FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR

Summit County Munis Self‑Service Portal; Ohio; On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit County is seeking a Forensic Death Investigator to document circumstances surrounding deaths, work with law enforcement, and photograph scenes while supporting pathologists with data and records. You will interview family members and medical personnel, collect information, prepare investigative summaries, and testify when required.

Strong knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy is essential. A bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, or related field is

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, or related field.
• Within 2 years of acceptance for the position, obtain and maintain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation Certification
• Prior experience/internship/training in death investigation
• Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy

Responsibilities

• Conduct death investigations by interviewing family, medical personnel, and law enforcement at death scenes.
• Collect data to assist the medical examiner in determining cause and manner of death.
• Take photography documentation of death scenes and upload to database.
• Prepare investigative summaries and reports; provide testimony when required.
• Coordinate with investigative agencies and document case information.

Skills

Forensic knowledge

Photography

Investigation skills

Communication skills

Evidence handling

Interviewing

Equipment operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Tools

Photography equipment

Radiographic imaging

Job description

General Overview

Under direction; documents (written and photographic) circumstances surrounding the death of an individual; work alongside law enforcement and in the presence of grieving family members; Collect records and information relevant to determining the cause and manner of death; Convey investigation information verbally, in writing, and through photo-documentation to pathologists and others to provide an understanding of the circumstances surrounding the death.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities listed below.

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, Criminal Justice, Biology, or a suitable related field
• Within 2 years of acceptance for the position, must obtain and then maintain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation Certification
• Prior experience/ Internship/ Training in death investigation
• Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to Coroner; forensic investigative techniques; techniques of collection and preservation of evidence; interviewing. Advanced knowledge of photography; department policies and procedures*; court processes and procedures. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; communicate effectively in written and/or oral form; prepare and maintain accurate documentation; handle sensitive inquiries from and contacts with officials, media, law enforcement personnel, general public, etc.; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; prepare and present testimony. Skill in operation/utilization of investigative equipment.

*Indicates skills developed after employment.

Job Duties

Observation and Data Collection

• Conduct and assist in investigations of questionable deaths by obtaining pertinent information by phone and in person at death scenes by interviewing family members, medical personnel, and law enforcement personnel.*
• Collect and analyze information to assist the medical examiner in their determination of cause and manner of death.*
• Take photographic documentation of the death scene and download images into photographic database.*

Communication and Documentation Functions

• Reduce findings and observations into an investigative summary to communicate pertinent information to other investigators and pathologist managing the case.*
• Communicate and work in tandem with associated investigative agencies.*
• Navigate computer systems to document case information, obtain medical records, and other related reports.*
• Compile appropriate collected information into a finalized investigative report.*
• Provide testimony regarding observations, findings, and actions.*

Forensic and Lab Functions

• Accession and release of bodies at the morgue.*
• Secure and document valuables of deceased as needed to be released.*
• Collect, document, and secure evidence to be released.*
• Perform radiographic imaging when requested.*
• Assist with identifying decedents and notifying appropriate next-of-kin.*
• Release evidence, valuables, and property to outside agencies.*

Other Functions

• Provides quality customer service by assisting next of kin, agency staff, community agencies, medical providers, governmental agencies, and law enforcement in resolving inquiries, complaints, or problems.*
• Presents self in a professional, ethical, and culturally sensitive manner to co-workers, staff, other agency personnel, partners, and the public.*
• Adheres to all policies and procedures (e.g., division, agency, county, federal, and state).*
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, and training to remain current and knowledgeable on agency, policies, regulations, and procedures.*
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.*
• Demonstrate logical reasoning and problem solving.*
• Consistently show initiative, exercise good judgement, and attention to detail.*
• Ability to multi-task while adhering to established policies and procedures.

*Denotes essential functions of the job.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work in an office setting as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor scenes.
• Exposure to human remains and body fluids in various stages of preservation.
• Tolerate exposure to inclement weather (rain, cold, heat, humidity), odors, chemicals, dust, poor ventilation, and noxious fumes while at the death scene.
• Exposure to unsanitary homes and other death scenes.
• Safely handle sharp objects, weapons, medication, illicit drugs, and drug paraphernalia.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must travel to and access death scenes in homes, hospitals, outdoor locations including fields, forests, roadways, and waterways.
• Requires varying amounts of physical exertion while executing investigative duties.
• Ability to assist in lifting and transferring bodies from surface to surface for the purpose of examination and removal from scenes which may include navigating rocky or uneven terrain, stairwells, and tight spaces.
• Employee is required to balance, climb, move, and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds repeatedly from one location to another, reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to use whole body to lift, move, stretch while completing job duties.
• Typically requires bending, lifting, listening/hearing, pulling, pushing, seeing, sitting, standing, talking, and walking.

Work Location: 85 N. Summit Street, Akron, OH 44308

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. Overtime may be required.

*The employee must be available to work a variety of hours and under a variety of conditions. On-call duties will be shared with three other forensic pathologists.

Pre-employment Screenings Required. FBI & BCI, Drug and Alcohol Screening, Driving Record Check