This is training level field and related office work conducting investigations of death under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner. Work involves a considerable amount of contact with other governmental agencies and the public and the exercise of discretion and tact in locating relatives of the deceased in the conduct of investigations of deaths under sudden, violent, or suspicious circumstances. The nature of the work is such that an employee in this class is required to work on a rotating shift basis.

Employees work under the supervision of a higher level investigator. Employees are frequently exposed to undesirable situations and occasional heavy physical effort in the investigation of cases.

• Attends training programs; reads a variety of literature and reports in the field.
• Receives reports of sudden, suspicious, or unusual deaths from hospitals, police, physicians, and other sources; arranges for the removal of bodies to the morgue.
• Conducts on-the-scene investigations in routine cases; examines body of decedent and premises to assist pathologists in determining manner of death and to identify the victim; secures personal effects and assets; issues receipt for valuables and submits them for safe-keeping.
• Conducts follow-up investigations to determine identity of decedent; located relatives of decedent by contacting neighbors, various public agencies, and other sources that may render assistance; obtains medical information from relatives, physicians, hospitals and other sources; prepares and attests the affidavits of identification.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• modern investigatory methods and techniques.
• the geography of the city.

ABILITY TO:

• learn the more commonly recognized medical causes of death and medical terminology.
• learn the laws and regulations applying to deaths.
• establish and maintain public confidence and to obtain accurate information through interview, interrogations, and observations.
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• maintain records and prepare reports.

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
• Two years of field investigatory experience which has involved public contact work.

NOTE:
Education at an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment.

PAY RANGE: 12
Class Established: 11/1985

RH/sr/sb