Investigator - Part Time

This is a part-time position in the Medical Examiner's Office. The schedule, once training is complete, is expected to be two 10-hour shifts on Fridays and Saturdays.

About the role

The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department. This is the entry level of this class series and differs from Investigator Senior in that employees at this level are gaining experience to perform more complex work based on supervisory assessment. Incumbents function less independently and receive more supervisory direction.

Responsibilities

• Investigate death scenes by inspecting and photographing bodies and surrounding area; collecting physical, toxicological, and other evidence pertaining to the cause and manner of death.
• Collect information as to the identity of the decedent (when unknown) and next of kin; take statements from relevant individuals to obtain medical, psychological, and immediate history of the decedent.
• Evaluate the scene to determine if other personnel/agencies need to be summoned for immediate involvement.
• Remove bodies from death scenes; collect, inventory, package, and transport evidence and valuables; manage the initial disposition of collected valuables and property following chain of custody procedures.
• Notify the next of kin.
• Analyze body position, weapon position, wound types, physical post-mortem changes, and other factors to evaluate consistency with the individual's history, lifestyle, and age.
• Prepare written reports of investigative findings including photographs and sketches of death scenes; recommend whether to perform autopsies and propose possible explanations for cause and manner of death.
• Conduct follow-up activities/investigations, such as interviews with physicians, medical records personnel, police witnesses, and survivors.
• Circulate photos and descriptions of unidentified bodies to relief agencies, news media, and neighborhood organizations.
• Investigate impending cremations and relay authorization from the Medical Examiner to cremate.
• Assist forensic pathologists with autopsies, including collecting tissue and body fluid samples and collecting finger and palm prints.
• Attend to the care and disposition of bodies by inventorying and packaging decedent's clothing and valuables; taking height and weight measurements; taking routine fingerprints; gathering toxicology samples; preparing bodies for storage; and completing necessary records and paperwork.
• Clean and maintain office facilities and equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, mortuary science, criminal justice, or related field.
• One year of experience consisting of any combination of investigative experience and medicolegal autopsy experience (or equivalent).
• Equivalent combination of education and related experience may substitute for the above.
• Valid driver's license for the class of vehicles to be driven.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance: County contributes a bargained percentage to the monthly premium. Employees choose from four enrollment tiers. Three medical plan options, two dental plan options, and one vision plan offered.
• Pre-tax Benefit Program: Includes pre-tax medical, dental, vision premium deductions, Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts, and county contributions to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan.
• Paid time off:
  • Vacation hours accrued based on years of service (12 to 25 days per year, pro-rated for part-time).
  • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays.
  • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional sick time.
  • Sick hours accrued at three weeks per year for medical care, injury, illness, birth/adoption of a child (up to 80 hours), or death of a family member (up to 40 hours).
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay.
• Retirement benefits:
  • Pension with county contributions of at least 7.5% of salary. New employees become vested after three years (10 years for Police and Fire union).
  • Deferred compensation (457(b) account with employer match).
  • Health Care Savings Plan with 1% employee contribution and county contributions after five years.
• Transit and parking: Fully funded Metropass and transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account.
• Employee well-being: Employee assistance program, wellness programming, and flexible work policy with hybrid options for eligible positions.
• Life Insurance and Disability leave:
  • County-provided Basic Life coverage (1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to $50,000). Optional supplemental coverage available.
  • Long-term Disability: County-provided coverage replaces 40% of lost income after six months (up to $5,000 monthly). Option to purchase additional 20% coverage.
  • Short-term Disability: Option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60, or 90-day waiting period.
• Career development:
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $4,000 per year.
  • Online professional development opportunities.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
  • Employee resource groups.