Case Investigator – Seneca County

Office/Agency: Coroner’s Office

Employee Status: Part-Time, Intermittent

Position Title: Case Investigator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Dept./Div.: Coroner

Reports to: Seneca County Coroner

Normal Hours: Varies

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision of the Coroner, the Case Investigator performs post-mortem examinations of bodies and investigates deaths of person; consults with the law enforcement agencies; testifies in court; photographs and documents death scenes; assists in the operations of the Coroner’s Office according to policy and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS: An example of acceptable qualifications:

Completion of a secondary education (high school diploma or GED); five (5) or more years of experience in a medical, legal, criminal justice, or related medical field; recently documented work experience in case management; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Certificate from American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator is strongly preferred, or a willingness to obtain and maintain certification while employed is encouraged. Must successfully complete the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office Medical Death Investigation Basic and Advanced Courses within the first two (2) years of employment. Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

Calculator, computer, computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, and other computer software), fax machine, copier, scanner, shredder, telephone, postage machine, and other standard modern business office equipment; gas mask; motor vehicle.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:

The employee has exposure to unclean or unsanitary conditions, bodily fluids, etc.; chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); exposure to environmental conditions (e.g., fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas); exposed to possible injury due to unclean and unsanitary conditions; exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather; may work irregular hours; uses or works in proximity to the use of firearms; works in and around crowds; may have contact with emotional or distraught people; occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on even and uneven surfaces; exerting up to 400 pounds of force occasionally,

Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered light work.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND WORKER CHARACTERISTICS:

JOB DUTIES in order of importance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: For purposes of 42 USC 12101:

30%

(1) Surveys death scenes; collects information, evidence, blood and bodily fluids, and other items related to the cause or manner of death; photographs body and surrounding conditions, and documents death scenes to preserve the circumstances of the death/scene; requests medical, mental health, and/or employment records; obtains necessary search warrants as directed by prosecutor and/or law enforcement,

Knowledge of: (a); (b); (c); (d); (e); (f)

Skill in: (g); (h); (i)

Ability to: (j); (k); (l); (m); (n); (o); (p); (q)

20%

(2) Examines decedent’s body for signs of trauma and/or unusual circumstances; verifies post-mortem changes are consistent with the situation and circumstances; relays the absence of any signs of life to coroner or deputy coroner for pronouncement of death.

Knowledge of: (a); (b); (c); (d); (e); (f)

Skill in: (g); (h); (i)

Ability to: (j); (k); (l); (m); (n); (o); (p); (q)

15%

(3) Interviews family members, physicians, nurses, law enforcement, and EMS to obtain medical history, lifestyle patterns, incident, and other reports related to the case; communicates information to Coroner’s staff and administrative staff; works in a professional manner with prosecutor and law enforcement; testifies in court or before grand jury if required; assists with arrangements for morgue transport.

Knowledge of: (a); (b); (c); (d); (e)

Skill in: (g); (h); (i)

Ability to: (j); (k); (l); (m); (n); (o); (p)

15%

(4) Prepares written reports detailing observations and investigation findings; reviews investigation reports; prepares reports for the Coroner to review and sign; sends autopsy and coroner reports, as requested; completes inventory and proper packaging of decedent’s personal valuables for safe return to legal next of kin; gathers controlled substances (prescriptions) of the deceased and maintains inventory and ensures proper disposal; maintains case files; schedules quarterly case review; sends autopsy, transport and office supply bills for payment; reviews hospice cases and prepares for Coroner to sign; maintains stats; enters evidence into system and notifies Coroner of chain of custody materials.

Knowledge of: (a); (b); (c); (d); (e); (f)

Skill in: (g); (h)

Ability to: (j); (k); (l); (m); (n); (o): (p)

10%

(5) Coordinates with the prosecutor’s office and law enforcement, the movement and transportation of the body; under the direction of the coroner or deputy coroner, arranges for the transport to funeral home or morgue.

Knowledge of: (a); (b); (c); (e); (f)

Skill in: (g); (h); (i)

Ability to: (j); (k); (l); (m); (n); (o); (p); (q)

10%

(6) Assists with medication inventory; assists with maintaining stats; assists with sending autopsy and coroner report requests; represents Coroner’s office for mandated and assigned review boards.

Knowledge of: (a); (b); (d)

Skill in: (g); (h)

Ability to: (j); (k); (l); (o); (p)

(7) Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance

(8) Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

(9) Maintains required licensure and certification.

(10) Remains informed of current development and procedures pertinent to duties; participates in staff development activities and services review procedures; and attends staff meetings

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(11) Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE CHARACTERISTICS: (*indicates developed after employment)

Knowledge of: (a) physiology, medical terminology and investigative methods, (b) department policies and procedures; (c) safety practices and procedures; (d) case preparation techniques; (e) rules of evidence; (f) scene safety

Skill in: (g) computer operation; (h) office equipment; (i) motor vehicle operation

Ability to: (j) maintain accurate documentation; (k) communicate effectively; (l) maintain confidential and sensitive information; (m) establish facts and draw valid conclusions; (n) use proper research methods in gathering data; (o) gather data, people or things; (p) handle sensitive inquiries from, and contacts with, officials and general public; (q) lift, position and move individuals according to established procedures

POSITION NUMBERS AND CLASS TITLES OF POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED