INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANT, Medical Examiner

Full Job Description

Performs clerical work such as document processing and record keeping, assisting with the daily operations of the investigations section of the Medical Examiner. This work will be varied and involve independent analysis, problem solving, clerical skills, and communication with the public.

Requirements

1. Performs complex clerical duties such as classifying, consolidating, summarizing, sorting, filing, and distributing documents and information. Utilizes the computer, fax machines, networked copy machines, and other office equipment to record, store, and retrieve information.
2. Contacts law enforcement agencies, physicians, and other agencies to gather information and records concerning death investigations.
3. Interacts with family members regarding details of death investigations.
4. Removes personal property from incoming decedents, which involves physical contact with bodies including those that have sustained significant trauma, decomposition, children, etc.
5. May receive, package, and document forensic evidence associated with incoming decedents.
6. Operates multi-line IP telephone system and transfers to appropriate department.
7. Assists families and funeral homes with authorization release forms and autopsy waiver forms.
8. Releases secured personal property to next of kin.
9. Maintains the TCME visitor log and tracking of guests throughout the restricted-access facility to ensure all guests have an escort by TCME staff at all times.
10. Coordinates courier pickup service for laboratory send outs.
11. Maintains records for delivered goods and contacts appropriate section for pickup.
12. Receives, sorts, and delivers incoming mail. Signs confirmation of receipts with couriers for consumable laboratory supplies.
13. Notifies funeral homes to schedule release of decedents.
14. Enters case information and events in case management system.
15. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Three (3) full-time years of experience working in a medical or clerical environment. Ability to operate multi-line IP phone system. Must have communication, typing and computer skills. Must have knowledge of medical terminology.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

To be considered for this position, your application must be complete and clearly demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications.

Please ensure that all sections of the application are fully completed, including Education (specifying the type of degree, field of study, and graduation status), Experience, and Certifications/Licenses.

Resumes alone will not substitute for a completed application.

Incomplete applications will result in disqualification, as eligibility for minimum qualifications cannot be confirmed without full documentation.

If selected for hire, you will be required to provide proof of educational attainment during the onboarding process.

Tarrant County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudication in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records and educational attainment.

A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

Additional Information

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to bend, grasp/squeeze, use hand tools, hear, tolerate hot and cold inside temperatures, keyboard, kneel, lift below the waist, lift between waist and shoulder, pull, push, be exposed to radiation, reach, reach overhead, perform repetitive tasks, see color, see far and near, sit, negotiate slippery surfaces, be exposed to solvents, squat, stand, stoop, talk, twist, use his/her hands, walk, use wide hand spread, work alone and with others, and work overtime.

There is exposure to violence from client families and bystanders, decomposed bodies, debris from burned structures, and body fluids associated with scene investigations.

May be exposed to cold and heat, temperature swings, high noise levels and possible chemical hazards. May encounter bio-hazard exposures from various sources to include deceased human remains, blood, and tissue samples.

May be required to demonstrate and pass requirements set forth in an agency Respiratory Protection Program involving the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to include N-95 masks.

This position is considered an essential worker and may be called upon to work at various times.

Medical Examiner staff in the Investigation section work various shifts, 7-days a week, on weekends, and holidays. Overtime may be required at times.

Investigation section staff members must be able to respond to the office during adverse weather conditions to include snow, ice, and disasters.