General Function

Directs the forensic functions of the Medical Examiner's Office to provide proper investigations of deaths and determines accurate cause and manner of death, including evaluation of current and anticipated inquiries for the County.

Representative Duties & Assignments

• Responsible for the investigation or supervision of investigations for all types of death occurring within the district as prescribed by Florida Statute 406.11 and rules of the Department of Law Enforcement/Medical Examiner Commission.
   
• Specifies and defines forensic standards for the Medical Examiner's Office relative to meeting and interpreting Florida Statute 406.11 and establishes forensic policy and procedure to ensure and enforce standardization.
   
• Responsible for the review of all forensic work to ensure quality and consistency of reports necessary for trial and prosecution purposes and ensures that no errors occur in dealing with incarceration and in life and death situations.
   
• Provides expert witness capabilities for all forensic criminal and civil actions associated with cases investigated and any other forensic needs within the County.
   
• Provides investigations liaison and cooperation to all elements of the criminal justice system as requested or necessary at the time of scene investigation, autopsy, and post autopsy conferences and in anticipation of future inquiries and evaluations.
   
• Establishes, evaluates, and monitors policies and operational procedures for handling potentially infectious and lethal autopsy gases, hazardous chemicals and equipment to assure optimal protection of personnel.
   
• Assists Division Manager in providing, maintaining and updating quality evaluation systems for all phases of forensic employee performance to assure high quality, consistent work products and methods of evaluation of forensic employee productivity and effectiveness in meeting established job requirements.
   
• Provides family conferences in person and by telephone to family members of the deceased to increase the level of understanding of causes of death, manner of death and physiologic and psychological mechanisms involved.
   
• Provides educational and informational opportunities through talks and lectures to law enforcement, medical and paramedical groups and other criminal justice and related agencies.
   
• Provides data and statistical information to community agencies, insurance companies, new media, social agencies, educational programs, etc.
   
• Participates in state and national forensic organizations and programs to provide input and gain knowledge in forensic programs and maintains recognition for quality of the County forensic investigation program and medical examiner's services.
   
• Performs other duties of comparable level as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an approved school of medicine and possession of a current license to practice medicine in the State of Florida, as required by the Florida Department of Professional Regulations, and six years experience as an Associate or Deputy Medical Examiner.

Mandatory Special Requirement

Must be board certified in anatomic or anatomic/clinic pathology and in forensic pathology.

Class Code: #4090
Pay Grade: 055
FLSA Status: Exempt