Job Details

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Medical Examiner Investigator

SALARY:

$51,351.57 - $66,418.96

DEPARTMENT:

Health Department

Closing Date:

04/09/2024 12:00 a.m.

F.L.S.A. STATUS: Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement (if applicable) or Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

JOB SUMMARY:
Under direction, performs investigations of deaths that occur within Macomb County; prepares detailed reports and analysis on investigation of cases. Ensures that evidence, death scene and specimens are preserved for authenticity in cooperation with local law enforcement activities, works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies, funeral homes and others concerned with individual cases and performs related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs thorough investigations of deaths that occur within Macomb County.
Establishes decedent identification and documents decedent's history, including, but not limited to, medical, mental health and social history.
Investigates and examines the death scene and the decedent, including bodies that are decomposed, skeletonized and infectiously diseased, in order to assist in determining cause of death.
Interviews and obtains statements from witnesses, family members and medical personnel to assist in determining cause of death.
Ensures that evidence, death scene and specimens are preserved for authenticity in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies.
Ensures scene safety.
Establishes and documents chain of custody.

Determines whether bodies should be released to funeral homes or transported to the Medical Examiner's office for further examination by the Medical Examiner, following established laws and regulations.
Searches for physical evidence at scenes of death to assist in determining cause of death.
Assists in the identification of decedents.
Works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies, funeral homes and others concerned with individual cases.
Examines decedents, documents physical findings and prepares detailed reports.
Works cooperatively with other death investigators and participates in scene debriefing.
Completes scene investigation to determine jurisdiction of the body.
Provides assistance to families at scenes.
Photographs and/or videotapes scene of death and autopsies to maintain complete records of Medical Examiner cases.
Bends, stoops and reaches in order to conduct investigations.
Pushes, pulls, rolls, lifts and moves decedents, with assistance, including but not limited to decedents who are morbidly obese.
Must be able to respond to death scenes within a timely manner.
Reviews death certificates and signs cremation permits.
Prepares, lifts, transports and carries bodies for autopsy; assists in conducting autopsies.
Prepares and reviews detailed reports and analysis on investigations of cases.
Completes reports and forms required to finalize cases.
May testify in court concerning reports and/or findings.
Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Education and Experience

• Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test

• Previous experience, including internships, working in the field of forensic investigation, nursing, law enforcement (detective, evidence technician) or in a directly related field

• As a condition of hire, certification as a Diplomat of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (D-ABDMI) must be obtained within the first year of employment

Preferred Education and Experience

• Possession of an Associate Degree or 60 college credit hours in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Nursing or a related field

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:

Knowledge of:

• Conducting investigations involving accidental, suicidal and homicidal deaths

• Legal requirements, rules and procedures that pertain to investigative operations

• Criminal statutes of Michigan pertaining to accidental death, suicide and homicide, including laws of evidence

• Photography and video equipment

Skill in:

• Microsoft Work and Excel Programs

• Experience in speaking and understanding a language other than English, including but not limited to Spanish, Arabic, or a Central European Slavic language (e.g. Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian) is preferred

• Organizational ability and initiative

Ability to:

• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language

• Make decisions under adverse conditions in accordance with established policies and procedures

• Handle the activities of the office with compassion and respect for human dignity

• Make decisions and perform duties under adverse weather and conditions in accordance with established policies and procedures

• Communicate with distressed people from all socio-economic backgrounds and under adverse conditions

• Develop and prepare clear and concise investigative reports

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, law enforcement agencies, outside professionals and the public

• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy