Death Inquest Investigator I Full Time

Reporting directly to the Williamson County Manager, with supervision by the Justice’s of the Peace, responsible for receiving reports of death occurring within Williamson County, visiting death scenes, conducting independent investigations regarding circumstances of death, preparing official investigative reports, and releasing cause and manner of death to the public, official agencies, and media. Communicates with other investigators, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, decedent’s families, and the general public.

• Investigates and analyzes the physical and medical aspects of natural and unnatural deaths by responding to scenes or taking reports by phone, as directed
• Gathers and presents information to make recommendations on cause and manner of death
• Establishes identity of deceased person and may assist with notifications for next of kin
• Ensures the implementation of procedures, policies, and other professional activities during investigation are followed
• Conducts interviews with police agencies, hospitals, next of kin, mortuary services, etc.
• Conducts interviews with parties who were witnesses, or had non-criminal involvement in a death, natural or unnatural, and any parties who have information that contributes to determining cause and manner of death
• Coordinates with organ and tissue procurement organizations during the early stages of inquest processes; this may include starting an inquest before death occurs in order to give organizations the best opportunities to respond to family wishes regarding donation
• Troubleshoots and discusses issues that arise during the course of the investigation or in matters concerning final disposition of remains
• Frequently conducts various administrative duties such as answering phones, completing paperwork, and corresponding by email, fax, etc. with agencies and families
• Documents and maintains required records and statistics as it pertains to departmental/work group operations
• Maintains and updates inquest case files until case is fully closed
• Frequent meetings and status updates with the Justice of the Peace
• Prepares and produces management, investigative, or special reports
• Provides expert witness testimony for court room presentation of criminal cases as needed
• Ensures compliance with any or all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations
• Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
• Performs special duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to – County Manager
• Direct Reports – No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carrying
• Position involves rough terrain, climbing ladders/stairs, entering confined spaces, and traversing tops of buildings/overpasses
• Position may involve handling bodies during examination by law enforcement
• Position may involve physical force to defend oneself or others from violence from decedent families and bystanders
• Position involves viewing disturbing death scenes that may involve teens, children, or infants; position involves maintaining a professional demeanor and composure during highly emotional interactions

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
• Frequent work in outdoor conditions, including inclement weather (heat, cold, wet conditions)
• Regular travel between work sites as required
• Exposure to decomposed bodies, bodily fluids, extreme odors, hazards and debris (chemicals, biohazards, sharps, etc.)

IRREGULAR HOURS

• Schedule includes an on-call rotation that requires seven (7) consecutive days of twenty-four (24) hour on-call availability, once per month (every 28 days); must be available at all times during the on-call period to respond to request for Justice of the Peace inquests and be ready to travel within the county as needed
• May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency
• Regular attendance is required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related field and two (2) years of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• One (1) year of police, medical, or death investigation experience
• Working knowledge of specific job-related technology

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish)

EMPLOYMENT TESTING

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal background check: Yes
• Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
• Drug screening: Yes
• Physical exam: No
• Psychological exam: No
• Additional: N/A

A Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) calendar days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone (512) 943-1533 or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources.

Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.

TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.