Medicolegal Death Investigator - All Position Types (Full-time, Part-time, Limited Duration, Variable Hour)

Washington County, OR

$72K — $88K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Associate degree in a related field or three years of relevant experience
  • Experience in death investigation or handling human remains
  • Ability to obtain ABMDI certification within one year
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
  • Ability to perform physical activities and lift up to 100 pounds

Responsibilities

  • Conduct thorough death investigations for various death circumstances
  • Collaborate with law enforcement and medical agencies
  • Collect and document biological specimens and evidence
  • Prepare clear and concise written reports
  • Maintain communication with bereaved families and involved parties

Benefits

  • Accrual of sick and vacation time for part-time and limited duration positions
  • Eligible for holiday pay based on hours worked for part-time positions
  • Access to training and professional development opportunities
  • Regular full-time positions receive full benefits, including health insurance
  • Work experience with specialized investigative practices in the forensic field
Full Job Description
Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Job Type:
Regular

Pay Range:
$34.88 - $42.40 Hourly

Department:
Health and Human Services

FLSA Exemption Status:
Non-Exempt

Washington County Health and Human Services Department is currently recruiting for multiple Medicolegal Death Investigator positions at the Medical Examiner's Office within Public Health Division.

* This recruitment will be used to hire future regular, part-time, limited duration (typically about 2 years of duration), and variable hour opportunities that may become available within the next six months or so. *

The Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) receives general administrative support and general program supervision from the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator. This position partners with both the law enforcement offices the District Attorney's Office by conducting death investigations for sudden, unexpected, suspicious, or unattended deaths within Washington County's jurisdiction. The MDI acts as the eyes and ears of the forensic pathologist while investigating the circumstances of deaths, providing the physician with the data and evidence to determine the cause and manner of death.

These roles require a strong foundation in medical and criminal investigative practices, human anatomy, medical terminology, and the legal framework governing death investigations. The incumbents should be proficient in collecting biological specimens, operating specialized medical equipment, documenting findings accurately, preserving evidence, and conducting comprehensive scene investigations. It also requires the use of proper body mechanics and coordinated teamwork when moving remains.

Please note that these positions are required to obtain the Registry Diplomate level of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) within one year. Unlike Full-time positions, the Part-time and Variable Hour positions may not be able to provide sufficient hours in order to meet this requirement. The Variable Hour positions support ongoing operational needs by providing coverage during staff absences, trainings, leaves, and other scheduling demands.

Work Schedule:

Due to the nature of the duties, the work is expected to be performed in-person only and is not eligible for remote work. Work locations may vary: primarily at Public Services Building, Hillsboro, OR, frequently travel to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Clackamas, OR, regional hospitals, and death scenes within Washington County jurisdiction as needed.

Position Types:
  • Limited Duration: At-will, limited to the duration of the grant or funding source, or the duration required to complete the project assigned to the position, typically 1 to 2 years of duration. Full-time limited durations are eligible for the same benefits as full-time regular positions.
  • Variable hour: At-will and hours are limited to maximum of 20 hours per work week over a three-month period, though the duration of employment itself is not restricted. Work hours may vary considerably from week to week, with assignments that may be intermittent and irregular. These positions will accrue sick time and are not eligible for vacation time accrual, holiday pay, or other customary benefits such as medical, dental, or vision insurance benefits.
  • Part-time: Unlike the full-time positions which are scheduled to work 40 hours per work week, part-time positions are scheduled for an average of 20 hours per work week. Both Regular and Limited Duration part-time positions accrue sick and vacation time; and are eligible for holiday pay prorated based on the hours worked. These positions are not eligible for customary benefits such as medical, dental, or vision benefits.


Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Effective communication skills and sound judgment.
  • The ability to collaborate with families, medical personnel, and partner agencies are essential.
  • The ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate written reports.
  • Currently certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) is highly desired.


To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Medicolegal Death Investigator Classification Specification

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
  • An Associate Degree closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, medical; AND One (1) year of experience related to death investigation and/or handling of the deceased or human remains.
    OR
  • Three (3) years of experience related to death investigation and/or handling of the deceased or human remains.


Additional Requirements
  • Ability to be certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) within one year
  • Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record. To view the current policy, please refer to the "Vehicles" section of this page: Administrative Policies | Washington County, OR
  • Must be able to perform moderately strenuous physical activity and withstand exposure to unpleasant elements at death scenes.
  • Must be able to safely lift 100 pounds from the floor to the waist level.
  • Must be able to pass a respiratory mask fit test.
  • Must successfully complete a criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules, to include a national fingerprint records check.


Selection Process:

You can review our standard selection process here.

Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.

Questions?

Recruiter:
Yeji Seo

Email Address:
[email protected]

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