The level I position will perform forensic death investigations to assist in determining the circumstances, jurisdiction, and cause and manner of death, including but not limited to accidents, homicides, suicides, and suspicious deaths. Forensic death investigations include conducting interviews, photographing the scene and body, and gathering and preserving evidence. This position also requires transferring deceased individuals from the death scene to a stretcher and transporting the decedent to the Division of Forensic Science. This work involves significant exposure to unpleasant sights, smells, and sounds, including exposure to disease and hazardous body fluids and gases. Scheduling requires alternating overnight, weekend, and holiday coverage.
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
- Investigates circumstances of death at the scene by questioning police, witnesses, medical personnel, and others present; preserving evidence; photographing the scene and the body.
Determines compliance with medicolegal death investigation laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
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Conducts investigations to gather additional information, such as interviewing relatives of the deceased to ascertain medical history, recent health and other pertinent factors concerning the circumstances surrounding the death; contacts decedent’s physician, hospital personnel, dentists, law enforcement, attorneys, and others who may have pertinent information.
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- Prepares body for transport while preserving body evidence, transports the body to the office, tags and photographs the body in the autopsy room.
- Coordinates with a tissue procurement agency, the forensic pathologist, and relatives of the deceased to facilitate anatomical gifts.
- Prepares various investigative reports of findings to include statistical data, body condition, body receipts, personal effects receipts, and other forms associated with the disposition of the body.
- Participates in mass fatality preparedness and drills.
- Uses a Laboratory Information Management Database System to provide data for drug overdose deaths to the Department of Public Health, Federal DPA, and other agencies.
- Assists in the conduct of autopsies by labeling specimen containers, opening and suturing the body, and cleaning the area and instruments; and taking x-rays of bodies.
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Forensic Investigator I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
- Six months experience in conducting investigations such as conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, preserving evidence and documenting findings.
- Six months experience in determining compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies or procedures.
- Six months experience in narrative report writing.
- Knowledge of forensic, medical, and legal terminology.
- Knowledge of digital photographic techniques and photographic equipment such as cameras, flash, tripod and related equipment.
- Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
This is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.
The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
As a Condition of Hire, a satisfactory background check (including a fingerprint-based background check administered by the Delaware State Police) is required. The selected candidate will be required to submit a buccal swab for DNA upon employment and subject to randomized drug testing during the term of their employment.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email [email protected].
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
