Medical Examiner Death Investigator

Job description

Do you have investigation experience? The Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) seeks you as a Medicolegal Death Investigator. In this role you will be responsible to provide scene and telephonic response to deaths reported to the OME. The Investigations section is responsible for the investigation of all deaths falling under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Medical Examiner under Utah Code 26B-8-200, including initial scene response as well as coordinating transportation of decedents, processing evidence, identifying decedents, and follow-up on investigations to aid in the determination of cause and manner of death. Due to the nature of this position, compliance to the Utah Department of Health Employee Immunization policy is required. Travel is required.

Principal duties

As a Medicolegal Death Investigator you will:

• Handle phone calls reporting deaths, responding to death scenes, conducting investigations which include researching and gathering information, interviewing witnesses, photographing death scenes, real time database direct entry, preparing investigative reports, handling evidence, moving remains, and the determining jurisdiction of deaths reported to the OME.
• Assist medical examiners/forensic pathologists with complete documentation of evidence collected and recorded chain of custody, reports, and records gathering and review, and other requests as needed.
• Be familiar with laws and regulations regarding death investigation in Utah.
• Respond to incoming questions and complaints, provide information as allowed by law, explain policies and procedures, and facilitate resolution of issues as they arise.
• Facilitate information exchange between investigators and organ and tissue donation coordinators to allow for timely donation of organs and tissues.
• Coordinate information exchanges with law enforcement entities, treating physicians, attorneys and families.
• Other duties, tasks and responsibilities may be assigned at any time.

The ideal candidate

• Has experience as a medicolegal death investigator.
• Has scene investigative experience (CSI, detective, law enforcement officer, etc.)
• Has a certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).
• Has strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Has a medical degree or training (PA, NP, RN, paramedic, EMT, etc.) and current certification.
• Has a Bachelor's or Master's degree in forensic science, medical/nursing, or science.

Why you should join our team

This is an opportunity to to be part of a dynamic team and positively impact your community by dedicating your skills and passion to serving the state of Utah.

The agency

To learn more about the Utah Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Medical Examiner, click here. If offered this position, your continued employment will be contingent upon passing a fingerprint background check. There will be no cost to you and fingerprints will be completed on the first day of employment or shortly thereafter. You may review the department policy by clicking here. (Download PDF reader)

Supplemental information

Working conditions:

• Must reside within Summit County, Utah
• This position is on-call from home and will work varying, rotating shifts that include day, evening, overnight, weekends and holidays to maintain 24-hour coverage.
• The working conditions vary based on the time of year, weather, and location of the investigation scene. This position requires the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment.

Physical requirements:

This position requires physical exertion. You may be required to stand for long periods of time, hike mountainous terrain, or to walk over rough surfaces. In addition, you may be required to bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, or lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner or for long periods of time.

Job Type: Contract

Physical Setting:

• Outdoor work

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Morning shift
• Night shift
• On call
• Overnight shift

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Location:

• Tooele County, UT (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Tooele County, UT (Required)

Work Location: Remote