Position Summary
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- Conduct investigations of deaths; examine, and take custody of the body, the personal effects of the deceased, and any weapons, instruments, vehicles, buildings, or premises which are believed to be involved in the death.
- Examine body, assist with recognition/protection/collection of evidence including recovery and identification of human remains, acquire/interpret medical records, preserve evidence relating to the cause and manner of death, obtain blood and body fluids.
- Interview relatives of the decedent, medical care provider interviews, and provide necessary technical expertise in the investigation of violent or suspicious deaths; refer relatives of the decedent to victim services staff as needed.
- Receive and respond to phone calls from law enforcement, hospitals, and care facilities about deaths occurring under those jurisdictions.
- Prepare, maintain and provide state mandated death investigation reports, record death certificate information, create and maintain database of county medical examiner cases, maintain state mandated documentation of medical examiner cases, prepare and maintain statistical data.
- Work closely with state and local law enforcement to ensure 24\-hour staffing for death investigations.
- Manage the activity and personnel associated with death investigations as prescribed by state statutes and as directed by the state medical examiner’s office.
- Supervise and evaluate work performance, promoting cooperative team efforts among staff and with other county departments, through analysis of reports and discussion of investigations to provide quality service to citizens and county staff.
- Exercise direct functional and/or technical supervision over assigned professional, administrative support, and temporary staff, as assigned by supervisor.
- Asist in the recruitment, selection, training, and assignments program staff.
- Prepare and provide expert witness documentation for use in court trials and hearings, may be required to testify in criminal and civil proceedings related to the cause and manner of death.
- Provide consultation, examination and, if needed, testimony in criminal cases.
- Develop and implement MDI policies and procedures.
- Initiate and update policies as directed by the county medical examiner or as the state requires.
- Assist with budget preparation; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations and submit justifications for requests for expenditures.
- Follow all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.
- Perform related duties as required.
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- Human anatomy.
- Advanced course work in biology, physiology, or chemistry.
- Strong writing skills with an understanding of complex and detailed medical and legal terminology.
- Draw biological specimens as required; accurately describe remains; examine mutilated, decomposed, and partial remains.
- Effectively communicate with the county medical examiner, or state medical examiner’s office in relaying concerns of the family or the medical community ensuring adequate follow\-up with any of those parties.
- Effectively and empathetically communicate information regarding policies, science, medicine, and state statutes while in emotionally charged situations with a variety of public and professional individuals.
- Effectively communicate through grand jury, inquest and/or courtroom testimony.
Lincoln County Health and Human Services is looking for a Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator to lead a team of Medicolegal Death Investigators (MDI's) in conducting death and suspicious death investigations. This person will coordinate and supervise county employees certified in medicolegal death investigations, and employees who provide direct support and services to individuals associated to the deceased. This position involves cooperating with law enforcement, providing expert witness testimony, legal documentation for court trials and appearances, training on a local and statewide basis on death investigations and other related matters as well as participating on specialized teams involving the investigation of violent crimes. Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities
Death Investigation Function:
Supervision Functions:
Criminal Case Functions:
Policy Functions:
Other Functions:
The Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator is an on\-call 24/7 position including weekends and holidays. The work is performed both indoors and outdoors in a variety of environments and in all weather conditions. Duties may involve strenuous physical activity, extensive driving or computer time, as well as exposure to unpleasant elements at death scenes. Frequent exposure to biological hazards. Commonly encounters grieving and/or volatile individuals at scenes, during the course of investigation, and subsequent to investigation.
Typical Qualifications
EXPERIENCE
Six plus years' experience in the areas of biology, chemistry, anatomy, criminal law, or investigatory methods and procedures. CERTIFICATIONS
Must be a registered member or become a member of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators within three months of hire.
Must have completed either a NAME or NIJ certified 40\-hour course in death investigation within three months of hire.
Oregon Driver's License required within 30 days of hire. *Desirable Qualifications:*Experience as a nurse, physician’s assistant, or paramedic. Strong writing skills with an understanding of complex and detailed medical and legal terminology. Previous employee and project management experience. Bilingual and/or bicultural competencies for Latino population. Knowledge of/Ability to:
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Lincoln County is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions expected of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the world! Located on the Central Oregon Coast, Lincoln County is a growing, dynamic community with a booming tourist industry. From the docks of Newport to the world's smallest harbor in Depoe Bay, Lincoln County has something for everyone!
Kite Festival in Lincoln City WHY LINCOLN COUNTY?
Lincoln County sits in the Central Oregon Coast, boasting miles of stunning beaches. Travelers from all over the world have made Lincoln County a must\-see location. From the Kite Festival in Lincoln City, Founder's Days in Newport, and the La De Da Parade in Yachats there is never a celebration too far away! Our vibrant arts community, incredible restaurants and hotels, and unmatched natural beauty make this a truly amazing place to call home.
Lincoln County is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2020 census, its population was 50,395\. The county seat is Newport where our Health and Human Services Department is headquartered. Lincoln County consists of Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Siletz, Newport, Toledo, Waldport, and Yachats. Each town along our beautiful coastline offers something a little different and unique from the others and the drive along Highway 101 is a postcard in living color. Tidepools in Lincoln County
CHECK OUT THESE LOCAL TRAVEL RESOURCES:
Discover Newport Oregon \| Vacation, Travel, Things to Do on the Coast
Explore Lincoln City, Oregon Official Travel Guide
That Oregon Life \- Your Oregon Travel Guide
Lincoln County, OR \| Official Website
Health \& Human Services \| Lincoln County, OR
Medical Examiner’s Office \- Lincoln County Health and Human Services \| Lincoln County, OR
For more information or to obtain the full job description, please reach out to jobs@co.lincoln.or.us
Apply now by clicking the link above!
Lincoln County offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision which is paid at 90% by the County and 10% by the employee. Other fully paid benefits include life, AD\&D, long\-term disability insurance. Other optional insurances are available. A 401K retirement plan is also provided. The County's current contribution rate is 11%.
Regular and Trial Service employees working between 20 and 39 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible for pro\-rated employee benefits.