Under administrative direction provides leadership and directs the functions of the Medical Examiner’s Office to include autopsies, external examinations, and medical record reviews; develops policies and protocols; and coordinates administrative activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Chief Medical Examiner is a single position, at-will class that is exempt from the San Joaquin County Civil Service system. As described in County Ordinance Title 2, Division 2, Chapter 15, the incumbent serves as the legally designated County Medical Examiner, appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Chief Medical Examiner is responsible for all operational activities and medical decisions made in the Medical Examiner's Office and reports administratively to the Assistant Director of Health Care Services. The Chief Medical Examiner is a Forensic Pathologist responsible for cause and manner of death determinations, wound interpretations, autopsy strategies, test selections, and evidence collection. This class supervises County and/or contracted staff.
Positions in this class are distinguished from other Physician classes and medical specialties in that this class requires specific training, experience, and board certification in the forensic pathology specialty, to include the performance of duties associated with the medicolegal investigation of death or injuries. This class differs from Medical Examiner Operations Administrator in that the former provides technical and medical direction and serves as the executive manager, while the latter serves as an administrative extension of the Chief Medical Examiner's authority.
TYPICAL DUTIES
This specification is a general guideline for the class. The statements below are not restrictive, and the responsibilities and duties assigned to a position in this class require the full time focus of the incumbent and may expand beyond those identified in this specification.
Plans, organizes, directs, and leads the activities and operations of the Medical Examiner's Office to include independent, objective and timely medical, investigative, administrative and custodial functions.
Develops and implements policies and procedures for forensic autopsies and assists with overall Medical Examiner death investigation policies and procedures; obtains/maintains national accreditation.
Directs postmortem pathological examinations and medical investigations; performs examinations and review of records of all cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner and certifies deaths.
Interprets reports prepared by Medical Examiner staff, contracted pathologists, physicians and toxicologists.
Serves as an expert medical witness; may testify in court and/or to the Grand Jury.
Directs and ensures chain of custody and the preservation of physical and medical evidence are in accordance with policy, professional standards and State regulations.
Provides advisory and consultative services to Agency staff, various governmental bodies, law enforcement agencies and to health service professionals.
Supervises the operation of the County Morgue; assigns, directs, and reviews the work of subordinate staff; ensures effective management and leadership of morgue facility and staff.
Keeps abreast of new and improved methods in forensic pathology and medicine and informs and instructs professional and technical staff in such methods.
Issues official statements and confers with news media concerning Medical Examiner cases.
May assist the Medical Examiner Operations Administrator with administrative work assignments.
Performs related or other work as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
License: Possession of an unrestricted physician and surgeon license to practice medicine in the State of California issued by the Medical Board of California, at the time of appointment.
Certification: Board Certification issued by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic/Clinical Pathology; AND Certification by the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Experience: Four years of experience in Forensic Pathology, two years of which include working an administrative capacity or leadership role in a Coroner's Office, Medical Examiner's Office or a hospital.
KNOWLEDGE
Statutes, ordinances, policies and regulations governing the operations of the Medical Examiner; procedures, techniques, and equipment utilized in forensic medicine, including medico-legal autopsy, forensic toxicology, ballistics/firearm examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic anthropology, DNA technology and interpretation of histology and clinical chemistry necessary to determine the circumstances, cause, manner, and time of death; forensic evidence collection techniques and procedures; applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents and government regulations; rules and regulations applicable to court testimony; principles and practices of administrative planning, organization, and directing; principles and practices of employee supervision and training; principles and practices of research, statistical analysis, record keeping and report preparation; basic computer and modern office automation technology and pertinent software programs; principles of public relations.
ABILITY
Perform highly skilled post-mortem examinations; review and evaluate complex investigations, autopsy reports, evidence discovered at death scenes and other specific findings to establish the cause of death; compose and articulate findings in autopsy reports, court proceedings and to various investigative staff and families; interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; establish and maintain effective work relationships with members of the legal profession, public, staff and governmental agencies; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; testify clearly and concisely at public hearings, courts of law, and before the Grand Jury in a professional, neutral, and convincing manner; operate basic computer hardware and software.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility – standing or sitting for long periods, walking; occasional pushing, pulling, bending; operate a data entry device; Lifting – frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 75lbs; occasional lifting/turning of heavy objects or people; Visual – constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Hearing/Talking – frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person; Dexterity – normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motion; Emotional/Psychological – constant concentration and public contact; occasional exposure to hazardous materials, frequent exposure to emergency situations, including trauma, grief and death, decision making; Special Requirements – may require working nights and weekends; Environmental – occasional exposure to noise, cold/heat, and hazardous materials, dirt, dust, smoke, fumes and poor ventilation; occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Notify Me when a Job Opens for the above position(s)