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The Pottawattamie County Medical Examiner's Office is excited to announce the hiring of a Chief Deputy Medical Examiner Investigator/Coordinator!
An individual in this position is responsible for assisting the Director Chief Medical Examiner Investigator with supervision of on-call staff, death investigations, and administrative duties as assigned.
The incumbent must be able to accommodate a work schedule of 24 hours per day on-call coverage.
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.
Acts as a liaison to law enforcement and other investigative agencies, families of the decedents, and the general public.
Assist with implementation of the death investigation program.
Compile and report on department statistics.
Perform personnel management and supervises on-call field Investigators including, but not limited to, assist with hiring, training, schedule, assign and review work performed, handle complaints and recommend disciplinary action as needed.
Performs limited office administrative and financial duties including but not limited to accounting and purchasing and prepares payroll.
Perform death investigations, review reports and assists the PCME with decisions about autopsies and investigative response.
Ensure that the decedent is properly identified/labeled and notifies the PCME and Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner if necessary.
Collect and preserve identification records including photographs, dental records, x-rays, hospital records, and any other items of evidentiary nature for identification purposes.
Collect evidentiary information at the death scene including but not limited to: medical history, medication information, psychological state at the time of death, weapons, etc. to help determine cause and manner of death. Report findings to and confers with PCME.
Confer with the primary care physician of the deceased as necessary to determine previous medical, psychological, or psychiatric history.
Respond to inquiries from family members of the deceased, investigative agencies and medical personnel and general public.
Help facilitate organ donation in applicable cases.
Gather information to determine whether to accept or decline jurisdiction in cases of deaths outside of Pottawattamie County, but in the interests of Pottawattamie County law enforcement agencies and the Pottawattamie County Attorney. When jurisdiction is assumed; obtain documentation of decline and acceptance of jurisdiction from appropriate legal entities. Conduct investigation per PCME protocols and arrange for labeling and transportation of the body to the state medical examiner facility.
Prepare detailed reports analyzing the circumstances of death and pertinent information regarding the deceased.
Testify in both civil and criminal courts when subpoenaed.
Maintain proper documentation and chain of custody of the deceased and relating evidence, clothing, personal effects, and maintains records of such.
Adhere to safety policies and practices and universal precautions and other appropriate infection control practices.
Attend work-related meetings and professional development opportunities to keep well informed on trends and procedures in death field investigations.
May be required to attend meetings on behalf of the Medical Examiner.
Perform other duties as directed or as the situation dictates.
Knowledge of the legal provisions concerning collection and admission of evidence in court.
Knowledge of Iowa laws as they pertain to the State Medicolegal System.
Knowledge of and experience in utilizing management and supervisory techniques in working with and supervising employees.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; must possess good listening skills. Knowledge of the English language and the ability to utilize proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Working knowledge and skill in the use of a personal computer and software applications including word processing, Excel, Power point and Outlook. Ability to type accurately.
Ability to plan and organize a personal work schedule, set priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to accurately compile reports for submission to the PCME.
Ability to interview witnesses and family members during stressful conditions.
Ability to view situations with objectivity. Ability to observe and record facts accurately about persons, objects and events.
Ability to follow written and verbal directions and to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team and interact appropriately with others.
Skill in organizing, prioritizing and maintaining accurate records and files including death investigations for future retrieval.
Ability to quickly analyze, retain composure, and apply procedures utilizing sound independent judgment and actions in stressful situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate.
Ability to follow professional code of conduct and ethics and maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate in providing services.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major coursework in nursing, medicine, other health related field, criminal justice or forensic science, and two (2) years’ experience as a licensed or certified nurse, medical care provider, or forensic science technician, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to the position.
Must be willing to undergo further training as needed to assist in gaining the expert knowledge required for the position. Must successfully complete the St. Louis University School of Medicine or Des Moines Area Community College basic course of Medicolegal Death Investigation and the St. Louis University School of Medicine Master’s level course of Medicolegal Death Investigations. Must obtain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) certification. Must obtain the required courses/certification in a time frame established by the employer.
Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain it during the course of employment. May be required to use a private vehicle for official business. Must be insurable under county liability coverage.
