MEDICOLEGAL DEATH INVESTIGATOR

OVERVIEW

Position Information

The responsibilities of this position include performing technical work to investigate all deaths within the County to determine the cause and manner of death. Duties include screening reported deaths, body and scene investigation, collaborating with other agencies, identifying and notifying next-of-kin, interviewing witnesses, assisting at autopsies, maintaining the facilities and vehicles, and performing other duties as assigned including clerical functions to support the effective operation of the office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Two years of paid or volunteer experience in a law enforcement position (Commissioned Officer), firefighter/EMS, military investigation experience, or medical field (such as: EMT/Nursing LPN or RN); OR
• Related education demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job may substitute for up to one year of experience.

Preferred Education, Experience and Other Qualifications

• Completion of courses in biology, physiology, forensic studies and anatomy from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Six months of experience conducting death investigations for Coroners, Medical Examiners or Law Enforcement.
• Possession of National Death Investigators Certification through American Board of Medico-legal Death Investigation (ABMDI).

Driving Requirements
The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as Category 1 Driver operates County-owned vehicle.

Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements
Please note: The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all of the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must:

• Pass a medical/physical and psychological evaluation.
• Submit a copy of their State employment driving record to verify their eligibility to drive for Kitsap County.
• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.

Within six months of employment the successful candidate must:

• Possess a current Washington State First Aid/CPR certification

Within three years of employment the successful candidate must:

• Possess National Death Investigators Certification through ABMDI (American Board of Medico-legal Death Investigators).

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• State and local laws regarding deaths and human remains.
• Methods, techniques, equipment and practices of handling decedents, property and evidence.
• Basic techniques used in interviewing, photography, investigation and report writing.
• Procedures necessary to inspect, prepare, and transport a body for autopsy, preservation and collection of evidence.
• Equipment and supplies necessary to maintain the office, morgue facility, coroner vehicles and forensic photography.
• Medical terminology, prescription drugs and their application.
• Office procedures, practices and equipment.
• Law Enforcement operations in Kitsap County and the Kitsap County road system are desired.

Skills and Ability to:

• Appear for scheduled work with regular, predictable and punctual attendance.
• Establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes. Write comprehensive reports and business correspondence.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from law enforcement, fire departments, grieving and sometimes hostile families, and the general public in order to advance the quality of community service.
• Analyze and evaluate death scene evidence and make preliminary finding as to the cause and/or manner of death.
• Conduct thorough and complete interviews and investigations of death scenes.
• Make independent judgments and initiate appropriate action.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of activities.
• Demonstrate empathy with surviving families.
• Assist in autopsies as required. Operate standard office equipment such as a computer, copy/fax machine, calculator.
• Type accurately and efficiently.
• Safely drive an automobile.
• Physically perform the essential functions of the position.
• Work holidays, during inclement weather conditions, weekends, over 40 hours in a work week, and all shifts as needed.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Positions in this class typically require:

• Work performed in a variety of settings office and field.
• Sitting (when driving) or standing.
• Bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, handling and grasping various items while conducting investigations.
• Walking, balancing sometimes over rough, uneven or undeveloped terrain.
• Visual acuity sufficient to drive, read written materials and road signs, see detail of maps, gauges, etc.,
• Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately when conveying or receiving information or instruction.
• Exertion of force of 100 pounds with or without assistance occasionally, and/or 35 pounds frequently to lift/carry/move objects, files, and other materials.

Incumbents may be:

• Exposed to unfavorable working conditions such as in inclement weather, accident scenes, infectious disease, or blood-borne pathogens.
• Exposed to hazards while driving.
• Subject to 24-hour availability and must be willing to work non-standard hours, including long shifts, rotating shifts, holidays and week-ends, as required.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Essential Job Functions:

• Participate in the development and modification of methods, techniques, and procedures for death investigation services, protocols, methods and procedures.
• Receive calls on every death occurring within the County. Confer with physicians, police agencies, fire departments or other involved parties to determine whether or not to investigate each death.
• Respond to calls relating to violent or sudden deaths. Examine death scenes and confer with appropriate parties including witnesses, next-of-kin, law enforcement officers and medical personnel to ascertain circumstances, medical history and the cause of death. Photograph death scenes. Make positive identification and take possession of or secure and account for personal effects of deceased.
• Secure, protect, and retain the chain of evidence at crime scenes; coordinate investigation with law enforcement, prosecutor or other involved agencies.
• Gather and transport human remains and evidence to the County morgue; may coordinate transportation arrangements of human remains and evidence.
• Prepare complete and comprehensive documentation of investigations and complete other reports to support the cause and manner of death. Fill out and sign death certificates indicating classification and method of death.
• Determine need for an autopsy and sign autopsy authorizations. Witness and may assist in autopsies including body preparation, collection of tissue and fluid samples. Assist with the collection and preservation of physical and biological evidence and testify in court as needed.
• Secure, package, and send body fluid samples to the toxicology laboratory and notify appropriate parties of the results, when applicable.
• Identify and locate next-of-kin and make in person notification when in Kitsap County. Identify and request local jurisdiction to make in-person death notification, when not located in Kitsap County.
• Maintain cleanliness of the office and morgue facilities, equipment, and vehicles; check equipment, order supplies and maintain appropriate records.
• Serve as office liaison with other agencies such as law enforcement, fire, funeral homes, etc.
• Perform clerical functions such as maintenance of case logs and reports, typing of correspondence and other reports.
• Train or assist in training of new personnel and at times give presentations to the general public, the military and other law enforcement agencies in the proper techniques of death investigation or general guidelines of death investigation and coroner duties.

Other Job Duties:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Covered under a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME 1308. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Work hours may vary; but will include weekends, evenings and holidays. Flexible hours are available, as approved by management.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.
• This recruitment is being used to fill an existing open position, and may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental -Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
MetLife Long Term Disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will beprorated***

Additional compensation that you may be eligible for:
Shift differential
Overtime
Stand by pay
Call-back pay

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

Union Membership
This position is covered under AFSCME Local 1308 Courthouse Employees collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

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• KITSAP COUNTY

• 360.337.7185

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