Death Investigation Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is looking for a qualified candidate to fill the position of a Deputy Medical Examiner. The pay range for this position is $201,120 to $281,520 annually, based on relevant experience

This position will serve as a Deputy Coroner and Deputy Medical Examiner and will serve as second in command to the Chief Medical Examiner.  In the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner or in partnership with the Chief Medical Examiner, the Deputy will review information submitted regarding deaths in Johnson County and will determine whether an autopsy is required. The Deputy will conduct autopsies required, assure appropriate testing or specialty reviews, document cause and manner of death by thorough documentation and perform other responsibilities of the Chief Medical Examiner in the absence of that individual. This position will be on-call bi-weekly to provide guidance to the medicolegal death investigators; review and approve cremation permits; review and approve decline cases within a 24-hour period in accordance with NAME standards. This position will also manage the Forensic Autopsy Technicians and manage the student interns. This position is located at the Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office, 11894 S. Sunset Dr., Olathe, KS 66061.

This position will remain open until filled.

Other duties include:

• Performs external examinations and autopsies and prepares reports of findings; examines microscopic and toxicological studies; reviews CT and x-ray imaging; determines the cause and manner of death of individuals under MEO jurisdiction; reviews and approves cremation permits; completes the certification of death; reviews and approves decline cases within a 24-hour period as required by NAME accreditation standards; collects and preserves the chain of evidence; provides expert testimony in legal proceedings or hearings; is on-call as scheduled to address questions of the medicolegal death investigators.
• Communicates findings and interpretations of autopsy findings to law enforcement agencies, lawyers, physicians, other professionals and members of decedents’ families; as needed, attends scene investigations with MEO death investigators to obtain additional data.
• Manages Forensic Autopsy Technicians by assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of employees; monitors for adherence of relevant federal, state, and local laws as well as professional standards and guidelines; ensures compliance with all applicable health and safety standards and good laboratory practices; updates and/or develops the skills of the employees by developing, providing, or procuring training; motivates and counsels the employees; oversees autopsy staff scheduling and conducts formal performance evaluations; provides guidance and leadership in constant improvement activities related to forensic autopsies.
• Serves as education coordinator for student interns, medical students, residents, and/or pathology assistant students to foster education in forensic pathology. Help students develop topics for presentation and submissions for publications. Complete end of rotation evaluations.
• Represents the Medical Examiner's Office by attending and presenting at public and governmental meetings or conferences; provides technical education, guidance, and consultation to the department, the community and other agencies. Uses the knowledge obtained in examinations to promote education and research into the key public health problems facing the public, such as gun violence, drug overdose, suicide, etc.; May participate in the State Child Death Review Board as a subject matter expert.
• Performs duties of the coroner in accordance with provisions of K.S.A. 22a-226, et seq. and amendments thereto, in the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner/Coroner. Performs the administrative and personnel responsibilities in the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner. 
• Develops, authors, and/or updates divisional policies, procedures, and mass fatality plans by reviewing and analyzing policies, procedures, and legislation; prepares and presents recommended changes in operations and policies.
• Embraces Johnson County's Pillars of Performance and in partnership with the Chief Medical Examiner builds a culture that is congruent with county values and a high-performing organization; participates in short- and long-term strategic planning initiatives and related goals and objectives in conjunction with Department of Health & Environment's (DHE) departmental strategic plan; builds relationships with Funeral Homes, Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement agencies and other relevant community partners essential to the function and operation of the Medical Examiner Office and participates with and supports Metro partners in building response plans related to Mass Fatalities.

Minimum Requirements

Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy and board certification in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology; Board eligible or Board certified in Forensic Pathology; if Board eligible for Forensic Pathology, Board certification must be obtained within one year of start of employment. 

Successful completion of an Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology residency and Forensic Pathology fellowship from an accredited institution; Active non-exempt license to practice medicine in State of Kansas must be obtained prior to first day of employment is also required. 

Must provide TB status and current Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, and Varicella immunization status and/or vaccination records prior to employment or obtain within six months.

Preferred Qualifications 

Two years leading, directing, supervising, or coordinating the work of others.

Experience training forensic fellows and pathology residents in autopsy pathology as well as experience teaching medical students, and evidence of scholarly productivity.

Experince using Medical Examiner Software (Forensic Advantage).