What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Medical Examiner position at St. Croix County?

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Chief Medical Examiner will oversee all aspects of the medical examination process for St. Croix County. This role involves approving forensic autopsies, CT and onsite drug testing, determining cause and manner of death, managing staff, and collaborating with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure accurate and timely investigations. The Chief Medical Examiner will also provide expert testimony in court proceedings when necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Ensure office provides 24-hour coverage.
Respond to death calls, observe death scene, question witnesses, transport bodies, and examine evidence to ascertain circumstances surrounding the death.
Observe and perform examinations and full investigations of deaths falling within jurisdiction under state statutes to determine cause and manner of death.
Determine the need for an autopsy (simple medical vs forensic), toxicology and / or other testing.
Obtain personal data and medical history by examining documents and interviewing relatives, friends and acquaintances.
Investigates and authorizes cremations.
Prepare detailed reports to the Public Protection Committee.
Investigate and authorize death certificates.
Prepare and maintain budget. Oversee and assist in the preparation and maintenance of payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and out of County billings.
Select, supervise, schedule, and train medical examiners and administrative staff, assign work, provide direction, and evaluate employee performance.
Collaborate with law enforcement, coroners, and other agencies to gather evidence and information related to death investigations.
Maintain accurate records and documentation of autopsy findings, case investigations, all property recovered and released to next of kin, and other case details.
Compassionately deal with the family of loved ones of the deceased in a professional manner, which includes death notification and appropriate release of all information regarding the cause and manner of death.
Coordinate with tissue, organ and eye donation agencies to facilitate donation.
Coordinates, researches, and evaluates the replacement of equipment and technology and / or the need for new types of equipment and technology.
Provide expert testimony in court proceedings as needed.
Stay current with advances in forensic science and participate in continuing education and professional development activities.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to effectively supervise and mentor staff.

Knowledge of county policy.

Knowledge of applicable Wisconsin Statutes .

Knowledge of personal protective equipment.

Knowledge of accounting software.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with a diverse range of individuals, including law enforcement, legal professionals, and grieving families.

Proficiency in medical terminology and documentation.

Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Ability to manage time and effectively, manage multiple projects, prioritize and complete work within established deadlines.

Ability to work the allocated hours of the position including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisor, and the public.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal form.

Must be proficient in workplace English and spelling.

Ability to read County policies and procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, SDS sheets, safety manuals, maps, etc.

Bilingual skills (e.g. Spanish) may be helpful.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to perform measurements and calculations related to forensic examinations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.

Ability to develop, interpret and implement local policies and procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, Federal, State, and local regulations.

Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations.

Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.

Ability to maintain discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations within the provision of open records law and other applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.

Strong organizational and time management skills needed to meet deadlines.

Must have ability to work accurately with attention to detail.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.

Ability to analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.

Ability to use good judgement and effectively solve problems.

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Ability to apply deductive reasoning and logical problem-solving techniques to complex forensic cases.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description 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 or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This work requires the ability to facilitate lifting up to 300 pounds; work regularly requires standing during autopsies and examinations, frequently requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.

Work requires manual dexterity and fine motor skills for performing precise procedures and handling delicate tissues and instruments.

Work requires visual acuity and depth perception for detailed examinations and documentation tasks.

Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.

Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.

Work requires exposure to deceased individuals, bodily fluids, and potentially hazardous materials.

Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is typically in an office setting, but also includes occasional outdoor and off-site work.

Work requires irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays to respond to emergencies and conduct investigations as needed.

Work requires travel to various locations throughout the County to perform examinations or to participate in investigations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Associate degree in a medical, biological or criminal justice field.

Minimum of four (4) years experience working in the field medicolegal death investigations.

American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (AMBDI) certification required.

Valid driver license required.

Full Pay Range : $79,290 - $110,469 / year

Expected Pay Range : $79,290 - $ 89,710 / year

FTE : 1.0

Department : Medical Examiner

St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to an individual s race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Salary : $79,290 - $89,710

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