Under general supervision, investigates sudden, unexpected, and unnatural deaths unattended by a physician. Investigates circumstances and recovers physical evidence at death scenes to determine if the death is natural, accidental, suicidal, or criminal in nature; and performs related work as required.
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)
Physically responds to death scenes such as highly dangerous fentanyl overdose deaths, suicides by weapon or other means, accidental deaths such as by fall or electrocution, and workplace deaths;
Works in conjunction with Homicide Detectives, OSHA investigators and respond to area hospitals to gather data on all non-criminal death investigations for analysis;
Gathers facts regarding death from uniformed Police Officers and determines if a response is needed;
Inspects the scene and body to determine if the death is natural, accidental, a suicide, or a homicide;
Obtains information from the family and other witnesses;
Confirms identity of the decedent;
Documents and evaluates the scene and decedent's body;
Collects and preserves evidence related to the death;
Releases decedent's valuables if collected for safekeeping;
Makes death notifications to Next of Kin and advises procedures for retrieval of the decedent's body;
Supervises respectful and secure preparation of the body for transportation;
Research and policy development.
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in biology, forensics, pathology, criminal justice, or a related field; plus, two years of experience in law enforcement investigations, Medical Examiner's death investigation, Medicolegal Death Investigations, or Emergency Medical Services.