Medicolegal Death Investigator (Part-Time)

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Death Investigation Job Functions:

• Conduct and complete investigations of all manner of deaths that fall under Oregon Revised Statures (ORS) 146.090.
• Receive and respond to phone calls from law enforcement, hospitals, and care facilities about deaths occurring under those jurisdictions.
• Obtain history of terminal events and medical/social history; interview relatives of the decedent, law enforcement personal. medical care provider; providing necessary technical expertise in the investigation; acquire/review medical records.
• Respond to death scenes to document the scene, take photographs of the deceased, the scene of the death and/or injury location, and any evidence that is believed to be involved with the death (e.g., weapons, instruments, vehicles, or premises). Assist with preserving any evidence that may be related to the cause and manner of death.
• Conduct forensic examinations of the body, confirm identification of decedents,
• Obtain blood and other body fluids as needed to aid in determining the cause and manner of death
• Mail out toxicological specimens to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office for toxicology testing
• Transport decedents to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office for exam when required
• Take custody of the body, and personal effects of the decedent as deemed necessary and work with law enforcement and funeral homes to take custody of the body.
• Complete and maintain state mandated investigation reports in the reporting system (MDI Log) including recording demographical death certificate information.
• Handles occasional special projects assigned by the Chief Medical Legal Death Investigator.
• Participates in continuous education related to death investigations.

Criminal Case Functions:

• Prepare and provide expert witness documentation for use in court trials and hearings, may be required to testify in criminal and civil proceedings related to the cause and manner of death.
• Provide consultation, examination and, if needed, testimony in criminal cases.

Other Functions:

• May represent the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator and/or act on their behalf in their absence.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.
• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Minimum Education Level

• Associates Degree. Specifics: In biology, science, nursing, or criminal justice field.

Minimum Experience Level:

• One years plus. Specifics: Prior experience as a medicolegal death investigator, registered nurse, law enforcement, paramedic, investigatory methods and procedures or a satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position.

Certifications:

• Oregon Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator Training (OCMDI) certification (must be completed within one year of hire)
• Oregon Driver’s License required (must obtain within 30 days of hire) and an acceptable driving history.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Technical writing stills with an understanding of complex and detailed medical and legal terminology.
• Critical thinking, analytical skills, attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement, grieving families and medical professionals.
• Bilingual and/or bicultural competencies for Latino population.

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