Deputy Medical Examiner

Dunn County is currently looking to fill a Deputy Medical Examiner position. This position performs complex advanced human support work investigating all reportable deaths within jurisdiction and rules on manner and cause of death; investigates and approves cremation authorizations and exhumation requests, and related work as apparent or assigned.

Compensation: $360 per 24-hour shift ($15 an hour). 

Primary Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Responds to call-outs as required, regardless of time of day or day of the week. 
• Investigates the manner and cause of death for all reportable deaths; responds to notifications from nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, and hospice programs.
• Ensures provisions of prompt, compassionate notification of death to survivors; provides updates on case progress to family members as necessary.
• Performs examinations, transportations, and other services as required. 
• Determine the need for an autopsy, coordinate the logistics for it, and attend the exam to provide the autopsy physician with scene information so they have a clear picture of what happened.
• Prepares, draws, packages, and delivers required tissue and fluid samples.
• Prepares detailed reports of findings.
• Interacts with and assists other agencies on death investigations and reporting.
• Provides testimony in court findings.
• Performs other duties of a comparable level/type, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED
• Requires a minimum of one (1) year previous Paramedic, Registered Nurse, Physician’s Assistant or related investigative experience or skills.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license or the ability to travel between work locations. 
• Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Medicolegal Certification within 24 months from date of hire
• Professional Specialty License in related field (Paramedic, Nursing, Physician’s Assistant, or investigative law enforcement experience)

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES QUALIFICATIONS In order to perform the duties of the Deputy Medical Examiner position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential for Deputy Medical Examiner to possess.

• Thorough knowledge of personal protective equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of medical information, reports, equipment, and analyses.
• General knowledge of the related industry, County and department policies, procedures, and practices; legal guides, recommendations, best practices, ordinances, and laws.
• General knowledge of applicable Wisconsin Statutes.
• General knowledge of County death reporting policies.

• Thorough knowledge of standard office equipment and standard office software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships.
• Ability to follow Dunn County policies and procedures including those of confidentiality.

• Ability to prioritize and organize job assignments.

• Ability to manage time effectively, manage multiple projects, and complete work within established deadlines.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.

MINIMUM LANGUAGE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS  In order to perform the duties of the Deputy Medical Examiner position (listed above) the following language skills are essential for the Deputy Medical Examiner to possess. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other staff members, supervisors, law enforcement, families, and community members in written and verbal form. 
• English skills (oral, written, and comprehension) sufficient to effectively communicate with all internal and external customers.

MINIMUM REASONING ABILITY QUALIFICATIONS In order to perform the duties of the Deputy Medical Examiner position (listed above) the following reasoning abilities are essential for the Deputy Medical Examiner to possess.

• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Must have ability to work accurately with attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports. 

In evaluating candidates for this position, Dunn County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Physical and Work Environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This work requires frequent exertion of more than 100 pounds and continuous exertion of up to 100 pounds. Work continuously requires speaking, hearing, reaching with hands and arms, using hands dexterously, sitting, walking and standing. This work frequently requires stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling and occasionally requires climbing and balancing. 
• Work has standard vision requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
• Work frequently requires exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to the risk of electrical shock, exposure to vibration and wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus.