A Coroner or Medical Examiner directs activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Investigate unexpected, suspicious, or unattended deaths to determine jurisdiction as authorized by state statute.
Position schedule:
12-hour shifts on a 2/2/3 rotation. Receives notification of deaths from witnesses, medical professionals, law enforcement personnel, funeral homes, or others in attendance. Investigates causes of unexpected, suspicious, or unattended deaths to determine jurisdiction as authorized by state statute. Attends death scenes to document the scene, including but not limited to taking photographs and collecting physical evidence. Performs strenuous physical activity to include standing for extended periods of time and lifting 100 lbs. Maintains professionalism in tragic and emotional situations. Coordinates transport of bodies from death scenes to the Medical Examiner's Office. Interviews persons who may have information related to deaths. Prepares detailed investigative reports in a timely manner. Starts and completes death certification records. Confers with law enforcement, hospital, and mortuary officials to obtain dental records, fingerprints, X-rays, or additional specimens as necessary to identify bodies. Obtains medical records as needed. Locates next-of-kin and notifies of medical examiner involvement; advise family members of circumstances and of processes and procedures of the Medical Examiner's Office. Attends court proceedings and gives testimony in civil and criminal court cases as required. Performs other related duties as required by state and national accreditation standards. Be available to work office hours, after hours, on-call, weekends, and holidays, on a rotating schedule or as deemed necessary for mass disaster response or emergency preparedness for natural disasters. Notifies next of kin personally or in conjunction with other law enforcement and judicial agencies. Releases bodies and property to the appropriate agency, funeral director, or family member and documents the transfer in accordance with office policy. Establishes and maintains effective working and public relations with various local and state law enforcement agencies, federal officers, County departments, medical personnel, funeral service professionals, families and the public. Maintains the confidential nature of client and business information. Assures compliance with policies and procedures of the Medical Examiner's Office. Assists MLI staff with simultaneous calls and cremation investigations as needed. Assists MLI staff with case follow-up as needed to maintain case continuity and case progression. Provides shift coverage in Brown County and other partner counties as needed. Participates in training new and existing MLI staff. Performs other duties as required.
Education and Experience:
Associate's degree from a recognized technical college in biological or medical science, anatomy, physical therapy, nursing, or a closely related field. Ability to obtain and maintain ABMDI Certification within three years of hire.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Wisconsin Driver's License Knowledge of the Wisconsin State Statutes concerning investigation of deaths. Knowledge of investigative techniques, principles and practices used in the determination of cause and manner of death. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology especially pertaining to death and varying forms of trauma. Working knowledge of occupational safety requirements and procedures, especially regarding hazardous materials and blood borne pathogens. Ability to secure facts through objective, independent, and thorough investigations; identify and interpret evidence; analyze data; and make appropriate determinations. Ability to take proper photographs of scene, body and evidence for documentation. Ability to prepare, present and maintain accurate, objective and thorough reports and records. Ability to move and transfer human bodies of various weights and insuring preservation of any trace evidence. Ability to perform work in the field in varying types of terrain and weather conditions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships; and to communicate effectively and deal compassionately with grieving family members. Ability to work the required hours of the position.
