MEDICAL EXAMINER INVESTIGATOR TRAINEE

Posting number: P1636C-R-EA

Department: MEDICAL EXAMINER

Job classification: MEDICAL EXAMINER INVESTIGATOR TRAINEE

Posting type: Open

Categories: Law Enforcement, Investigative, Medical Examiner, Forensics

Summary

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS A REPOSTING TO REOPEN THE FILING PERIOD

The LA County Board of Supervisors recently declared a local state of emergency for homelessness, and the County is working to revise and expand our response to help all who are affected. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to help us in the mission of addressing issues like housing, mental health, and substance use. If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.

The Department of Medical Examiner is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Medical Examiner Investigator Trainee vacancies related to the homelessness crisis.

Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment.

Before the end of your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted 100%.

Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Medical Examiner Investigator Trainee. 

Examples of duties

• Receives instruction and on the job training by performing the following duties:
• Plans and conducts the investigation into the circumstances of death at the scene to determine the jurisdiction of the Department of Medical Examiner. 
• Examines the body of the decedent and the surroundings at the death scene and performs required tests for air, water and body temperature, livor mortis, and degree of rigor mortis. 
• Takes custody of any money, valuables or miscellaneous items or documents; lists and records clothing within reports and personal property on appropriate receipts; arranges for or makes the removal of bodies to the Forensic Science Center or other location. 
• Responsible for recognizing, collecting and preserving physical evidence, including gunshot residue, sexual assault evidence, appliances, ligatures, garrotes, drugs, narcotics and paraphernalia, and trace evidence. 
• Notifies and coordinates evidence handling and collection with departmental criminalist or criminalist of other agencies. Interviews witnesses, friends, and relatives to obtain information about the decedent and circumstances of death and related matters. 
• Receives initial notice of death from public or government agencies, initiates investigations, determines Medical Examiner's jurisdiction, and notifies and exchanges information with other public agencies when necessary. 
• Notifies and coordinates with representatives of other criminal justice agencies when necessary. Writes reports of investigations, including all pertinent data and evidence relevant to the circumstances of death. 
• Enters data into computerized records system as required. Provides information regarding State laws and codes, County ordinances, and Departmental policy and procedures in response to inquiries from members of the medical profession, law enforcement and other government agencies, mortuaries, cemeteries, and the general public.
• Testifies in court or under deposition regarding the findings of an investigation of the circumstances of death.
• Records information in logs and ledgers regarding Departmental activities; fingerprinting bodies in accordance with Departmental standards.
• Uses field photography equipment as required.
• Enters information in sections of death certificates in conformance with regulations of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.
• May be required to drive personal vehicle when performing County business.
• May be required to drive a County vehicle to locations throughout the County to transport bodies from death scenes to the Medical Examiner's facility.
• May be required to travel by aircraft, boat, or other vehicles, or travel in heavy equipment to conduct