Job Description
Duties and Requirements Click to read more
Duties
Job Duties
- Collect evidence at death scenes. Identify, collect, document and safeguard the legal chain of custody of evidentiary materials and decedent’s personal property at death scenes; release such items to next of kin or appropriate investigative agency.
- Enter data into automated systems and write technical and comprehensive investigative reports.
- Investigate death scene; determine if scene is secure and safe; determine disposition of body and make visual examination of body if appropriate; record scene observations.
- Prepare decedent for viewing if appropriate; counsel grieving family members; facilitate disposition of remains, which may include burial, transit and cremation permits.
- Locate and notify next of kin, physician or legal representative regarding MEO procedures and property disposal.
- Photograph crime scenes. Establish and/or initiate positive identification process using photo identification, dental/skeletal radiographs or charting, fingerprints, medical records, witness accounts and internet searches; document steps taken to confirm identity; identify cases that need further specialized tracing of next of kin, assets and estate.
- Locate and collect lab samples and records, including health care, police and other records.
- Utilize telephone to gather information to determine death jurisdiction; respond via telephone or scene response to deaths where jurisdiction is assumed; respond to inquiries from media, investigative agencies, and public.
- Transport and/or arrange transportation of remains in varying degrees of trauma, mutilation and decomposition to the King County Medical Examiner’s office; ensure remains are correctly identified and not damaged prior to examination by Pathologist; and process remains including weighing, fingerprinting and tagging.
- Identify potential tissue/organ donors; coordinate procurement with appropriate agencies.
- Communicate death investigation findings to pathologists.
- Coordinate destruction or disposition of all weapons and evidence and work with Finance Department to legally dispose of property.
- Determine and ensure security and confidentiality of all records in compliance with HIPAA requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Required:
- Currently enrolled in a college program related to this field, such as biology, criminal justice, pre-med, forensic sciences, medical social work, or another program that you can argue has a link to the work. (College program must be located either within reasonable commute distance to the KCMEO office, or be an on-line program)
- Ability to pass a physical test of cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and strength which includes the ability to deadlift 175lbs.
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
- Attention to detail.
- Skill in working as an effective team member
- Skill in problem solving
- Skill in handling a number of tasks simultaneously
- Skill in handling the psychological effect of death for a spectrum of individuals in the community
- Skill in maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of information
- Skill in locating and using reference and resource materials
- Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
- Skill in explaining procedures and technical terminology to lay people
- Skill in remaining objective, nonjudgmental and sensitive to the situation and in conducting business in a professional, supportive manner
- Valid Washington State Driver's License or ability to obtain upon hire.
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