Medical Examiner Investigator
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Receive calls reporting deaths from Clinton County Communications and handle those calls according to established policies and procedures as outlined in the State ME’s County Medical Examiner’s Handbook and County Medical Examiner’s policies.
- Investigate the cause and manner of death consistent with state statute, which may include visiting the death scene, drawing diagrams, taking photographs, and interviewing witnesses, family members, primary care physicians, law enforcement, or other pertinent individuals to obtain information about the circumstances surrounding the death.
- Examine evidence at the scene to establish an initial assessment of the cause and manner of death.
- Investigate death scenes in person where an individual of any age died under violent, sudden, or unexpected circumstances.
- Collect and preserve physical evidence in accordance with the established chain of custody procedures.
- Arrange and assist with the removal of decedents from death scenes and ensure transportation via the Clinton County ME Transporters or other approved means.
- Prepare written investigative reports on investigative findings and observations for submission to the Clinton County Medical Examiner and the State Medical Examiner.
- Utilize the State system IVES (Iowa Vital Events System) to submit reports and utilize County supplied electronics to collect and share photos and data.
- Prepare and file reports, claims, and other similar documents.
- Serve as liaison with law enforcement agencies, coordinating exchange of information regarding cases.
- Consult with the Clinton County Medical Examiner or Deputy regarding necessary follow-up information required for case investigation.
- Facilitate organ donation in applicable cases.
- Testify in both civil and criminal courts when subpoenaed.
- Attend work-related meetings/required trainings and professional development opportunities to keep well informed on trends and procedures in death field investigations.
- Establish effective working relationships with medical professionals, City/County governmental officials, law enforcement agencies, fire departments and the general public.
Work Schedule:
Through the use of an electronic calendar, Investigators will provide their availability for the upcoming month to take MEI top-call. Call time is broken into a minimum of 3-hour blocks. Investigators can sign up for as many blocks of time as they are able to cover for that month. Investigators are expected to provide a minimum of 192 hours of availability each fiscal quarter (3 months). Once all Investigators have provided their availability for the calendar, Emergency Management will create a schedule for that month, making every attempt to be equitable. The Investigator will be required to cover any and all call time that they signed up for. It is up to the Investigator to find someone to cover their shift should they not be able to fulfill the shift that they signed up for. Any changes must be entered into the electronic calendar by the MEI.
Minimum Qualifications Requirements - (Education and Experience):
Two (2) years’ experience as a licensed or certified nurse or medical care provider, such as an EMT or Paramedic, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certified Law Enforcement officers, current or retired, are also eligible.
Must be actively appointed by the currently appointed Medical Examiner of Clinton County.
Must be a resident of Clinton County Iowa and/or must be able to arrive on a scene anywhere in Clinton County within one hour of being called.
Additional requirements:
- Have a valid driver’s license and maintain it during the course of employment.
- Have available transportation during top-call periods.
- Be insurable under county liability coverage.
- Available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
- Provide a minimum of 192 hours of availability per fiscal quarter. (greater availability on a regular basis is desired)
- Have a personal cellular telephone and be able to access the internet from home/work location.
Appointment must be approved by the County Board of Supervisors, County Medical Examiner and State Medical Examiner.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Two (2) years’ experience as a licensed or certified medical care provider or Certified Law Enforcement officer (is not required to be current).
Must successfully complete the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner Midwest Death Investigation course or similar approved course prior to or within two years of employment. Must obtain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) certification prior to or within five years of appointment.
Supplemental Information:
- Clinton County is an EEO employer and will engage in the interactive process where necessary to determine if a reasonable accommodation can be implemented to permit any person to perform the essential functions of the job.
Direct all questions to: Clinton County Emergency Management at emadept@clintoncounty-ia.gov
- Job Type: Part-Time
- Department: Emergency Management
- Salary Range: Flat Rate Per Call $200.00 and $26/hour for Training
- Posted: 4/29/24
- Expires: Posted until filled.
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