Job Information
Spokane County Deputy Medical Investigator - FULL-TIME in Spokane, Washington
Deputy Medical Investigator - FULL-TIME
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Deputy Medical Investigator - FULL-TIME
Salary
$51,762.44 - $72,413.71 Annually
Location
Spokane WA 99202, WA
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
24-00267
Department
Medical Examiner
Opening Date
12/23/2024
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Summary
The scheduled hours for this position will be 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday (40 hours per week).
NOTE: Current vacancy is funded through an interlocal agreement expiring 12/21/2026; continuation of employment is subject to bi-annual review and funding renewal.
The positions allocated to this class respond to and participate in the on-scene investigation of unnatural and/or unattended deaths in a 24-hour operation. Incumbents assist with autopsies and are familiar with all autopsy room procedures. Duties include preparing investigative reports, as required. Positions serve under the general direction of the Medical Examiner or designee. In the field, work is performed with considerable independence.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $66,255 - $92,689 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Examples of Duties
Fields phone calls to the Medical Examiner's Office that are reporting deaths, and determines jurisdiction of each case reported,
Travels to the scene of homicides, suicides, accidental, questionable and/or unattended deaths as required in accordance with established call schedule.
Takes custody of remains in accordance with prescribed protocol and procedure.
Performs initial on-scene examination of remains; collects on-site scene information and evidence to include drawing of body fluids and specimens by examining the bodies of decedents, taking pictures, securing physical evidence on the body or within proximity of the body and noting other physical evidence or circumstances relevant to the death.
Conducts joint investigation of cause of death in association with law enforcement officials attending the scene.
Collects information relevant to or related to, cause and manner of death; and assists the Forensic Pathologist in the determination of cause and manner of death.
Conducts external examination of bodies as required in individual cases and photographs all pertinent investigative features at the scene.
Conducts investigations for next of kin of deceased persons and investigations for unidentified deceased persons.
Provides follow-up information to families pertaining to the cause and manner of their loved one’s death; and gives advice and information on death dispositions.
Conducts interviews eliciting pertinent past and present history from persons associated with the decedent. Obtains and reviews medical histories and records from private physicians or health care agencies.
Logs and tracks property and evidence, and ensures chain of custody of evidence is maintained.
Oversees the removal and/or release of body to appropriate agencies or funeral homes.
Collects data and prepares comprehensive case reports on death investigations in accordance with pre-established policy and procedure ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.
Conducts follow-up investigations as required.
Communicates and consults with law enforcement personnel, funeral homes and other agencies to expedite disposition of the case.
May be required to give sworn testimony in a deposition or before a court or other legal tribunal.
Practices appropriate environmental safety and/or infection control methods.
Assists in autopsies including photography, collection of personal effects and/or evidence, direct contact with remains/evisceration, procurement of tissue samples, procurement of toxicology samples and fingerprints, labeling of containers and other forms, transfer of remains to funeral home.
Assists in cleaning/decontamination of autopsy suite; ordering, stocking and maintenance of equipment and supplies; and storage and documentation of evidence and tissue samples.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Associate’s degree from an accredited college and university, in the field of law enforcement, forensic science, biology, health science or related area, AND
Three (3) years of related work experience.
An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
Must be certified in Core Investigative Training through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission within one (1) year of date of hire.
Must be certified as a Medicolegal Death Investigator by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators within two (2) years of date of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
Possession of a valid driver's license at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Applicant must be willing to sign confidentiality statement related to information obtained related to personal data of decedents.
Must be able to pass a criminal background investigation.
Selection Factors
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and/or biology.
Knowledge of cameras and photographic procedures.
Knowledge of safety and infection control standards.
Knowledge of law enforcement procedures in relation to crime scene investigation and evidence identification.
Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of professionals including law enforcement agencies and funeral home directors.
Skilled in the use of personal computers.
Ability to operate on a scheduled on-call basis 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including weekends and holidays.
Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects.
Ability to work with distressing procedures and circumstances and/or unpleasant odors.
Ability to understand and communicate medical/forensic information and terminology.
Ability to respond to scene investigations in a timely fashion.
Ability to provide legal testimony, if required by law.
Ability to maintain quality safety and infection control standards.
Ability to maintain chain-of-custody procedures with respect to evidence collection and personal effects.
Ability to maintain confidentiality with respect to information gathered during on-scene and autopsy investigations.
Ability to extrapolate pertinent factors related to death investigations from medical records.
SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2024 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2024 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
01
Please check the box that applies to your current Union status (if you are not a current Spokane County employee, please select "None of the above apply").
I am in the open position's department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
I am in another department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
I am in a position covered by the Master Contract collective bargaining agreement (not 1553)
I am in a position covered by another collective bargaining agreement (not 1553 or Master Contract)
None of the above apply
Required Question
Agency
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment
