Death Inquest Investigator I

JOB
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.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Investigates and analyzes the physical and medical aspects of natural and unnatural deaths by responding to scenes or taking reports by phone, as directedGathers and presents information to make recommendations on cause and manner of deathEstablishes identity of deceased person and may assist with notifications for next of kinEnsures the implementation of procedures, policies, and other professional activities during investigation are followedConducts 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 deathCoordinates 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 donationTroubleshoots and discusses issues that arise during the course of the investigation or in matters concerning final disposition of remainsFrequently conducts various administrative duties such as answering phones, completing paperwork, and corresponding by email, fax, etc. with agencies and familiesDocuments and maintains required records and statistics as it pertains to departmental/work group operationsMaintains and updates inquest case files until case is fully closedFrequent meetings and status updates with the Justice of the PeacePrepares and produces management, investigative, or special reportsProvides expert witness testimony for court room presentation of criminal cases as neededEnsures compliance with any or all applicable laws, statutes, and regulationsAttends all meetings and trainings, as requiredPerforms special duties as assignedORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPSReports directly to – County ManagerDirect Reports – NoPHYSICAL DEMANDSPosition involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carryingPosition involves rough terrain, climbing ladders/stairs, entering confined spaces, and traversing tops of buildings/overpassesPosition may involve handling bodies during examination by law enforcementPosition may involve physical force to defend oneself or others from violence from decedent families and bystandersPosition involves viewing disturbing death scenes that may involve teens, children, or infants; position involves maintaining a professional demeanor and composure during highly emotional interactionsENVIRONMENTAL FACTORSWork is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environmentFrequent work in outdoor conditions, including inclement weather (heat, cold, wet conditions)Regular travel between work sites as requiredExposure to decomposed bodies, bodily fluids, extreme odors, hazards and debris (chemicals, biohazards, sharps, etc.)IRREGULAR HOURSSchedule 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 neededMay be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergencyRegular attendance is requiredThe 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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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 POLICYWilliamson 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.