at State of Maine, Bureau of Human Resources in Augusta, Maine, United States
Job Description
Medicolegal Death Investigator I
Augusta , Maine , United States | Office of Chief Medical Examiner | Full-time Apply by: Oct. 21, 2022 Apply with Linkedin ApplyMedicolegal Death Investigator I
Office of Chief Medical Examiner
Opening Date: October 6, 2022
Closing Date: October 21, 2022
Job Class Code: 4308
Grade: 25
Salary: $49,836.80 – $67,204.80/annually
Position #006200585
Bargaining Unit: Professional and Technical
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is looking to fill a full-time Medicolegal Death Investigator I position in our Augusta, Maine office. The OCME is a relatively small agency within Maine government (12 full-time people) and is administratively placed within the Department of the Attorney General. The OCME is unique with its varied and complex mission that is concerned with all aspects of death and dying. The daily functions of the secretarial and administrative personnel are to process the details surrounding the deaths of individuals by collecting histories, scene photos, suicide notes and many personal effects, frequently under less-than-ideal circumstances. All employees of OCME must be able to function under conditions that are often psychologically extreme. The post-mortem states of the bodies often may be offensive to one’s physical or emotional senses.
The training period is long, usually on the order of many months. There is much cross-coverage by our personnel when staffing issues and work-load variations create such a demand. All OCME personnel must be able to effectively interact with personnel from medical facilities, law enforcement and investigatory agencies, prosecutorial and defense attorneys, forensic laboratories, funeral homes, and (most importantly) grieving families.
The Medicolegal Death Investigator I position plays a key role in OCME’s statutory mandate to investigate cases of persons who die within the State of Maine from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent good health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner. Along with the medicolegal responsibility to determine cause and manner of death, the OCME serves a critical public health role by identifying injury trends or potential infectious diseases that may pose risk to the people of Maine.
This is independent investigative and protective services work assisting the Chief Medical Examiner with medical and forensic investigation (medicolegal) of all deaths within the jurisdiction of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This position will conduct external examinations in the field, assist office staff with case triaging, and review medical records to determine cause and manner of death. This position does require attendance at the St. Louis University Medicolegal Death Investigator course in St. Louis, Missouri in the first year of employment. Work is performed under limited supervision. REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).+ Receives notification of deaths, evaluates details, and makes recommendations to Chief Medical Examiner in order to determine scope of investigation and field response actions.
+ Removes bodies from death scenes in order to transport to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
+ Conducts forensic, routine, and semi-invasive external examinations of bodies in order to gather comprehensive information for use by OCME to establish cause and manner of death.
+ Collects data and prepares detailed factual written reports on death investigations in order to document evidence and events related to the death.
+ Responds to general inquiries and requests for information within established guidelines in order to follow up on unanswered questions.
+ Coordinates and presents training of local part-time death investigators, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals, and other related professional groups in order to assist with implementation of OCME goals.
+ Reviews medical records to establish timeline and determine cause of death.
+ Reviews case details and works with families to provide understanding of a death.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).
+ Knowledge of investigative techniques and practices.
+ Knowledge of and ability to understand and interpret medical and forensic information and terminology.
+ Knowledge of death investigation procedures and standards for collection of evidence.
+ Knowledge of cameras, photographic equipment, and the ability to photographically document findings.
+ Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and standards governing autopsies, postmortem examinations, and transport of bodies.
+ Knowledge of legal requirements related to the chain of custody of evidence.
+ Knowledge of instructional technology and adult education principles, practices, and techniques.
+ Ability to conduct in-depth interviews and investigations, analyze facts and data, reach logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations.
+ Ability to deal tactfully with distraught families and all OCME stakeholders.
+ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
+ Ability to lift and manipulate medium to heavy objects.
+ Ability to use state-of-the-art computers and associated software applications.
+ Ability to prepare comprehensive investigative reports.
+ Ability to work with distressing and /or unpleasant odors, procedures, and surroundings.
+ Ability to provide legal depositions and testimony.
+ Ability to remain calm and maintain order in emotionally charged situations.
+ Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
+ Ability to perform surgical procedures in support of the OCME.
+ Ability to communicate effectively.
+ Ability to write clearly and effectively.
+ Ability to use specialized tools in support of the OCME.
Information onOffice of Chief Medical Examiner
Information on theOffice of the Attorney General
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSA six (6) year combination of education and professional experience in law enforcement or in the medical field to include one year of experience in investigative work.
Application Instructions:
If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills and abilities required.
Include cover letter, resume, names and contact information of three references (to include at least one work-related reference) and complete the online direct hire application.
The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service, faxing malfunctions or electronic transmission malfunctions.
Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.
Please direct all questions to OCME’s Office Administrator,Lindsey Chasteen (Lindsey.Chasteen@maine.gov)
BENEFITSNo matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-“Dirigo” or “I lead”-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce’s health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
+ Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leaveVacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
+ Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual
