Medicolegal Death Investigator Trainee

Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Takes death reports from local law enforcement, healthcare institutions, District Attorney General’s Office, and Medical Examiners from Shelby County and 14 other West Tennessee Counties.
• Provides written documentation of said reporting and enters demographic, timeline, and investigative information into the computer database.
• Responds to scenes and documents the scenes with photography; performs a brief body examination.
• Obtains investigative information including medical records, police reports, EMS run sheets, etc.
• Makes verbal presentation of casework to forensic pathologists and the Director of Investigations.
• Requests and receives blood samples from hospitals as determined by the forensic pathologists.
• Conducts in-dept interviews and obtain information both in-person and on the phone.
• Interviews family member to complete the SUIDI form and performs a scene reenactment for all SUIDI deaths.
• Assists family members with positive identifications.
• Requests medical records on medical examiner cases and reviews records.
• Reviews death certificates submitted by the Shelby County Health Department to determine if the cause of death is appropriate.
• Responds to requests for assistance with death certificates from TN State Vital Records and funeral homes.
• Assists with identification of decedents by checking fingerprint records, obtaining dental records, taking buccal swabs from family members for DNA, conducting interviews, and performing internet searches for identification.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Biology, or a closely related field. (Master’s Degree preferred) (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of acceptable and proven experience in death investigation;
OR
• A combination of related education and work experience to equal five (5) years.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators is required within one (1) year of the hire date.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the rules and regulations affecting the operation of the Medical Examiner's Office; knowledge of company policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service and telephone etiquette.
• Knowledge of safety procedures; knowledge of the rules of evidence and court procedures.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to interface with personnel from various outside entities including law enforcement.
• Ability to draw logical conclusions and exercise independent judgement.
• Ability to operate a smartphone and fax machine/copier/scanner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

TYPICAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally performed in a clinical setting or exam room. The position will occasionally be exposed to environmental elements such as heat, rain, or cold when conducting on-site crime scene investigations. The position will also be exposed to biohazards and chemicals necessary for the autopsy procedures during the pre and post-mortem process.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Must be available to work evenings, overnight, weekends, holidays, and administrative closing shifts.

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