Medicolegal (Medical) Death Investigator I (Individual Contributor V)

Overview

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Job Description

Johnson County Health & Environment department is looking for a qualified candidates to fill the position of a Medicolegal (Medical) Death Investigator I.  The position is located 11894 South Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061. 

 

The Death Investigator I will assist the Chief Medical Investigator with investigations of sudden and unexpected deaths.  This position will provide written and oral reports regarding investigation findings and will primarily take reports of death from home, respond to death scenes as needed, and conduct the acceptance of the individual into the office from the transport company when applicable.

 

This position will remain open until January 21, 2026

 

Other essential duties will include:

• Responds promptly to various death scenes and acts as primary official in charge of the body, personal effects and evidence; takes photographs and interviews witnesses to obtain a statement reflecting the circumstances of death; performs external examinations of the deceased on scene; uses critical thinking to ask unique questions of each respective case; independently identifies and determines jurisdiction of a case, with consultation of the on-call pathologist as needed; ensures the proper handling of the body in accordance with established policies and procedures; conducts or assists with the intake, maintenance, and disposition of biohazardous materials/waste, property, evidence, toxicology, medication, bodies, and/or specimens; operates county response vehicles and equipment.
• Investigates all deaths which are under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner as dictated by K.S.A. 22a-231; ensures the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of investigations, as well as compliance with local, state and federal laws governing the same; obtains medical records in deaths being investigated as needed; applies professional knowledge and accepted practices in performing the same; investigates deaths involving a communicable disease; completes testing of suspected deaths related to communicable diseases; reports communicable disease deaths to the local Department of Health and Environment to assist in the implementation of control and preventative measures to reduce the impact in the community.
• Prepares a comprehensive report detailing the necessary case demographics and a summary of the scene and circumstances surrounding any death occurring under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner, utilizing hospital records, interviews with relatives, friends and other contacts, and other information as needed. Identifies and completes comprehensive searches of next-of-kin and organizes notification of the next-of-kin based on state statutes. Reports all work-related deaths to OSHA. Identifies and reports cases eligible for tissue and/or organ donation and refers the cases to the local organ procurement organization (Midwest Transplant Network).
• At the direction of the Medical Examiner, Chief Medical Investigator, or his/her designees, orders required identification records. Independently arranges transportation services for decedents where jurisdiction is assumed and examination is requested or required; provides information to the Medical Examiner to aid in the ruling of cause, manner, as well as information regarding contributing factors to the death; uses established policies and procedures to facilitate this responsibility; and communicates with the Chief Medical Investigator and the Chief Medical Examiner regarding complicated death investigations. Conducts doll reenactments on cases of infant deaths where such reenactments are needed to determine cause and/or manner of death.
• Upon request, presents case findings to all allied authorities such as the police and the District Attorney; testifies in civil and criminal court including preparation and conferences; maintains the integrity and professionalism of the same; verifies, signs and forwards appropriate forms to the proper officials; maintains these records for all deaths; ensures the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the same; ensures proper chain of evidence; and reviews all incomplete and/or pend