Investigator PT

Job Title: Investigator
Reports to: Ottawa County Coroner
Job Status: Part-time classified
Salary Range: $20.00 per hour
Job Summary
Under general supervision of the Coroner and/or full-time Investigator, the Investigator performs post-mortem examinations of bodies and investigates deaths of persons; consults with law enforcement agencies; testifies in court; photographs and documents death scenes.
Essential Knowledge, Abilities and Skills, Education

– Completion of a secondary education (high school diploma or GED);
– Three (3) or more years of directly related experience in criminal or death investigation, and three (3) or more years of experience in a medical related field; or
– Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
– Able to pass a criminal background investigation
– Knowledge of: County, Department, and Division goals and objectives; policies and procedures; personnel rules and regulations; work place safety; office practices and procedures; English grammar and spelling; case management; medical terminology; scene safety; evidence collection; Ohio Revised Code 313.
– Skill in: word processing; computer operation; use of modern office equipment; operating a motor vehicle; communication.
– Ability to: carry out instructions in written, oral, or picture form; deal with problems involving few variables within familiar context; recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action; maintain records according to established procedures; respond to routine inquiries from public and/or officials; communicate effectively; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communication; work alone on most tasks; travel to and gain access to work site; lift, position, and move individuals according to established procedures; handle sensitive inquiries; contacts with officials and general public; develop and maintain effective working relationships; perform job safely.

Essential Functions of the Position

Examines decedents body for signs of trauma and/or unusual circumstances; verifies post-mortem changes are consistent with the situation and circumstances; relays the absence of any signs of life to Coroner for pronouncement of death.

Surveys death scenes; collects information, evidence, blood and bodily fluids, and other items related to the cause or manner of death; photographs body and surrounding conditions, and documents death scenes to preserve the circumstances of the death/scene; requests medical, mental health, and/or employment records; obtains necessary search warrants as directed by prosecutor and/or law enforcement.

Interviews family members, physicians, nurses, law enforcement, and EMS to obtain medical history, lifestyle patterns, incident, and other reports related to the case; communicates information to Coroners staff and administrative staff; works in a professional manner with prosecutor and law enforcement; testifies in court or before grand jury if required.

Prepares written reports detailing observations and investigation findings; reviews investigation reports; prepares reports for the Coroner to review and sign; sends autopsy and coroner reports, as requested;

completes inventory and proper packaging of decedents personal valuables for safe return to legal next of kin; gathers controlled substances (prescriptions) of the deceased and maintains inventory and ensures proper disposal; maintains case files; reviews Hospice cases and prepares for Coroner to sign; maintains stats; enters evidence into system and places in the evidence room.

Coordinates with the prosecutors office and law enf