLEGAL DEATH INVESTIGATOR (ON-CALL) position at Polk County, IA?
Under the direction of the County Medical Examiner or Deputy County Medical Examiner, performs work of considerable difficulty in conducting the investigation of deaths which affect the public interest as identified in Iowa Code, Chapter 331.802.
Illustrative Examples of Work
- Conducts a preliminary investigation of the cause and manner of death in all cases where the person's death affects the public interest, as identified in Chapter 331.802, subsection 3 of the Iowa Code; follows established protocol in each investigation; carefully surveys the death scene to gather information and evaluate the circumstances of the death; interviews family members, witnesses, medical and emergency personnel, and others to document the deceased's medical history; takes photographs of the death scene; analyzes all available information and arrives at appropriate conclusions.
- Prepares detailed reports of each case for review by the Medical Examiner; ensures that all appropriate documentation is complete, accurate, available in a timely fashion, conveyed in an objective and scientific manner, and is supported by appropriate evidence.
- Works closely with other agencies and medical personnel when conducting investigations.
- Interacts with family members, friends, and associates of the deceased to provide information and support.
- Provides information regarding investigations to outside agencies as appropriate.
- Participates in conferences with the Medical Examiner and/or staff to review cases and policies and procedures, and consider new or revised investigative methodology.
- Attends professional training and conferences, as directed by the Medical Examiner.
- Performs related duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of medical protocol, medical terminology, and causes of death.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of forensic death investigation.
- Knowledge of investigative techniques to determine the cause of death.
- Knowledge of procedures for collection and admission of legal evidence.
- Knowledge of the Polk County Medical Examiner protocols and procedures.
- Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with law enforcement, medical personnel, and family members of the deceased under highly stressful conditions.
- Ability to interview witnesses and family members.
- Ability to keep accurate records and prepare detailed reports.
- Ability to push, pull, roll, and move objects or bodies weighing up to 100 pounds and assist in moving heavier objects or bodies.
- Ability to squat, bend, and twist from the waist.
- Ability to load and unload bodies from the Medical Examiner’s vehicle.
- Ability to travel throughout Polk County and remain in the County while on duty.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including exposure to rain, snow, cold, heat.
- Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
- Must be able to tolerate and work in hazardous environments, handle sights, sounds, and odors in a sometimes stressful environment.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, physicians and other health care professionals, and the general public.
Training and Experience
- Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing, medicine, other health related field or criminal justice, and
- Two years’ experience as a licensed or certified nurse, medical care provider or medicolegal death investigator, or
- Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Special Requirements:
- Candidate must attend the St. Louis University School of Medicine Basic Medicolegal Death Investigation Course within two (2) years of appointment, or equivalent course.
- Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain Registry Level certification as a Medicolegal Death Investigator by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator’s within three (3) years of appointment.
- Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
- A criminal background check is required.
- A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
- Ability to work a schedule of 24-hour-per-day on-call coverage for the office and respond to calls in a timely manner is required.
- Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed, is required.
- A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
Polk County is committed to providing a work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Salary : $36