Forensic Medicolegal Death Investigator I en King County, WA
King County, WA · Seattle, Estados Unidos De América · Onsite
- Professional
- Oficina en Seattle
About the Department
Position Summary
Medicolegal Death Investigators with the King County Medical Examiner’s Office (KCMEO) play a vital role in serving the community by investigating all sudden, unexpected, and suspicious deaths that occur within King County. Investigators respond to death scenes, conduct interviews, document findings through photography and written reports, assess postmortem changes, collect evidence and personal effects, and transport decedents to the Medical Examiner’s Office. They are responsible for confirming identities, locating and notifying next of kin, and gathering records and information to support forensic pathologists in determining cause and manner of death.
This is highly specialized work requiring strong analytical, investigative, and communication skills, as well as the ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations with professionalism and compassion.
The KCMEO is one of the largest medical examiner jurisdictions in the country. Our wide geographic region provides exposure to a diverse and challenging caseload, offering unique opportunities for professional growth and development. Team members at KCMEO are dedicated, collaborative, and mission-driven—committed to providing answers for families and ensuring integrity in the medicolegal death investigation process.
Background
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is a dynamic and demanding work environment where staff handle all sudden, unexpected, and unnatural deaths in the county. The work can be fast-paced and emotionally challenging, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. Our Investigations Section is recognized for both its high standards and its staff longevity—many investigators have served for a decade or more, with some exceeding 20 years of service—demonstrating the deep commitment to this profession. At the same time, we continue to welcome new investigators as our team expands to meet the needs of our growing community.
Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional vacancies of the same position type over the next 6 months.Commitment To Equity and Social Justice
Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx
Work Schedule
Investigators work 4 10 hour days (or nights). These are typically Sunday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Saturday, but there are sometimes other schedules. Investigators may work nights and days for part of their training, but after training will be scheduled at night. Night shifts may continue for several years, as schedule choice is based on seniority. Position is FLSA Non-Exempt (overtime eligible).
Work Location
Ninth & Jefferson Building on Harborview Medical Center campus, Medical Examiner's Office, located at 908 Jefferson Street, Seattle, WA 98104
Position Duties
- Respond to and investigate deaths occurring in a variety of locations including residences, outdoors, institutions, and other locations across King County.
- Document scenes through photography, collection of evidence, and secure handling of personal effects.
- Confirm decedent identity, locate and notify next of kin, and conduct interviews with families and witnesses.
- Obtain and review medical records and conduct computer- or phone-based investigations to support case findings.
- Prepare comprehensive investigative reports and maintain accurate documentation of chain of custody for evidence and property.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, healthcare providers, legal agencies, and funeral homes.
- Transport human remains (average 175lbs) independently, in varying conditions of decomposition or trauma.
- Release remains and property in accordance with KCMEO protocols.
- Utilize KCMEO-specific software and respond to inquiries via phone.
- Perform additional tasks as needed to support the mission of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
- Investigators work 4 days per week, 10-hour shifts, on a 24/7/365 schedule.
- Shifts and holidays are assigned by seniority; new investigators should expect to work nights, weekends, and holidays for several years.
- Remote or alternative schedules are not available.
- Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation, including cardiovascular and strength testing (ability to lift 175 lbs. unassisted).
Minimum Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following (Minimum):
- Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, with the ability to quickly gain working knowledge of medical and legal terminology.
- Strong investigative skills, including scene documentation, evidence collection, report writing, and accurate chain-of-custody management.
- Physical ability to lift, maneuver, and transport human remains independently.
- Sound judgment and decision-making in complex and ambiguous situations.
- Compassion and professionalism when interacting with grieving families and witnesses from diverse backgrounds.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, law enforcement, legal representatives, and healthcare providers.
- Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and teamwork.
- A valid Washington State driver’s license (or ability to obtain prior to hire).
- Willingness to obtain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) certification within 5 years of hire.
The most competitive applicants will have the following experiences and qualifications (Desired):
- Experience in a field where they must provide excellent customer service during extremely stressful situations
- Fluency in one of the languages most commonly spoken by limited English speakers in King County.
Other Qualifications
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
NeoGov Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
(Please note: Cover letters, resumes and additional attachments will not be reviewed as part of the evaluation process if not outlined as a required application material as outlined above).
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
Necessary Special Requirements
The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
- The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment. Applicants must pass a criminal history background check and PEP, along with a physical assessment of their cardiovascular health and strength, including the ability to deadlift 175 lbs., which is something investigators do daily, all by themselves.
For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring. For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en.
Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department.
If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Union Membership
represented by WSCCE 1652
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