The Medicolegal Death Investigator supports the County Medical Examiner’s Office in investigating deaths identified as Medical Examiner Cases. Key responsibilities include conducting death scene investigations with law enforcement, pronouncing death, transporting remains without final disposition plans, and arranging storage for remains when needed. Additional duties involve ordering investigative procedures, assisting law enforcement with next of kin notification, coordinating with funeral homes, completing death certificates, authorizing cremation permits, and maintaining accurate case records. This role also investigates deaths under TCA 38-7-103, including mass fatalities and threats to public health or safety. The investigator manages reports in the statewide case management system and compiles an annual summary of reported deaths. Collaboration with other medicolegal investigators and emergency personnel is essential, with occasional support for Emergency Management activities. Job performance is evaluated by the Assistant Director of EMA based on investigative accuracy, compliance with forensic and legal standards, organizational and decision-making skills, and effectiveness in interagency collaboration.

• Conducts thorough and professional medicolegal death investigations, particularly in complex or high-profile cases, and aids forensic pathologists in identifying decedents using visual, circumstantial, or scientific methods.
• Collects and secures evidence at death scenes, including medical history, medications, and psychological state at the time of death; obtains scene photographs; interviews family members, friends, and witnesses to determine cause and manner of death.
• Provides sworn testimony in depositions and criminal or civil court proceedings as required.
• Maintains proper documentation and chain of custody for evidence, clothing, and personal effects of the deceased.
• Assists in autopsy procedures, including external examinations, evidence collection, and documentation under the supervision of the Sevier County Medical Examiner.
• Investigates sudden, unnatural, suspicious, or violent deaths and makes recommendations on jurisdictional authority.
• Serves as a liaison between the Office of the State Chief Medical Examiner, county medical examiners, law enforcement, investigative agencies, families of decedents, and the general public.
• Reviews and authorizes cremation requests, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
• Assists with medicolegal and forensic training, consultation, and education for medical examiners, law enforcement, emergency personnel, funeral homes, legal professionals, and other relevant agencies.
• Supports the collection, review, and maintenance of death reports using a statewide case management system; compiles reports as needed.
• Helps develop, update, and implement standard operating procedures for the Office of the Sevier County Medical Examiner to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Responds to information requests from county medical examiners, forensic pathologists, funeral homes, law enforcement, insurance companies, media, and families, maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Collaborates with public health officials to improve death investigation protocols and data collection for statistical reporting.
• Assists in updating and implementing mass fatality response plans, ensuring necessary supplies and procedures are in place for emergencies or disasters.
• Conducts scene recreations, including re-enactments with dolls, to clarify circumstances of death and gather additional investigative details.
• Attends meetings, workshops, and committees as assigned to stay updated on best practices and evolving forensic methodologies.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Required:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Possession of or ability to obtain prior to hire licensure in the State of Tennessee as one of the following:
  • Diplomat of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
  • Paramedic
  • Registered Nurse
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Physician
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license and to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
• Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered through a licensed physician.

Preferred:

• Associate’s degree in forensic science or another related field
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in forensic science or another related field

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCIES

• Considerable knowledge of forensic death investigation principles, including medical terminology, trauma assessment, common diseases, and proper documentation techniques such as photography.
• Thorough knowledge of Tennessee laws and regulations governing the state medical examiner system, funeral/mortuary procedures, transportation of human remains, organ donation, and indigent disposition policies.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, OSHA safety protocols, universal precautions, and proper evidence handling procedures related to forensic and medical investigations.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, systems, and equipment including computers and software.
• Ability to conduct thorough death scene investigations, gather and analyze evidence objectively, determine jurisdiction, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and objective reports, present findings in legal proceedings, and communicate professionally with law enforcement, forensic professionals, medical personnel, government officials, and the public.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic, maintaining composure under pressure and upholding ethical standards in all responsibilities.
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills to ensure accurate and timely completion of assignments.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both oral and written formats, including preparing reports, presenting findings, and responding to inquiries from officials, emergency personnel, media, and the public.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, interpret various types of instructions, and apply sound judgment in problem-solving.
• Demonstration of a strong work ethic and positive attitude, while maintaining an atmosphere of honesty and integrity.
• Effectiveness in working as part of a team to promote the achievement of individual and group goals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a medium work position requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
• Work requires long periods of standing and walking, as well as frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Work may involve exposure to physically demanding environments such as uneven terrain, confined spaces, or death scenes.
• Work requires the ability to access and navigate various locations, including private residences, medical facilities, law enforcement agencies, and morgues.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to assess auditory details at investigation scenes.
• Visual acuity at a level to include close, color, depth perception, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus, is required for examining evidence, documenting scenes, analyzing data, and determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work assigned, with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Operates in a variety of environments, including office settings, medical facilities, law enforcement agencies, morgues, and outdoor locations with exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Work involves exposure to biohazards, hazardous materials, unpleasant odors, decomposing remains, and potentially stressful or traumatic situations.
• General hours vary and include shift work that may include nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations; extended hours are expected to meet operational needs.
• Travel within the county and occasionally beyond is required; reliable transportation is necessary.