Under general direction, plans, directs, and supervises the work of assigned staff; directs and/or conducts the more complex investigations relating to the cause, manner, and circumstances of death in cases reported to the Medical Examiner of unattended natural death, accident, suicide, or homicide; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Incumbents in this supervisory class plan, assign, review, and coordinate the work of Office of the Medical Examiner Investigations staff; performs the most complex and sensitive investigations; provides subordinates with initial and ongoing field and office training. Positions in this classification are not sworn peace officers. This class differs from the lower class of Medical Examiner Investigator by the regular, continuous performance of the full range of supervisory duties. This class is further distinguished from the higher level Medical Examiner Operations Administrator in that the latter is the management class responsible for all department activities and operations of units within the Office of the Medical Examiner.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Performs full-scope supervision to include planning, reviewing, and directing the work of staff responsible for conducting death investigations.
Assigns cases and provides technical and procedural guidance in the field and office regarding problems that develop during investigations.
Trains and coordinates training for subordinates in regard to investigative standards, methods and techniques, and departmental policies and procedures.
Reviews and monitors reports and records of investigative findings and on-going cases for accuracy and completeness; reviews and signs death certificates, amendments, and related documents.
Personally performs death investigations; prepares investigative, analytical, and statistical reports and correspondence.
Communicates and coordinates with other departments and agencies, service providers and involved parties as required; provides courteous, high quality service to members of the public; acts as community liaison on behalf of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; remains abreast of current regulations and best practices regarding death investigations; ensures appropriate resources are available to the work unit as needed.
Assists in the development and administration of the department budget; submits budget recommendations; and monitors expenditures for the unit.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EITHER PATTERN I
Experience: Two years of experience as a Medical Examiner Investigator with San Joaquin County.
OR PATTERN II
Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college in Biology, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Mortuary Science or a related field.
Experience: Two years of experience performing death investigation duties equivalent to San Joaquin County’s Medical Examiner Investigator to include preparing detailed written reports for law enforcement, medical, or other related agencies.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience in a medical, nursing, or investigative field, Medical Examiner or Coroner’s Office, which must include working with deceased persons, may substitute the required education on a year-for-year basis.
AND FOR BOTH PATTERNS
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Desirable Certification: Valid Registry certification (basic or advanced) from American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) is desirable.
KNOWLEDGE
principles of supervision and training; the organization and function of the Medical Examiner’s Office; criminal investigative principles and techniques; rules of evidence and court procedures; toxicology, physiology, anatomy, medical terminology and pathology of death; methods to preserve and safeguard evidence; office computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, and email software; legal provisions regarding death investigation in California; and department policy and procedures.
ABILITY
plan, organize, direct, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of staff performing work related to death investigations; independently perform skilled investigations, including the most difficult and specialized work; work closely with physicians when investigating cause, manner, and circumstance of unattended or traumatic death; read and understand medical charts; deal tactfully with persons especially under emergency and emotional situations; exercise appropriate judgment in communications and release of information; establish and maintain effective working relationships; write and type accurate and comprehensive reports on the findings of an investigation; gather and evaluate evidence; demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills; work alone and independently without direct supervision in unpleasant or stressful conditions; effective oral and written communications.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility – frequent operation of a data entry device; repetitive motion; sitting, standing, walking for extended periods; driving; frequent pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing. Lifting - frequently 5 to 75lbs; occasional lifting/turning of heavy objects or people; Visual - constant good overall vision, reading/close-up work; color perception and use eye/hand coordination; frequent use of depth perception and field/peripheral vision; Dexterity - frequent reaching; grasping; repetitive motion; writing; Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone/radio, talking in person; Emotional/Psychological – constant decision making, concentration, and public contact; public speaking; frequent working alone; occasional exposure to trauma, grief, death, and hazardous materials; Special Requirements – wear assigned safety equipment; may work different shifts, weekends, holidays, nights, and/or extended hours; Environmental – frequent exposure to noise and varied weather conditions; frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions, such as decomposed bodies, bodies with extensive physical injuries, and other similar conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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