"Alerted.org

Medical Legal Death Investigator

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lanecountyor/jobs/newprint/4951839)

Apply



Medical Legal Death Investigator

Salary

$31.61 - $42.26 Hourly

Location

Public Service Building, OR

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

202500146

Department

District Attorney's Office

Division

DA Medical Examiner

Opening Date

05/23/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

01

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

DESCRIPTION

This posting will remain open until filled.

First review of applications will be Monday, June 2nd.

About the Position

The District Attorney’s Office strives to improve public safety and quality of life to Lane County citizens by prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, securing the appropriate support for children and families, as well as determining the cause and manner of death in all cases of traumatic or unattended death.We are currently seeking an organized and detail-oriented individual to join our office as a Medical-Legal Death Investigator. This position involves a variety of duties related to death investigation under the direction of the District Attorney and Deputy State Medical Examiner as prescribed by ORS 146.090.

Responsibilities

+ Gathering information at scenes and examining bodies for evidence of medical disease and/or injury.

+ Taking quality photos of scenes and bodies for routine documentation.

+ Interviewing relatives of the deceased as well as any witnesses to obtain pertinent information regarding the investigation.

+ Collecting body fluid samples and preserving physical evidence.

+ Preparing detailed and grammatically sound reports concerning deaths investigated.

+ Authorizing and coordinating removal of bodies to/from locations as appropriate by the funeral home or designated transport service contracted for this purpose.

+ Taking temporary custody of personal effects of deceased individuals when applicable and, after making a thorough inventory, turning them over to a responsible person such as a funeral director, relative or law enforcement officer.

+ Assisting in the coordination of death notification or performing death notification to the legal next-of-kin.

+ Being the conduit between families, medical personnel, funeral directors, law enforcement, etc., and the Deputy State Medical Examiner during all phases of the investigation.

+ Assisting at postmortem examinations during training and when regular technicians are unavailable.

+ Reviewing police reports, video/audio recordings, medical/dental charts, etc., related to the death/deceased individual and summarizing that information in the investigative reports.

+ Updating and maintaining the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office file system.

+ Occasionally providing testimony for grand jury, criminal or civil trials.

+ Representing the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office before the media and occasionally make presentations to the general public.

+ Answering inquiries and correspondence from insurance companies, attorneys, law enforcement, physicians and families.

+ Understanding and applying the laws, rules and regulations prescribed by ORS 146 and other statutes that may relate to death investigations.

About the Division

Christopher J. Parosa is Lane County's elected district attorney. His office is responsible for the prosecution of all crimes in Lane County Circuit Court.

Divisions in the District Attorney's Office include (http://lanecounty.hosted.civiclive.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=4077993) Criminal ; Juvenile (https://www.lanecounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=4027781) ; Family Law (Child Support Enforcement); Victim Services (https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county\_departments/district\_attorney\_s\_office/victim\_services\_program/) , and Death Investigations (https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county\_departments/district\_attorney\_s\_office/medical\_examiner/) .

Our Mission: Strive to improve public safety and quality of life by prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, securing the appropriate support for children and families, and determining the cause and manner of death in all cases of traumatic or unattended death.

Schedule: Shift Work including days, nights, swing, weekends, and holidays.

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

QUALIFICATIONS

Training and Experience:

+ Five years of medical investigative, similar investigation experience, biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or a related field; or an equivalent combination sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Training and experience in paramedicine (EMT or paramedic) or nursing.

+ Familiarity with basic anatomy, common medical conditions, and general medical terminology.

+ Effective communication with and between diverse organizations and individuals such as law enforcement, medical personnel, and family members.

+ Ability to independently analyze and prioritize multiple complex or critical tasks, often occurring simultaneously.

+ Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

+ Familiarity with modern office procedures, methods and computer technology.

+ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, medical facilities/providers, and local law enforcement agencies in the usual course of work.

+ Oregon Medicolegal Death Investigator (OMLDI) Training Certification: A 40-hour in person course provided in Clackamas at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office with written and practical examinations on completion. Certification at time of appointment or obtained within one year of employment satisfies the requirement.

+ American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Basic Certification: Relevant experience, training, and documentation are obtained on-the-job to qualify for sitting for the proctored examination. Certification at time of appointment or obtained within one year of employment satisfies the requirement.

Special Requirements:

+ Must have valid Oregon driver license by time of appointment.

+ Must be able to respond to scene of investigation within one hour.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

CLASSIFICATION DETAILS

Medical-Legal Death Investigator Classification Details (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lanecountyor/classspecs/newprint/982149)

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection Process (https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county\_departments/human\_resources/talent\_acquisition/Selection\_Process)

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.

Strategic Plan

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.

The 2022 -2024 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.

Veteran Preference Information (https://www.lanecounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=5143112)

Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits

At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.

Introducing ALEX (https://www.myalex.com/lanecounty/home#choose-benefits) , Lane County's benefit advisor! ALEX is an interactive tool that will help you understand the benefits being offered, out of pocket expenses and coverage available. You will need the Collective Bargaining Unit found in your job posting and when asked for your date of hire, please put in today's date.

*The below information describes typical benefits available for Regular Full-time Employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position, employment status (regular, temporary, or extra help) and/or bargaining group.

ALEX Benefit Advisor (click here) (https://www.myalex.com/lanecounty/home#choose-benefits)

Collective Bargaining Units:

Admin-Pro

AFSCME

AFSCME Nurses

AFSCME Physicians

FOPPO

LCPOA

Local 626

Prosecuting Attorney's

Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically

Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30 days as an eligible employee.

Medical/Rx/Vision - Lane County offers medical, prescription and vision exam coverage for you and your eligible dependents. The plan options and costs per month for 2018 are outlined below:

If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA: $1,500 (individual) or $3,000 (family) annually. This amount is prorated based on date of hire.

Eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.

Wellness Clinic - The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.

Dental - Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.

Fitness Center Membership - Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center. Employees may add their families at a discounted rate.

Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially

Retirement - Lane County pays for, and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment. (Current members are eligible upon hire.)

Disability - Lane County pays a portion of wages for eligible employees through Short-Term Disability, and provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.

Time Management - Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.

Holidays - Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year:

New Year's Day Independence Day

Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday Labor Day

Presidents' Day Veterans' Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth Christmas Day

Life Insurance - Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.

County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well

On-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills.

Online Training - Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.

Conferences & Seminars - Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.

Lane County offers these other valuable benefits

Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.

Vision - Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.

Supplemental Life Insurance - Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.

Aflac - Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.

Group Discounts - Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.

Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.

For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at (541) 682-3124.

01

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have included all RELEVANT education, employment and experience in your application. To ensure compliance with Oregon Equal Pay laws, Human Resources will conduct a wage analysis based on the information you have provided in your application to determine the appropriate starting wage if you are selected.

+ I acknowledge I have provided all relevant education and employment history.

02

What is your highest level of education?

+ High School diploma or equivalent to completion of twelfth grade.

+ Associate's degree.

+ Two-years of technical certificate or coursework.

+ Bachelor's degree.

+ Master's or higher degree.

03

How many years of medical investigative or other investigative experience do you have?

+ At least one year of experience.

+ Two years of experience.

+ Three years of experience.

+ Four years of experience.

+ Five years of experience.

+ Six years of experience or more.

04

Describe what you believe are the most important skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Medical Legal Death Investigator. (5 points)

05

Describe your level of knowledge and understanding with medical topics such as disease processes, medications, injuries, and treatments. Please include how you gained this experience (e.g., through work, education, or training) and how you have applied it in a professional setting. (15 points)

06

Provide in detail your training and experience in the medical field. (15 points)

07

Should you be subpoenaed to testify in a trial on a case that you investigated, what information and opinions should you provide? (10 points)

08

What would you accept as authoritative information when it comes from a police officer, spouse, neighbor, etc.? (10 points)

09

For whom are you performing death investigations and toward what end? (15 points)

10

Describe how you’ve handled sensitive situations that involved distressed or grieving individuals? (5 points)

11

In a death investigation, explain the difference between your role as a Medical Legal Death Investigator and that of police or crime scene investigators? (5 points)

12

What role does the Medical Legal Death Investigator perform in relation to the forensic pathologist? (5 points)

13

What type of death would you describe as the most challenging to investigate and why? (15 points)

Required Question

Employer

Lane County

Apply

Please verify your email address Verify Email