Position: MEDICOLEGAL DEATH INVESTIGATOR AFSCME 1767 (MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE)
About: Under the supervision of the Chief of Investigations, investigates apparent natural/unnatural deaths responding to scenes or obtaining information via telephone or other social media devices when assisting with the determination of the cause and manner of death. Receives notifications of death and determines whether the death is defined under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Medical Examiner. Conducts death scene investigations by attending the scene; interviews family members; law enforcement agency representatives; medical personnel; and individuals with pertinent information. Photographs death scenes at investigation site; obtains medical records or specimens from the sites or medical facilities; prepares detailed written reports; and communicates investigation findings to Pathologists. Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements: Possession of a high school degree or a General Education Development (GED) certification plus four (4) years’ full-time work experience at a Medical Examiner’s Office or Coroner’s Office and is responsible for death investigations – required; OR Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree in Science; Criminal Justice; or Forensic Science, plus two (2) years’ full-time work experience at a Medical Examiner’s Office; Coroner’s Office; or law enforcement agency and is responsible for death investigations – required; OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Science; Criminal Justice; or Forensic Science – required; AND Valid driver’s license (Class D) and proof of current automobile insurance – required; Must be prepared to work in a morgue environment with exposure to unpleasant sights, sounds and smells, bodily fluids and blood including hazardous conditions during investigations – required; Must be prepared to work at any Cook County location or shift in the event of emergency situations and/or mass fatalities and be prepared to work a 24-hour workday – required; Must be prepared to work any shift within a 24-hour workday including all holidays – required; Certification with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). Certification is required within one (I) year of hiring date and must maintain certification while employed here – required
