Medical Death Investigator

Responsible for conducting death investigations per Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) *30-10-606, the Medical Death Investigator performs a variety of forensic analytical duties in the investigation of deaths to assist in the determination of cause and manner of death.

NOTE:

• The shift for this position is TBD but will include nights, weekends and holidays

• Officially pronounces death and coordinates with local police jurisdictions in the matters of evidence and death scene documentation.
• Receives initial notifications of death and responds to scenes of death to perform death investigation and take custody of body. Obtains custody of, removes and/or transports body and all pertinent evidence to ensure chain of custody.
• Locates next of kin and makes death notification, interview family regarding deceased and obtains past medical history, funeral home selection and disposition of remains and personal effects; communicates and sees to the needs of the distraught families, makes referrals as necessary.
• Conducts interviews of witnesses and pertinent persons relating to the death of the deceased, prepares oral and written comprehensive reports relating to each investigation, maintains records of each investigation and provides repots to official agencies when requested. Communicates details of investigations to the Coroner/Forensic Pathologist as appropriate.
• Coordinates the efforts of multiple experts and databases of outside agencies in order to properly collect and preserve necessary items to determine identification of deceased.
• Reviews requests for release of information and records to ensure that request fall within guidelines of applicable laws. Disseminates information to appropriate community partners in a responsible and accurate manner.
• Testifies in court of law in regard to death cases.
• Maintains electronic case record system and logs/records daily cases not requiring Coroner response.
• Assists in the storage and release of bodies, personal belongs, evidence and medications.
• Maintains inventory of investigative equipment and supplies.
• All other duties as assigned by the Coroner.

• Knowledge of basic autopsy procedures, medical technology, physiology, anatomy.
• Considerable knowledge and demonstrated skill of the principles, practices, procedures, methods, equipment and techniques used in law enforcement and death investigations.
• Knowledge and demonstrated skill in the use of forensic practice and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, fellow workers, other police and legal agency officials, hospital staff and the general public.
• Ability to use and exercise sound judgement and react effectively in an emergency situation.
• Ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive reports, ability to report the results of laboratory tests clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience:

• High School degree or GED
• Exposure working in a Coroner's/Medical Examiner's Office or related medicolegal environment

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years' experience conducting death investigations
• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator Certification

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR), background check, & drug screening.
• Required to work rotating on call shifts and during emergency situations, when requested.

• Successful completion of Colorado Justice Information System (CJIS) training.
• Must complete ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800. Must complete all training in order to obtain ABMDI within two years of hire and maintain certification through continuing education.
• May be required to complete additional training at the request of Arapahoe County Human Resources and the Coroner.

• Work is generally based around a standard office environment with frequent exposure to weather conditions and road hazards during scene work, retrieval of a body and during gathering of information and evidence.
• This position is exposed to communicable diseases, obnoxious odors, and chemicals. Environment is one that is sometimes deemed extremely unpleasant and hazardous to the average individual.

** In accordance with Senate Bill 23-058, applicants understand that Arapahoe County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that Arapahoe County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (i.e. uploading or attaching documents to your online application), call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627. Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt uploading (attaching) it.