Medicolegal Investigator
Job Summary
Under supervision, determines jurisdiction of the case; investigates and reports on the cause and manner of death; and performs other duties as required.
Essential Duties
Investigates deaths in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes, including evaluating death scenes, examining and preserving evidence, investigating the circumstances of death by obtaining personal data and medical history through records and interviews; and establishes initial assessment of cause and manner of death as natural, suicidal, accidental or homicidal.
Prepares death certificates, disinterment permits, subpoenas, and other legally binding documents for embalming and cremation.
Assists in the identification of decedent, and determines and coordinates proper disposition of the body, including removal and transportation of the body to the morgue.
Notifies next of kin personally or in conjunction with other law enforcement and judicial agencies.
Prepares reports documenting the facts and findings of all death investigations and other activities regarding the deceased.
Examines bodies, investigates cause and manner of death and prepares and issues certificates, disinterment permits, subpoenas, and other legally binding documents for embalming and cremation.
Performs death notifications for other jurisdictions.
Assists in the collection, preservation and chain of custody of bodies, criminal and physical evidence, specimens and property.
Collects, packages and prepares specimens for tests, storage or transport and maintains specimen inventory.
Coordinates dissemination of information to family, friends, law enforcement agencies and the public in accordance with office policies and procedures.
Releases bodies and property to the appropriate agency, funeral director, or family member and secures a receipt of the transaction.
Takes photographs of bodies and other evidence at death scenes.
Testifies in civil and criminal court cases when necessary.
Obtains personal data and medical history on cases from hospital personnel, health care personnel, and interviews with family, neighbors, friends and others.
Since the office is open on a 24 hour per day, 7-days per week basis, investigators will respond to reports of deaths on a rotating, on-call basis.
Establishes and maintains effective working and public relations with various local and state law enforcement agencies, federal officers, County departments, medical personnel, funeral service professionals, families and the public.
Maintains the confidential nature of client and business information; completes word processing work in an accurate, effective and timely manner. Assures compliance with policies and procedures of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Assists MLI staff with simultaneous calls and cremation investigations as needed.
Assists MLI staff with case follow-up as needed to maintain case continuity and case progression.
Provides shift coverage in Brown County and other partner counties as needed.
Assists in training of new and existing MLI staff.
24/7 On-call availability as coordinated with the Director of Operations, Lead MLI and the Deputy Lead MLI.
Performs other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications Required
Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree from a recognized technical college in biological or medical science, anatomy, physical therapy, nursing, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of work experience performing criminal or civil investigations or a closely related field, including the writing of investigative reports.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License
Ability to obtain and maintain ABMDI Certification within two years of hire.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Considerable knowledge of the Wisconsin State Statutes concerning investigation of deaths.
Considerable knowledge of investigative techniques, principles and practices used in the determination of cause and manner of death.
Considerable knowledge of the causes and manners of death.
Considerable knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology especially pertaining to death and varying forms of trauma.
Working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures for the handling and preparation of evidence for chain of custody control.
Working knowledge of occupational safety requirements and procedures, especially regarding hazardous materials and blood borne pathogens.
Working knowledge of the procedures for sterile specimen collection.
Working knowledge of technology, department program software, internet access and database, spreadsheet and word processing programs.
Ability to utilize word processing, database, internet and spreadsheet programs.
Ability to secure facts through objective, independent, and thorough investigations; identify and interpret evidence; analyze data; and make appropriate determinations.
Ability to take proper photographs of scene, body and evidence for documentation.
Ability to prepare, present and maintain accurate, objective and thorough reports and records.
Ability to move and transfer human bodies of various weights and insuring preservation of any trace evidence.
Ability to maintain specimens and evidence logs and to maintain supplies in an orderly fashion.
Ability to perform laboratory tasks such as specimen transfers and handling preserved specimens.
Ability to deal with issues of death and dying, often in unpleasant circumstances.
Ability to perform work in the field in varying types of terrain and weather conditions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships; and to communicate effectively and deal compassionately with grieving family members.
Ability to work the required hours of the position.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/browncounty
Deadline Note: