Job Summary
The position is located in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Investigations Unit. The Forensic Investigator performs death investigations in cases reported to OCME. May assist the Supervisory Medicolegal Investigator in the tasks necessary to aid in the completion of inquiries for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the management of personal property of decedents that is acquired by OCME, as well as involvement in the utilization of available information to have decedents identified.
Duties And Responsibilities
Investigates deaths in the District of Columbia that occur suddenly, unexpectedly or by violence, including homicidal, suicidal or accidental deaths; and deaths relating to disease which might constitute a threat to public health, to help determine the cause and manner of death. May assist the Medicolegal Investigators, but are not the primary investigators, for deaths of children, Department of Disability Service clients, wards of the District, skeletonized remains, complex homicides or post-operative and/or postpartum deaths. Responds to death scenes; performs preliminary examination of body at death scenes; observes relevant aspects of the scene; documents findings (including required photographic documentation). Identifies and establishes items of evidentiary value; safeguards quality and maintains chain of custody of evidence and property; coordinates with the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department to ensure evidence and property are released to MPD and - documented as such. Interviews witnesses in person and by telephone and documents such interviews in detailed reports. Make determination of jurisdiction over deaths based upon investigation. May testify in court regarding scene examinations, investigations and/or evidence handling.
Assist in the process of the visual identification of decedents through the collection of evidence at a death scene and obtaining further information that may be required to complete decedent medical/social profile and applicable forms. The incumbent may coordinate with Medicolegal Investigators, Forensic Identification Specialist and on-site grief counselors to ensure that the completion of the identification process conforms to OCME policies and procedures. The incumbent will assist in obtaining legally required documents for the identification of aliens (legal or illegal) and will have to work with foreign embassies, churches, community group etc. to assure proper identification and release of such decedents.
Qualifications And Education
Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licensures and Certifications
Preferred. Diplomate of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) required
You must possess a valid driver's license.
Working Condition/ Environment
The work is performed primarily in an office setting with work at death scenes within the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia as needed, and occasionally, travel to adjacent jurisdictions.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: This position requires rotating shifts as the agency operates24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Flexibility in scheduling is a requirement of the incumbent so that weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts can be covered as needed. This is an Essential Employee position.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive; therefore, the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability, and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.
Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency, and failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
