Medical Investigator

Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends death scenes (Natural, Accident, Suicide, Homicide, Unnatural) and works cooperatively with law enforcement personnel to ensure the collection and preservation of evidence related to the death investigation.
• Interviews the family of the decedent, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, physicians, and other persons to assist with the determination, cause, and manner of death. Creates a timeline and conducts a victimology investigation.
• Collects detailed information, documents, and photographs from the death scenes and bodies.
• Assists in establishing the decedent’s identity and ensures timely notification of next of kin.
• Facilitates the disposition of the body. Coordinates ground transportation with an approved carrier or funeral home.
• Prepares and submits detailed written fact reports, including daily Situational Reports (SITREP’s) and Inquest Reports.
• Receives notification of deaths; makes an initial determination regarding the scope of the investigation, including jurisdiction, scene attendance, and acceptance of body for physical examination.
• Reports all deaths to the Justice of the Peace in timely manner as established in the Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49.
• Provides information and assistance to family members of decedents; responds to general inquiries and requests for information within established guidelines.
• Receives and releases decedent bodies; coordinates transportation with an approved carrier if an autopsy is ordered.
• Assists with the disposition of indigent and unclaimed bodies, Investigate and attempt to locate family members or the Next of Kin. Submit the proper documentation to the County Cemetery.
• The Investigator works on an on-call rotation and must be available to assist at any given time. The Investigator troubleshoots and resolves problems and issues that may include responding day or night to death scene locations for on-scene investigations; driving a county vehicle to locations throughout Midland County when performing county business; traveling by any means necessary to conduct investigations, and perform duties in areas of difficult accessibility, limited visibility, and mobility, or adverse conditions; assuming control of and responsibility at crime scenes or other locations by coordinating and directing duties with patrol officers and crime scenes officers. establishing the identity of deceased person; performing thorough investigations into the circumstances of a death; examining the body of the decedent and scene surroundings; assessing for signs of death and environmental variables; arranging removal of bodies to the morgue.
• If an autopsy is ordered, documentation shall be submitted to the Medical Examiner, to include but not limited to: the lead investigating agency’s report, hospital or clinic records, photographs, the release the body forms, and other supporting documentation to assist in determining the cause and manner of death.
• Identify and communicate with Primary Care Physicians to collect the decedent’s medical history. Requests, document, maintain, and update the required records and files, including but not limited to the lead investigating agency report (MPD, DPS, MCSO, Texas Rangers) and medical records.
• Enter data into computerized records management system as required. Have a general understanding of the use oflcon, shared drivers, TLO, and Accurint systems.
• Create statistics and visualization graphs of all autopsy and toxicology results; year trackers (calls for service, autopsies, and toxicology tests); and group operations.
• Studies evidence and submits as needed for professional examination; enters data into computerized records management system as required; prepares investigation and case reports of circumstances; pertinent data and evidence for filing with Medical Examiner and other appropriate agencies, including law enforcement and District Attorney’s Office.
• If ordered, collect a blood/vitreous sample from the deceased to assist the justice of the Peace to determine the cause and manner of death.
• Pack blood/vitreous samples and submit them to the laboratories/medical examiner with an approved carrier.
• Report deaths to the Southwestern Forensic Institute and Sciences prior to autopsy and in a timely manner.
• Report fatal traffic accidents to TXDOT Crash Data and Analysis Section and submit reports, toxicology, and supplements in a timely manner.
• Work in conjunction with Southwest Transplant Alliance to fulfill the gifts of organ donation. Assist in the logistics coordination for the transportation of the remains if needed.
• Ensures compliance with any or all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and policies. Provides information regarding state laws and cods as well as department policy and procedures in response to agencies, funeral homes, and the general public.
• Assist local and out of state funeral homes by providing information required to complete a death certificate, to include but not limited to: Time of Death, the location where the body was found, next of kin, and attending physician’s information if applicable.
• Relieve the lead investigation agency officers, ONLY if applicable. Remain on the scene until the funeral home’s arrival and assist their personnel in removing bodies.
• Produce records and make them available for attorneys and life insurance agents after submitting the proper request and ONLY if cleared by the legal records custodial.
• As part of an interagency collaboration with El Paso Police, Drug Enforcement Agency, and West Texas HIDTA; a yearly report of Drug Overdose deaths in Midland, Texas, is produced and shared with these agencies.
• Testifies in court or under deposition regarding the findings ofthe investigation of the circumstances of death.
• Performs all and any duties as assigned

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Qualifications, Education, and/or experience

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Eligible candidates must have experience in investigative procedures concerning the circumstances, manner, and cause of death of a deceased person. An associate degree in a related field; or at least 1 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Prefer at least 3 years of experience in the medical or related field.
• Prefer knowledge of Texas Code and Federal Code relating to Medical Examiner and related statutes (I.E. public health code).
• Special consideration given for the following: Certificates in at least one area of first responder, firefighter, EMT, CMA, Paramedic, Phlebotomy, or other medical or public service-related field. Preferred associate’s degree or experience in criminal justice, forensic science, nursing, medical or other closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills and/or ability

• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications. Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions. Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel. Ability to write reports containing technical information. Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards. Ability to understand, analyze and interpret medical/forensic information and terminology. Knowledge of death investigation procedures and standards and of legal/policy requirements for the processing of evidence. Skill in identifying trauma wounds. Knowledge of cameras and photographic procedures. Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects, Ability to provide legal depositions and testimony. Ability to multitask and function effectively in a fast-paced environment.

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