Forensic Investigator

Position Summary

Overview:

The Forensic Investigator investigates deaths reported to the office to determine jurisdiction. Duties include visiting scenes of deaths, obtaining high-quality photographs, facilitating transportation of human remains, assisting in the establishment of forensically sustainable identification, making or facilitating notification to next-of-kin, and performing follow-up investigations.

Duties:

• Investigates deaths reported to the office to determine jurisdiction.
• Visits scenes of deaths to facilitate proper investigation.
• Obtains high-quality photographs of all human remains, death scenes, evidence and personal effects.
• Facilitates transportation of human remains as necessary.
• Affords assistance in the establishment of forensically sustainable identification of human remains.
• Makes or facilitates notification to next-of-kin.
• Provides for proper intake of human remains at ACOME.
• Maintains chain-of-custody of human remains, evidence and personal effects.
• Acquires drugs from death scenes according to office policy.
• Performs follow-up of investigations as necessary to obtain further information relative to the case.
• Accepts statements of probable cause during investigative activities.
• Issues and serves, as necessary, subpoenas and other requests for medical records and information essential to an investigation.
• Retrieves medical records and other information from hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, etc.
• Reads and properly interprets, to the extent required, medical records, accident reports, police reports and other documents relevant to investigations.
• Interprets information obtained from the death scene and from other sources in formulating reliable theses for presumptive cause and manner of death.
• Prepares necessary and required forms, documents, reports and other records.
• Enters all relevant data and photographs accurately and completely into office databases.
• Assists as directed with the preparation of human remains for autopsy.
• Assists with the performance of autopsies or other ACOME activities.
• Assists in the release of human remains to funeral service providers.
• Observes all universal precautions against exposure to blood-borne and other pathogens while engaged in ACOME activities.
• Observes and complies with all policies, standard operating procedures, and directives of Supervisors and Managers.
• Applies prudent investigative techniques, principles and best practices.
• Maintains a calm and professional demeanor at all times.
• Cooperates and collaborates with other investigators and agencies including, but not limited to, police, EMS, fire/rescue, organ procurement personnel and judicial officers.
• Cooperates with the reasonable requests and expectations of attorneys, insurers, media providers and the general public.
• Fields inbound telephone calls to the office.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as requested or required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of medical terminology and common medical procedures, and ability to read and interpret decedent medical records.
• General knowledge of digital photography.
• Proficiency in the use computers and common office software including Microsoft Word, and must become adept at the use of propriety software of the Medical Examiner's Office.
• Lift and carry one hundred (100) pounds.
• Work diverse shifts, overtime, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Work both independently and in conjunction with other ACOME personnel and representatives of other agencies.
• Work effectively and efficiently under adverse conditions including, but not limited to, scenes involving extremes of temperature and weather conditions, highly stressful environments, criminal activity, and areas where there exist distasteful sights, odors or other circumstances and hazards inherent to death scene investigation.
• Use common office machines and technologies.

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Administration of Justice, Medical Technology, Biology, Criminology or a related field, OR four (4) years of experience in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• College transcript(s) required at time of application.
• Applicants must possess and maintain a valid PA Driver's License throughout employment.
• Applicants selected for employment will be required to attend training and successfully pass the Pennsylvania State Coroner's Education Board examination.

Residency

Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.