Part Time/ Non- Exempt Position
Starting Wage: $31.27- $33.89 with $3/ hour on-call pay
Job Summary
The Medical Examiner’s Office responds to reports of death 365 days a year (including evenings, overnight, weekends and holidays), Medicolegal Death Investigators are used to fill vacancies when the Medical Examiner is not available and when there are simultaneous calls for service. Medicolegal Death Investigators assist the Medical Examiner in the carrying out of all duties of a death investigation.
The Ozaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office operates under the statuary obligation of determining cause and manner of death along with the obligation of identifying deceased individuals and locating and notifying legal next of kin. The Medicolegal Death Investigator determines the manner of death through an investigative process using deductive and inductive reasoning skills to draw conclusions based on existing knowledge, prior experience and available evidence. In cases of sudden or unattended deaths that are caused by an accident, homicide, suicide, overdose or suspicious circumstances, the Medicolegal Death Investigator relies on the expertise of a forensic pathologist to provide cause of death from a medical standpoint.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully with or without reasonable accommodations to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.
80% Death Investigations:
Pronounces death, Determines cause / manner of death (accidental, homicide, natural, or suicide)
Upon dispatch, the Medicolegal Death Investigator responds to the scene to pronounce and determine time and circumstances of death.
Conducts the initial investigation which involves: Evaluates the scene through photographic and written documentation of the Investigator Report
Consults with Medical Examiner or Lead Investigator and keeps them comprised of evolving investigation.
Records and retains statements as needed from first responders, witnesses, healthcare providers and family.
Performs external body examination
Outlines the scope and course of a death investigation, makes an initial assessment of the cause and manner of death.
Preserves and documents evidence, ensuring the safety of those involved.
Establish decedent identification through scientific methods if necessary.
Notifies the next of kin.
Secures and prepares the body and personal belongings for transport to the morgue, ME’s office or release to local funeral home.
Additional follow-up is often required and noted in section below.
20% Investigation Follow Up (Phone Inquiries/Notifications/Coordination):
Colleague Interactions: Intakes data from deaths that occur at medical facilities and determines Medical Examiner involvement.
Collects medical records & history.
Speak with physicians to obtain medical history and confirm death certification.
Communicates with Next of Kin throughout death investigation.
Coordinates transports to/from scene, to/from Morgue and to/from ME office.
Corresponds with the Medical Examiner Office providing the autopsy.
Contacts the appropriate donor network for potential organ donation.
Testifies in civil and criminal court cases when necessary.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Minimum Education Qualifications
Education and/or Experience Requirements : Associates Degree in Medical/Criminal Justice or Related Field/Experience
Preferred experience: Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic with 2,000 hours of documented field
work experience. Human anatomy and physiology knowledge
Medical terminology
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements: Must have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.
Must successfully pass criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications
In order to perform the functions and…