DIRECTOR AND CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER.0051000

Work Locations

MEDICAL EXAMINER - 2355 N STEMMONS FRWY - DALLAS

Organization

Medical Examiner

Brief Description

Plans, directs and supervises the activities of all laboratories and divisions within the Institute of Forensic Sciences, which includes the Office of the Medical Examiner and the Criminal Investigation Laboratory (Physical Evidence, Drug & Environmental Toxicology, Breath Alcohol Testing Supervision). The incumbent leads and directs the strategic planning process for the Institute and assigns special projects and supervisory responsibility to support staff as required. Authorizes grant development and submission. Directs, leads and authorizes the development of special projects, including technical programs and capital projects. Directs the departmental response to proposed legislation and takes or directs actions to make the department's position known to the Commissioners Court. Represents the Institute in Commissioners Court and on various committees and work groups; may serve in various capacities on certain Boards as Director and Chief Medical Examiner. The incumbent must be approved by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and will be a faculty member of the Pathology Department. This position will be required to serve as the primary liaison between the Institute and UTSWMC and must fulfill various academic responsibilities, including directing, performing and coordinating scientific research and publication, teaching, and lectures. This position also functions as a Medical Examiner, and is responsible for all the job duties listed for that position. Management Scope: Direct supervisory authority for five exempt supervisory staff and one non-exempt position, direct training supervision of Pathologists (fellows); general supervision for all other Institute staff (approximately 100 positions). Directs budget development and is responsible for the Institute budget totaling approximately $6.5 million.

Detailed Description

Plans, directs, and supervises all aspects of Institute operations, including:

• Directs and participates in strategic planning process to ensure relevant, accurate scientific services and efficient service delivery;
• Delegates, reviews, participates in and/or approves special projects.
• Directs fiscal operations, including budget development and administration; fee schedule development and administration; and billing and collection process.
• Performs human resource administration functions, including directs and provides general supervision of staff, directs and oversees staff development; conducts employment processes; conducts performance appraisals; directs and approves merit increase administration; and performs disciplinary actions and terminations.
• Ensures departmental compliance with Dallas County policies and procedures and other directives from Commissioners Court. Direct and conduct inquests to determine the cause and manner of death, including:
• Reviews investigation reports provided by Field Agents to establish case jurisdiction and to make initial determination regarding course and scope of inquest.
• Directs and closely supervises activities of support staff assisting with inquest. Performs external examinations and/or autopsies of bodies. Collects specimens and evidentiary materials and requests/performs appropriate analyses to assist with determination of cause and manner of death and related medico-legal issues.
• Prepare written opinion reports regarding case findings, including the interpretation of special analyses requests, and issues death certificate. Provides medical information and consultation services to families of decedents, the legal community and others regarding case findings; provides expert witness testimony in legal proceedings as required. Fulfills academic responsibilities associated with Pathology Department positions, including: direction, coordination and participation in teaching/training medical school students, Pathology residents and fellows; conducts relevant research and publication; and presents forensic pathology lectures to Institute staff, medical students and others. Represents the Institute in Commissioners Court and on various committees and work groups. Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Job Requirements

Education, Experience and Training: Medical degree from an accredited medical school. Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Board certified in anatomic pathology and forensic pathology. Must be approved by University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Knowledge of Dallas County policies and procedures; ability to effectively represent the Institute to the Commissioners Court, Institute clients and others; demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to effectively direct medico-legal and scientific operations; thorough, current knowledge of forensic pathology; thorough knowledge of standard autopsy room protocols; skill in the use of autopsy room equipment such as bone saws, knives and needles; ability to direct support staff activities; ability to develop and present accurate written and verbal medical opinion reports on case findings; excellent knowledge of department policies and procedures; ability to use good safety practices and precautions including the use of personal protective gear. Must reside in Dallas County. Must pass criminal background check. Physical/Environmental Requirements: The primary work area is an autopsy room, with routine, potential exposure to biological and/or chemical hazards. There is routine exposure to odorous specimens and chemicals and graphic visual situations. Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking; lifts, positions, pushes bodies; lifts supplies, equipment; considerable reaching, stooping and bending; death scene attendance may be required; manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient to execute standard protocols.

Additional Details

An extensive pre-employment background investigation will be conducted on all applicants who have been offered a position with Dallas County. The hiring process involves successful completion of each step. The steps include: Criminal History Review, Traffic Violations Record, Review of Personal History Statement and Documents, Physical Examination, and Background Investigation. Dallas County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, National Service Alumni volunteers, and persons with a criminal background are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Salary

412000

Maximum Salary

501000

Currency

US Dollar (USD)