Job Description
Duties and Requirements Click to read more
Duties
Typical Duties - Duties include, but are not limited to the following
- Conducts and completes death investigations, as directed by ORS 146.
- Responds to death scenes and documents observations at death scenes.
- Obtains history of terminal event and medical history.
- Draws biological specimens such as blood and urine from the body of the deceased.
- Schedules and attends (as needed) autopsies and arranges for toxicological and special studies.
- Coordinates with District Attorney, the responsible law agency, local physicians, local pathologists and the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
- Completes a report in the Oregon State ME reporting system (MDIlog) incorporating the results of these functions.
- Death scene investigations can include strenuous physical activities such as hiking and climbing into rough terrain including mountains, hills, forests, and water.
- Being in weather including rain, snow, and extreme hot and cold temperatures.
- Can include crawling in tight spaces such as under houses and in attics.
- Helping to move, roll, and carry deceased bodies out of various locations which can include stairs and outdoor terrain.
- Can involve being exposed to diseases, hazardous materials and chemicals.
- Will be exposed to crime scenes and accidental deaths which can be very graphic and violent looking.
- Will need to be able to work in these conditions.
- Carry out occasional special projects assigned by the Chief Medical Legal Death Investigator.
- Continue education on death investigation and provide occasional training to constituent agencies and staff.
- On-call up to 24 hours a day during days of duty
Requirements
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
- Bachelor's degree with major coursework in science and pre-medical classes;
AND - Three years of experience in any or all of the following areas of training: police, nurse, physician assistant, EMT, medical legal death investigator;
OR - Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must have completed, or complete within 12 months of hire, or as soon as available by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office, the Medical Legal Death Investigator Training Program.
- Must possess and maintain a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at:
- Must pass a criminal history background investigation; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this classification.
- offer of employment to successful candidate will be contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical examination by a County appointed medical doctor.
- This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a post offer drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at:
- Must become ABMDI certified within 2 years of hire date or be presently certified.
- This assignment is represented by a union.
- This is a full-time regular position, which is eligible for overtime.
- Typical Work Schedule: 4–10-hour shifts and one 8 hour on-call shift per week. Shifts will be determined by department with flexibility depending on the needs of the department
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of effective methods of medical and criminal investigation and the basic rules of legal evidence; medical and anatomical terms. Must have a thorough knowledge of human anatomy and physiological functions of the human body: legal and medical terminology.
- Ability to obtain information from lay and expert witnesses concerning matters of an intimate nature and serious consequence; determine and obtain evidence required in order to enforce the medical investigation law; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; work cooperatively with the public medical and law enforcement personnel; prepare clear and concise reports and to maintain adequate records; withdraw blood and bodily specimens; establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with district attorney staff, police agencies, local physicians, local and state pathologists, funeral home personnel, and the public; lift deceased individuals; traverse mountainous and rough terrain in order to carry out death investigations; and work in inclement weather. Ability to examine bodies in various states to included severe trauma and mutilation; all states of death to include decomposition. Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with persons in situations that are often highly stressful.
- Skill in operating a computer.
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Job Tags
Full time, Local area, Outdoor, Shift work,