Medico-Legal Death Investigator

Overview

Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty investigating unattended or unnatural deaths, performs other work as assigned. This position reports to the Senior Medico-Legal Death Investigator.

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* Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.*)

• Gather confidential information, maintain records, and prepare reports in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship between several different agencies such as Law Enforcement, hospital staff, Federal and State agents, other staff members, and the public.
• Collects toxicological specimens and submits them for analysis.
• Assist with the processing of death certificates, property, and body handling records.
• Catalogs evidentiary materials. Ensures evidence is obtained and stored properly while following appropriate chain of custody.
• Ensures quality of all forensic photography.
• May include crawling into tight spaces such as under houses, attics, vehicles, and in water. This may include up and down stairs and rough outdoor terrain.
• Will conduct decedent removal such as: rolling, carrying and transporting to funeral homes/morgue facilities.
• Incumbent must pass a background investigation, drug screen, fingerprint clearance and CVSA polygraph. Periodic background and drug screens may be conducted after employment.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of investigative work.
• Knowledge of basic laws of evidence (Arizona Revised Statutes) and relevant laws pertaining to death investigations.
• Skills in gathering, analyzing, and evaluating facts and evidence at a death scene.
• Skills in acting quickly and calmly with proper judgement in emergency situations.
• Skilled in effective communication verbally and in writing.
• Incumbents must be prepared to work in environments involving deceased individuals and handle cases that may include decomposed remains.
• Incumbents may traverse; climb and hike rough terrain (land and water) in extreme weather to reach the scene of deceased person(s) and work irregular shifts, including 24-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work independently and follow directions. Works with families of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds in a respectful and compassionate manner.
• Incumbent will be exposed to graphic scenes that can be classified as a crime, suicide, vehicle accidents, etc., which can be very graphic and violent in nature. Incumbent must be able to keep composure and professionalism to complete job requirements.
• Incumbent may be at risk of exposure to disease, hazardous materials, chemicals and/or biological agents.