MEDICAL EXAMINER, DEPUTY

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under direction, to investigate deaths occurring under violent, questionable or unexplained circumstances; to prepare detailed reports relating to deceased persons; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The County Medical Examiner's Office is established within the Public Health Division for the purpose of investigating and certifying the cause and manner of deaths requiring investigation as prescribed in ORS Chapter 146. The activities of this office are conducted in cooperation with the District Attorney's Office, County law enforcement agencies and private organizations, and are subject to the review and direction of the State Medical Examiner's Office.

The Deputy Medical Examiner is distinguished from the Medical Examiner Program Coordinator, which is responsible for the administration of the programs and policies of the County Medical Examiner's Office, including the coordination, review, and/or performance of death investigations.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Conducts investigations of deaths; takes custody of the body, the personal effects of the deceased, and any weapons, instruments, vehicles, buildings or premises which are believed to be involved in the death; preserves evidence relating to the cause and manner of death.
Interviews witnesses and relatives of the deceased; takes photographs of death scene and examines body for signs of injury or suspicious death; orders removal of body upon completion of investigation; recommends further criminal or pathological investigations if indicated.
Prepares detailed reports on all circumstances relating to deaths, including investigation reports, autopsies, laboratory analyses and inventories, for review by the Medical Examiner Program Coordinator; testifies in criminal and civil proceedings relating to the cause and manner of death.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of: Effective methods of medical and criminal investigation; state statutes regulating death investigations; medical and anatomical terminology; basic rules of legal evidence; recordkeeping and reporting techniques.

Skill to: Determine and obtain evidence required in order to enforce the, medical investigation law; obtain information from lay and expert witnesses concerning matters of an intimate nature and serious consequence; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with medical, law enforcement, and County personnel and the public; prepare clear and concise reports.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties involving moderately strenuous physical activity and exposure to unpleasant elements at death scenes.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of State of Oregon Medical Training Program for Deputy Medical Examiners.

Must be willing to work scheduled 24-hour work/on-call shifts. Requires on-call availability beyond assigned shifts.

Must successfully pass an extensive background investigation including national fingerprint records check.

Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.