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CHIEF DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER
Pay Range 336
INTRODUCTION
This
classification investigates and reviews deaths in Douglas County
and ensures proper forensic investigation of deaths.
Duties are performed within the Sheriff’s Department and are
performed consistent with established Departmental policy and
procedure and as directed by the District Deputy State Medical
Examiner.
EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES
(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not
limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not
perform all listed duties.)
1. Manage the activities of the medical examiner’s office as
prescribed by state statutes, and as directed by the District
Deputy State Medical Examiner; maintain records, and process
necessary reports relating to deaths, including death notices;
investigative reports, autopsies, laboratory analyses and
inventories. Prepare and maintain records, reports and
statistical data.
2. Conduct investigations of deaths’ take custody of body
and personal effects of the deceased; assist local law
enforcement to preserve evidence; obtain medical history and
other information relevant to the death; contact coworkers,
funeral homes, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, District
Attorney’s office, relatives and public to aid in the resolution
of questionable deaths.
3. Examine body and environment at the scene of a death,
determine approximate time of death, cause and manner of death;
participate in autopsy; use sound judgment and precautions in
situations where personal health and safety may be compromised
such as exposure to contagious diseases.
4. Notify next of kin and relatives of death; interview
witnesses and relatives; arrange for disposition of body; answer
questions from family, public and/or media.
5. Assist the investigations division Lieutenant with
various functions to include investigations of major crimes
involving serious injury and other investigative areas requiring
medical expertise.
6.
Review all case investigations by on-call deputy medical
examiner for completion and accuracy.
7. Testify in court regarding death investigations; Serve as
staff representative at various meetings and/or reviews such as
Douglas County Major Crimes Team, etc.
8. Participate in the development, administration and
monitoring of program budget; assist division commander and
District Deputy State Medical Examiner in establishing and
maintaining office policy and procedures.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY REQUIRED OF THIS POSITION
Knowledge of: Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures and
practices of medical diagnostic or law enforcement investigation
techniques as they apply to death investigations; considerable
knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy, state statutes
as they apply to death investigations and vital records, rules
and regulations; principles, practices and techniques of program
management.
Skill in: Interviewing persons involved with traumatic events, family
members of deceased, law enforcement and emergency services
personnel; Investigations.
Ability to: Communicate effectively in both
oral and written forms; make independent decisions based on
knowledge of internal, State and Federal procedures and protocol
under the most difficult of circumstances. Establish and maintain
clear and concise records, reports and statistical data; represent
Department in a variety of settings; maintain confidentiality;
remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high
pressure situations; courteously meet and deal effectively with
law enforcement personnel, District Deputy State Medical Examiner,
District Attorney’s Office, other County Department
representatives, hospital, medical and mortuary staff, deceased
family members, other government agencies, vendors and the public.
Education, experience and training: Bachelor’s
degree in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, mortuary science OR a
satisfactory equivalent combination of experience, education and
training. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon
driver's license and a current Oregon State Deputy Medical
Examiner’s certificate.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION
Work is performed with supervision from the Investigations
Lieutenant and under the direction of the District Deputy State
Medical Examiner. Employee exercises discretion in applying
general goal and policy statements, in development of
recommendations, policies and procedures, and in resolving
organizational and service delivery problems. Independence of
action is necessary in administering a complex and sensitive area
of responsibility. Work is accomplished within a broad framework,
with authority and responsibility in a given program or functional
area of service.
GUIDELINES
Work is performed within established Departmental policies
and procedures, Federal and State statutes, rules, regulations
and ordinances. Work is performed according to proper medical and
investigative practices and procedures and according to the
American Board of Medical Legal Death Investigations. Incumbent
must remain current on statutes, rules and ordinances and uses
considerable independent judgment in interpreting statutes, rules
and regulations and determining which to apply to death
investigation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Regular and
consistent attendance is required. Work is performed both in an
office environment and in the field and requires physical demands
of bending, climbing, color identification, crawling, crouching,
gripping with hands and fingers, hearing alarms and voice
conversation, keyboarding, kneeling, typically lifting up to 60
pounds but may lift and move a deceased person, pulling, pushing,
reaching, sitting, standing long periods, stooping, twisting body,
walking and walking rough terrain. Work involves everyday risks
and discomforts and sometime adverse weather conditions requiring
safety precautions. A substantial amount of daily driving is
required. |
