Forensic Death Investigator; Medical Examiner Office

** Must live IN Johnson County**

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under direction of the Commissioners Court, and Dr. Kendall Crowns M.D. with the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, provides day to day supervision and coordination of the activities of the Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office.  Supervises and conducts death investigations occurring within the county on behalf of the Medical Examiner’s office in cooperation with the Law Enforcement Agency who has the primary jurisdiction and responsibility for the death investigation/crime scene. Fulfill this obligation by visiting death scenes, hospital or institutions reporting the death to the Medical Examiner’s Office.  Oversees the transportation of bodies as specified by state law; collection of information regarding circumstances of death; external examination of the body and clothing; photographs when indicated; interviews with witnesses, law enforcement officers, physicians, and other parties regarding cause of death; will see all evidence and personal property found on or with deceased person is secured, except for property deemed evidence, by the lead investigating law enforcement agency, as such property could or may be required for criminal prosecution; to include any items prohibited/declared illegal by Federal or State Statutes.  Individual may be required to testify at court hearings, trials, and inquests.  Reviews all case files, completing related records and reports, and maintaining accurate case files.  Evaluates performance of ME Offices staff.  Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and policies; updates staff on applicable changes. Establishes a good working relationship with all Johnson County employees necessary to complete duties including the County Judge, County Commissioners, the Sheriff, the County Attorney, the District Attorney, the County Auditor, as well as liaison between local law enforcement and the ME Office as directed by the Commissioners Court and Dr. Peerwani.  Performs all other related duties as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Responds to scenes of unattended or suspicious deaths; conducts and assists Law Enforcement Agency with the death investigation and crime scene, which includes inspection of the body, securing and photographing the remains and scene, and inspection of weaponry.
• Oversees the transportation of bodies as specified by state law; and secures personal property found with the deceased.
• Conducts interviews with witnesses, law enforcement officers, physicians and other parties regarding cause of death.
• Secures medical records from various agencies; obtains law enforcement records of scene; coordinates organ donation; and coordinates next of kin armed services leave.
• Testifies at hearings, trials and inquests; writes detailed reports and narratives; and communicates pertinent scene information/reports to Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office investigators and physicians.
• Performs office duties, which includes purchasing/receiving, coordinating vendors, custodian of records, and organization and maintenance of records and property.
• Performs other related duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Employees are required to comply with safety regulations, procedures, protocols, and wear personal protective gear if required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent, with 1 to 3 years related experience. Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions listed above can be substituted.

Special Requirements

Must become ABMDI Certified (American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator) within one year

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Ability to perform work expeditiously and accurately
• Organizational skills
• Ability to collect, organize and present essential evidence and information
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with medical personnel, officials and the general public
• Work independently
• Read, analyze, and interpret standards, policies, procedures, and regulations
• Develop and write reports, policies, and correspondence
• Exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job
• Operate standard office equipment, such as computer keyboards and monitors, copiers, scanners, and telephone
• Use (or learn to use) computer software and systems applicable to the position
• Follow oral and written instructions and procedures
• Collect, organize, and interpret data and prepare accurate records
• Compare data from a variety of sources for accuracy and completeness
• Organize large volumes of detailed data and information
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work unit
• Maintain well-organized materials, files, systems and tools
• Adapt to changes in work situations and priorities
• Reason/analyze; use logic to identify and resolve problems
• Evaluate, organize, and summarize data and information
• Establish and maintain constructive and cooperative interpersonal relationships with staff, peers, supervisors, or managers in the work unit and other departments, as well as with staff of outside entities and other individuals, as applicable to the essential duties and responsibilities

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position typically requires fingering, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking, repetitive motions, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling and lifting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medium Work: Performing the essential functions typically requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly.

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Johnson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.