Medical Examiner Investigator Trainee

This examination is being given to fill five current part-time opportunity in the Office of Medical Examiner and to establish an eligible referral pool which may be used to fill future part-time opportunities. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmark or received online by the final filing deadline.

 NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

Under direction, assists with the performance of investigative and administrative work 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.

Incumbents in this entry-level class receive training to perform routine investigations and gain a working knowledge of Medical Examiner investigative practices including anatomy, physiology and medical terminology. The investigative work performed is distinguished from that of other law enforcement officials or medical personnel, which focus on criminal evidence, violations of law, or the biological cause of death. Positions in this classification are not sworn peace officers. This class differs from the journey level class, Medical Examiner Investigator, in that the latter performs work independently and may be assigned the more difficult or complex investigations involving the application of skilled investigative methods and practices.

• Receives reports of deaths from physicians and other medical workers, police, funeral directors, family or other persons concerning unattended or traumatic deaths. Using supervision and guidelines, determines if case is within legal jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner. 
• In coordination with law enforcement, learns to investigate death scenes for evidence relating to the cause and manner of death, including taking possession of and supervising the transportation of the body, securing and labeling evidence, and interviewing witnesses; learns to take death scene photographs. 
• Confers with law enforcement agencies to coordinate investigation of death resulting from criminal acts; participates in death review conferences in cases of child, fetal, and elder death review cases. 
• Learns to verify the identity of decedent, locates and personally notifies relatives of decedents, interviews the relatives for background information; advises them of Medical Examiner Office procedures. 
• Takes inventory of decedent's property and coordinates property protection. 
• Learns to prepare reports of investigative findings; learns to prepare death certificates, property forms, release forms, evidence inventories and related documents; reports findings to management and/or Chief Medical Examiner. 
• Notifies Public Health Department, Cal OSHA, the District Attorney and law enforcement agencies or other agencies as required relating to the circumstances surrounding death. 
• Appears as a witness in criminal and civil proceedings to testify to facts gathered during investigation.

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college in Biology, Health Sciences, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Mortuary Science or a related field.

Investigative principles and techniques; rules of evidence; toxicology physiology anatomy, medical terminology and basic pathology of death; methods to preserve and safeguard evidence; legal provisions regarding death investigation in California; and department policy and procedures.

Learn basic anatomy and physiology; 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; 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.

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 occasional overtime; 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 is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.  For more information go to Equal Employment Opportunity Division (sjgov.org).

Accommodations for those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Part-Time Employee Benefits: Part-time employees who meet the appropriate eligibility criteria may receive health insurance benefits and step increases.

Applicants for part-time and temporary recruitments who meet the minimum qualifications are either referred to the hiring department for further selection or they may be required to take a written examination.  If a written examination is given, the top candidates may be referred to the hiring department for further selection.

Testing Accommodation:  Candidates who require testing accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must call Human Resources Division at (209) 468-3370 prior to the examination date. 

Physical Exam:  Some classifications require physical examinations.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the physical examination.  The County pays for physical examinations administered in its medical facilities.

Pre-employment Drug Screening Exam:  Some classifications require a new employee successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the drug screen.  The County pays for the initial drug screen.

 

Employment of Relatives: Applicants who are relatives of employees in a department within the 3rd degree of relationship, (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild or sibling) either by blood or marriage, may not be appointed, promoted, transferred into or within the department when:

• They are related to the Appointing Authority, or

• The employment would result in one of them supervising the work of the other

Department Heads may establish additional limitations on the hiring of relatives by departmental rule.

Proof of Eligibility:  If you are offered a job, you will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or other documents that establish your eligibility to be employed in the U.S.

Please be advised that Human Resources will only be accepting Online Application submittals for this recruitment. Paper application submittals will not be considered or accepted.

 

Apply Online:       

www.sjgov.org/department/hr
               

 

Office hours:               
Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; excluding holidays.

Phone:  (209) 468-3370 

 

Job Line:

For current employment opportunities please call our 24-hour job line at (209) 468-3377. 

When a final filing date is indicated, applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources Division before the submission deadline. Resumes and paper applications will not be accepted in lieu of an online application.  (The County assumes no responsibility for online applications which are not received by the Human Resources Division).  

San Joaquin County Substance Abuse Policy: San Joaquin County has adopted a Substance Abuse Policy in compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. This policy is enforced by all San Joaquin County Departments and applies to all San Joaquin County employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.  For more information go to www.sjgov.org/department/hr/eeo.