Medicolegal Death Investigator

This position will work a structured schedule and will require availability to answer calls 24/7.  

Position Summary

Investigates and determines 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.  
• Ability to obtain a certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) within one year of hire is 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.
• Ability to be on-call during specified time periods and must be able to work shifts as required;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license;

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient physical ability to handle, load and transport deceased bodies to the hospital or morgue;
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person;
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, prepare and review documents and process them in a prescribed order, and organize documents and materials;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer, standard office equipment, and operate a motor vehicle;
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, agility, and balance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office environment.
• Ability to lift at least 100 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation?

Work Environment

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

• The incumbent will investigate deaths in locations throughout Bannock County and under various weather conditions and on various terrains which may include steep, rocky or uneven terrain;
• May require working outside of normal business hours.