ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:  14202 - P

JOB TITLE:               Forensic Nurse / Physician Assistant Investigator II

DEPARTMENT:        Medical Examiner's Office

HOURS:                     40 Hours Per Week / Rotating Days/Evenings/Nights/Weekends/Holidays

SALARY:                   Based On Education and Experience

                                    Based On 26 Pay Periods

EDUCATION/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE: For nurse candidate: A licensed Registered Nurse in Texas or eligible for Texas licensure with in 6 months of employment. An ADN from an accredited school of nursing with one year of acute care experience, clinical forensic nursing or death investigation.  Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (either Texas State certification or IAFN certification) is preferred.  For physician assistant candidate:  A BS and graduate from an accredited physician assistant or surgeon assistant training program is required.  One year of post certification clinical experience in emergency/trauma as a Physician Assistant. Previous experience identifying, collecting and documenting evidence in trauma, abuse, or neglect cases is required.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Knowledge of modern death investigation methods and techniques.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Develops organized, concise and accurate death reports in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 49.25.  Responds to death scenes to document and prepare decedent for transport. Conducts preliminary external physical examinations on deceased individuals either at scenes or upon arrival to Harris County Medical Examiners. Takes charge of the remains at the scene, securing transport to the morgue and receiving the decedent at the morgue. Assists autopsy assistants with recovery of remains at death scenes, including moving, lifting heavy bodies. Collects and preserves physical and biological material at the scene to be used as evidence or for further forensic investigation. Maintains chain of custody of remains and evidence associated with the decedent. Reviews medical records for physician consultation and for organ donation requests. Responds to hospitals to document organ donation requests and evaluate condition of the body as requested by pathologists. Evaluates decedents' eyes for pre-autopsy approval recovery in natural deaths. Conducts medical records searches and case management for pathologists. Assists with performing external examinations under the direct supervision of the Chief Medical Examiner of designee.  Assists with the identification of unknown deceased persons. Acts as a liaison between pathologists, investigator division and outside hospitals and physicians. Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Forensic Nurse Investigator, Chief Medical Examiner, or Deputy Chief Medical Examiner or Chief Investigator. Physical requirements includes: Natural ambulation, because of difficult working conditions (i.e. scenes where dexterity is necessary because of the need to manipulate human bodies as a part of the investigation or in loading and unloading remains. Climb stairs, industrial or commercial structures, board ships and to spend whatever time is necessary on one’s feet in investigation or recovering human remains).

EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON PASSING A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK.

POSITION IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.

HARRIS COUNTY HAS AN EMPLOYMENT AT WILL POLICY.

CLOSING DATE:      Open Until Filled

APPLY AT:                1310 PRAIRIE - SUITE 170

UPON RECEIVING A CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT, ALL APPLICANTS ARE SCREENED FOR THE PRESENCE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS.