Medical Examiner Associate

Job Summary

Conducts death investigations to determine the cause and manner of death. Investigations include the performance of autopsies, external examinations, determining/verifying decedent identity, review of decedent history, interpretation of various tests and histologic slides, provide expert testimony and participate as part of public health committees as primary work duties allow. The Associate Medical Examiner may serve as the acting clinical department head in the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited school of medicine and completion of an accredited forensic pathology fellowship training program. Must hold a Washington medical license by the time of hire. Is currently board certified in Anatomic Pathology and must obtain Forensic Pathology Board Certification from the American Board of Pathology within three (3) years of appointment and maintain Board Certification as a condition of employment. Must be a resident of Oregon or Washington and maintain a valid driver license in state of residency.

Knowledge of:  Operations, services, and activities of a death investigation center; pathology and forensic pathology procedures; methods, practices, equipment and procedures of handling deceased individuals; report writing principles and techniques.

Ability to:  Prepare detailed technical reports; solve complex investigations of death; use strong interpersonal skills, including ability to interact and cooperate with co-workers and to deal effectively with law enforcement personnel, attorneys, court personnel, county commissioners, and the general public.

·        Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application. 

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process. 

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process. 

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process. 

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education. 

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression. 

Examples of Duties

CLASSIFICATION DISTINCTIONS

The Associate Medical Examiner reports directly to the Chief Medical Examiner. This position has broad responsibility and considerable latitude for independent judgment and works autonomously in the performance of daily forensic pathology and operational activities.  All work is subject to review by the Chief Medical Examiner.

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs duties in compliance with department policies and procedures.

• Performs timely postmortem examinations, retaining samples, specimens, and tissues necessary for analysis, examination, and documentation as prescribed by existing practices of forensic pathology.

• Prepares written autopsy reports using appropriate reporting form and convention.

• Issues preliminary reports in writing, of the cause of death where such determination is not dependent upon further investigation.

• Keeps and maintains appropriate records, reports, and other documentation regarding investigations as well as physical evidence transferred from other investigative agencies.

• Confers with law enforcement officials on cases performed and occasionally on other cases.

• Provides expert testimony.

• Visits the scene of death, or discovery of remains to provide professional assistance as appropriate.

• Takes documentary digital images.

• Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives and assists with establishing schedules and methods for providing forensic pathology services.

• Other duties as assigned by the Medical Examiner.

Salary Grade

M2.505

Salary Range

$18,803.00 - $27,263.00- per month

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work.Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.