Medicolegal Death Investigator I

Medicolegal Death Investigator I

Office of Chief Medical Examiner

Opening Date: June 12, 2024

Closing Date: June 27, 2024

Job Class Code: 4308

Grade: 25

Salary: $52,832.00 - $71,240.00/annually

There will be a 3% across the board general salary increase effective June 30, 2024.

Position #006200585

Bargaining Unit: Professional and Technical

A Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) works independently to investigative deaths that fall within the jurisdiction of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This position will:

• conduct external examinations and draw body fluids in funeral homes and hospitals
• review medical records necessary to determine cause and manner of death
• assist administrative staff with case decisions

Preconceived notions of what to expect are not always accurate.

The work done by the MDI can often be physically and emotionally challenging. Although most work performed by the MDI is conducted in the office, the Investigator will be expected to be available to respond to scenes, and answer questions 24/7 on alternating weeks, including weekends and holidays.

This position does require attendance at the St. Louis University Medicolegal Death Investigator course in St. Louis, Missouri in the first year of employment.

The OCME is a relatively small agency within Maine government (12 full-time people) and is administratively placed within the Department of the Attorney General. The OCME is unique with its varied and complex mission that is concerned with all aspects of death and dying. All employees of OCME must be able to function under conditions that are often psychologically extreme.

The training period is long, usually on the order of many months. There is much cross-coverage by our personnel when staffing issues and work-load variations create such a demand. All OCME personnel must be able to effectively interact with personnel from medical facilities, law enforcement and investigatory agencies, prosecutorial and defense attorneys, forensic laboratories, funeral homes, and (most importantly) grieving families.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

• Conduct forensic, and semi-invasive external examinations of bodies in all states of trauma and post-mortem decomposition.

• Be on-call 24/7 for alternating weeks (including weekends and holidays).

• Answer questions from after-hours staff (including overnights, weekends, and holidays).

• Guide certifying physicians on appropriate wording for death certificates.

• Collect data, photograph, and prepare detailed written reports on death investigations.

• Speak with distraught families on all issues concerning their loss and the OCME processes.

• Investigate death scenes, when necessary, often under uncomfortable circumstances or in difficult locations.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

• Ability to work with stressful and/or unpleasant odors, procedures, and circumstances.

• Knowledge of and ability to understand and interpret medical and forensic information and terminology.

• Knowledge of death investigation procedures and standards for collection of evidence.

• Ability to conduct in-depth interviews and investigations, analyze facts and data, reach logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations.

• Ability to deal tactfully with distraught families and all OCME stakeholders.

• Ability to lift and manipulate medium to heavy objects.

• Ability to perform postmortem autopsy procedures in support of the OCME.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Ability to document findings appropriately.

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS:

• Risk of physical injury from examining and handling bodies up to 600 pounds, or handling bodies on-scene in various sub-optimal settings.

• Risk of illness when exposed to chemicals, drugs, contaminated syringes, and other hazardous or bio-hazardous materials.

• Risk of physical or psychological injury when interacting with agitated family members during highly emotionally-charged times.

Information on Office of Chief Medical Examiner

Information on the Office of the Attorney General

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A six (6) year combination of education and professional experience in law enforcement or in the medical field to include one year of experience in investigative work.

Application Instructions:

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills and abilities required.

Include resume, cover letter, names and contact information of three references (to include at least one work-related reference) and complete the online direct hire application.

The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service, faxing malfunctions or electronic transmission malfunctions.

Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver's license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.

Please direct all questions to OCME's Office Administrator, Lindsey Chasteen

BENEFITS

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance

• Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage

• The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

o Health Insurance Premium Credit

• Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance

• The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan

• The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement

• Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

• The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

• Living Resources Program

• Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation

• Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General are Equal Opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.