Job Listing for Medical-Legal Death Investigator at Lane County District Attorney's Office (OR)

Do you have investigation experience? Are you a medical services professional with a desire to branch out and work on cases of unexplained or unattended deaths in Lane County? The Death Investigations Division, under the direction of District Attorney Patricia Perlow, investigates and assists the State Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of all unexplained or unattended deaths. Work involves examining physical evidence at death scenes, drawing fluids, interviewing witnesses, and advising next-of-kin or other parties of deaths. Incumbent is also responsible for photographing evidence, preparing investigation reports and providing testimony. Work requires the incumbent cooperate and work closely with the forensic pathologist, law enforcement agencies, medical providers, funeral homes, and the general public.

The Medical Legal Death Investigator role involves working a rotating schedule of 40 hours per week, which requires variable shift work to cover day and evening hours, weekdays, weekends and holidays, sometimes alone. Position will require occasional travel throughout the County to death scenes. Responsibilities include investigating deaths which fall under Medical Examiner jurisdiction, gathering specific case data and information, heavy database entry, preparing and filing reports, document review, requesting reports, follow up phone calls, assuming custody of remains, assisting with the identification of remains, handling evidence and determining the necessity for autopsy or further examination at the district office.

To investigate and gather data on traumatic accidents or unexplained deaths in Lane County; and to perform related duties as assigned.

** YOU ARE REQUIRED TO UPLOAD A RESUME AND COVER LETTER FOR THIS POSITION. If not attached, your application will not be considered. **

In your cover letter, please answer the following questions; be sure to include specific details, including: employers, dates, of employment, and training.

1. Describe your experience in investigations in which you have participated. Include in your response examples of what your contributions have been.

2. Describe any training you have had in the medical field. Describe any professional experience you have in the medical field, as an investigator or as a death investigator.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm. May work rotating shifts.

*This position is non-represented*

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

This 2018-2021 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Conducts investigations of deaths in Lane County which occur under circumstances as prescribed by ORS 146.090.

Gathers factual information and prepares detailed reports concerning unexplained deaths.

Interviews relatives of deceased and witnesses to obtain information pertinent to the death under investigation.

May authorize removal of deceased upon completion of investigation.

May take temporary custody of personal effects of deceased and, after making an inventory, turn them over to a responsible person such as a relative or law enforcement officer.

Through the Deputy State Medical Examiner, may recommend further medical or law enforcement investigation into a death.

May assist at postmortem examinations.

May assist in the investigation of homicides or questionable suicides.

Coordinates investigations with police, sheriff, medical personnel, District Attorney and state agencies.

Conducts research and fact finding on medical/dental histories of deceased individuals and writes appropriate reports.

Updates and maintains Lane County Medical Examiner file system.

Provides testimony for grand jury, civil and criminal trials.

Represents the department before the media and makes presentations to the general public.

Answers inquiries and correspondence from insurance companies, attorneys, police, physicians and families.

Collects body fluid samples and orders appropriate analysis.

Collects and preserves physical evidence.

Knowledge of:
Laws, rules and regulations as applied to medical and criminal investigation of deaths.

Physiology, biology, anatomy, chemistry, pharmacology and physics.

Basic rules of evidence and crime scene analysis.

Legal and medical terminology.

Medical investigative work process and procedures.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Ability to:

Gather and obtain information and evidence from families, agencies, expert witnesses and other individuals.

Identify and obtain evidence pertinent to medical investigations.

Keep and maintain clear, concise and appropriate medical and legal records.

Testify in court proceedings and present materials to the media and public.

Analyze, interpret and report on data associated with unexplained deaths.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Interview people and obtain pertinent information.

Training:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in biology, chemistry, pharmacology or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.

Experience:
One year of medical investigative or other investigative experience is desirable.

An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements:
• Valid Oregon Driver's License required by time of appointment.
• Certification as Oregon Medicolegal Death Investigator (OMLDI) at time of appointment or certification obtained within one year of employment.
• Basic certification with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) at time of appointment or certification obtained within one year of employment. Advanced certification is preferred.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act and would like to request an accommodation, you may request an accommodation during the online application process, or request an accommodation by contacting the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date at 541-682-3124.

TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS POLICY
The Board of County Commissioners wants to help Lane County be the healthiest county in the state. Effective October 1, 2018, any tobacco use, including vaping devices, will not be allowed inside or on the grounds of properties owned or occupied by Lane County including: All outdoor areas, parking lots, County vehicles, and personal vehicles while on County property.