Job Description
Duties and Requirements Click to read more
Duties
Job Duties
- Respond to and investigate deaths occurring in a variety of locations including residences, outdoors, institutions, and other locations across King County.
- Document scenes through photography, collection of evidence, and secure handling of personal effects.
- Confirm decedent identity, locate and notify next of kin, and conduct interviews with families and witnesses.
- Obtain and review medical records and conduct computer- or phone-based investigations to support case findings.
- Prepare comprehensive investigative reports and maintain accurate documentation of chain of custody for evidence and property.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, healthcare providers, legal agencies, and funeral homes.
- Transport human remains (average 175lbs) independently, in varying conditions of decomposition or trauma.
- Release remains and property in accordance with KCMEO protocols.
- Utilize KCMEO-specific software and respond to inquiries via phone.
- Perform additional tasks as needed to support the mission of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
- Investigators work 4 days per week, 10-hour shifts, on a 24/7/365 schedule.
- Shifts and holidays are assigned by seniority; new investigators should expect to work nights, weekends, and holidays for several years.
- Remote or alternative schedules are not available.
- Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation, including cardiovascular and strength testing (ability to lift 175 lbs. unassisted).
Requirements
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following (Minimum):
- Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, with the ability to quickly gain working knowledge of medical and legal terminology.
- Strong investigative skills, including scene documentation, evidence collection, report writing, and accurate chain-of-custody management.
- Physical ability to lift, maneuver, and transport human remains independently.
- Sound judgment and decision-making in complex and ambiguous situations.
- Compassion and professionalism when interacting with grieving families and witnesses from diverse backgrounds.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, law enforcement, legal representatives, and healthcare providers.
- Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and teamwork.
- A valid Washington State driver’s license (or ability to obtain prior to hire).
- Willingness to obtain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) certification within 5 years of hire.
The most competitive applicants will have the following experiences and qualifications (Desired):
- Experience in a field where they must provide excellent customer service during extremely stressful situations
- Fluency in one of the languages most commonly spoken by limited English speakers in King County.
Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!
Job Tags
Work at office, Remote work, Shift work, Night shift,