Posting number: TINV2-OSA
Department: - Not in the Classified Service, See Posting
Job classification: X - Job Not in Classified Service
Posting type: Open
Categories: Health Services, Miscellaneous
HOW TO APPLY: Email resume to osajobs@wv.gov
with the job title in the subject line
TEMPORARY INVESTIGATOR 2
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER
WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
LOCATION: KANAWHA COUNTY
SALARY: $41,194 - $71,189 per year
Position Overview
Investigate reported deaths to ensure proper classification under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), maintaining 24/7/365 coverage through the Forensic Investigations Unit (FIU).
Key Responsibilities
Field Operations & Regional Coordination: Under the direction of the Chief Investigator, supervise, assist, and coordinate County Medical Examiners (CoMEs) during death scene investigations. Serve as the central point of contact across all 55 West Virginia counties, liaising directly with law enforcement, first responders, 911 dispatch centers, funeral homes, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice facilities, VA medical centers, and decedent transport vendors.
Case Management & Forensic Reporting: Initiate new cases in the case management database by gathering comprehensive case intelligence, including:
Circumstances surrounding the death and decedent identification
Medical, law enforcement, and first responder records
Social service agency records (e.g., Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services)
Legal next-of-kin details, scene evidence, and personal effects
Synthesize this information into preliminary narratives to accurately classify cases and arm forensic pathologists with vital background context prior to autopsies.
Facility & Evidence Operations: Oversee the 24/7/365 intake and release of decedents and personal property at the OCME facility for authorized funeral homes and transport vendors, maintaining rigorous chain-of-custody protocols at every step.
Pathology Consultation & Leadership: Consult directly with forensic pathologists during case triage, translating findings into actionable guidance and instructions for CoMEs on how to proceed according to specific case requirements.
Training: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Substitution: Experience as described below may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required training.
Experience: Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in law enforcement or investigative work.
Special Requirements: Possession of a valid driver's license and the availability of an automobile is required.
Qualification to possess and use firearms may be required.
