Deputy Medical Examiner (Death Investigator)

Description Waukesha County's Medical Examiner's Office is seeking aDeputy Medical Examiner to join its Team. This profession involves exposure to death on a daily basis and interaction with grieving individuals. Job responsibilities are performed under the direction of the Deputy Medical Examiner Supervisor and Forensic Pathologists andinvolve determining jurisdiction of a case, investigating and reporting on the cause and manner of death, and assisting with autopsies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the adaptability needed to work in a fluid environment in which pace and caseload can vary. Having organizational skills and being detail oriented are essential. Individuals should have the collaborative attitude necessary to work with peers to accomplish daily tasks as well as maintain a professional demeanor when working with outside agencies (Ex., Law enforcement, funeral directors, etc.). Minimum Requirements: * Bachelor's Degree* in such areas as biological or medical science, anatomy, physical therapy, physical anthropology, medical technology, nursing, or a closely related field. OR * Four (4) years of work experience in medico-legal death investigation, medical or biological sciences, police sciences, as a pathology or autopsy assistant; or a closely related area preferably in a medical examiner's or coroner's office. * Bachelor's Degree must be achieved by December 31, 2021. Work Schedule: Third Shift (10:00 pm - 8:00 am), consisting of four (4) ten-hour days per week, with rotating on-call shifts on weekends and holidays. The expectation is that schedule adjustments and overtime may be required to provide adequate coverage during times of scheduled and/or unplanned employee absences. Rewards & Recognition: The 2021* starting salary range is $25.15 to $29.21 (depending on qualifications) coupled with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, generous paid time off, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay for performance system. Employee wellbeing is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic. * 2022 salary rates pending County Board budget approval ============================= Prior to hiring, candidates are required to pass a driver's license and criminal background check. In addition, post-offer testing requirements include: Audio, Hepatitis B Titer, QuantiFERON (TB test),Musculoskeletal Evaluation, Physical, Rapid Drug Test, and Respirator Clearance Questionnaire. Example of 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. * 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. * 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. * Assists a forensic pathologist in the performance of medico legal autopsies. * 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 autopsies and at death scenes. * Maintains autopsy facility, laboratory, equipment, and supplies in a clean and disinfected condition after use. * Orders, stocks, and prepares necessary supplies for the proper operation of the morgue and laboratory. * 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. * Testifies in civil and criminal court cases when necessary. * Responds to reports of death on a 24 hour per day, 7-day per week basis on a rotating on-call basis. * Performs other duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Essential Knowledge and Abilities * Considerable knowledge 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 procedures involved in medico-legal autopsies. * Considerable knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology especially pertaining to death and varying forms of trauma. * Working knowledge of computerized department program software, internet access, and database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs. * 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 used to disinfect, clean, and sanitize equipment and facilities according to safety precautions. * Working knowledge of the procedures for sterile specimen collection. * Ability to utilize word processing, database, 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 establish and maintain effective working and public relationships; and to communicate effectively and deal compassionately with grieving family members. * 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 assist in the performance of autopsies, including the ability to use specialized autopsy and photographic equipment. * 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 on a daily basis, often in unpleasant circumstances. * Ability to perform work in the field in varying types of terrain and weather conditions. * Ability to safely drive a County vehicle in the regular performance of duties. You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements: * Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in such areas as biological or medical science, anatomy, physical therapy, physical anthropology, medical technology, nursing, or a closely related field. OR * Four (4) years of work experience in medico-legal death investigation, medical or biological sciences, police sciences, as a pathology or autopsy assistant; or a closely related area preferably in a medical examiner's or coroner's office. NOTE: a Bachelor's Degree in an aforementioned area must be achieved by December 31, 2021. Supplemental Information About Us Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?" For further information visit:https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/medicalexaminer All communication regarding this recruitment will be sent via email.

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