Forensic Death Investigator

Description

THIS POSTING MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME ONCE A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

The Forensic Death Investigator performs technical investigative work for deaths that are reportable to the Medical Examiners office. Work involves communication with other investigators, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, the decedents family, and the general public. Work requires travel to locations of deaths within the county. This position is responsible for examining the decedent, photographing evidence and injuries, as well as making death notifications.

Examples of Duties

Initiates death investigations and determines Medical Examiner jurisdiction for each reported death. 

Interviews witnesses, families, hospital staff, and law enforcement personnel.

Informs the Denton County LOSS Team of all suicide-related deaths so their staff members can respond to the scene to provide emotional support to families.

Photographs/documents the scene, examines the decedent for injuries and inspects weapons, evidence, and prescription medication on scene.

Collects personal property and jewelry from the decedent and transports them to the Medical Examiners office for safekeeping.

Prepares detailed investigative reports, uploads documents to digital case files, and organizes/labels scene photos.

Works cooperatively with local physicians, healthcare facilities, funeral homes, and transplant organizations, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement to obtain copies of records/reports/specimens.

Coordinates approval of cases with the Medical Examiner and assists with scheduling of forensic autopsies/exams, identification analysis, trace evidence analysis, physical evidence analysis, anthropological analysis, and transplant recovery through the Tarrant County Medical Examiner District.

Confers with local law enforcement, dentists, and healthcare agencies to obtain fingerprints, dental records, X-rays, and misc. records to aid in the identification of a decedent. 

Locates and notifies next-of-kin of the death, explains medical examiner protocol, coordinates the return of decedent property to next-of-kin, and provides continuing support and information to families throughout the entire medical examiner process (typically 90 days).

Reviews/investigates death certificates and cremation permit requests for potential errors or unreported trauma.

Notifies the responsible reporting agency of any death certificate/cremation permit issues and educates that agency about the reporting process for future deaths.

Provides assistance to local physicians on how to properly complete death certificates and offers resources for navigating the TxEVER system.

Participates in a mass disaster response team/mass disaster planning with both Denton County Public Health and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner District.

Provides educational training/presentations to the public, schools, and local agencies through events such as career day, leadership conferences, department presentations, and healthcare staff meetings.

Provides expert witness testimony for courtroom presentation of criminal cases, if requested.

Conducts various administrative duties of the department such as answering the phone, completing paperwork, and corresponding by email/fax/mail to families/misc. agencies.

Regular and punctual attendance is required.

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED, completion of some college level course work, and a minimum five years of experience in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience required.

Valid drivers license required. Must be able to obtain a Texas Drivers License within 90 days of employment. 

Supplemental Information

Only those interested in a Part-Time position should apply.

Candidate must reside within Denton County.

Candidate must be willing and able to work all shifts.

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