Deputy Chief Investigator

Send resumes with at least three (3) professional references to Chief Investigator John Copeland at [email protected]

Deputy Chief Investigator – Role and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Chief Investigator, the DCMDI will:

• Assist with supervising, mentoring, and supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators (MDIs), fostering a professional, accountable, and collaborative team environment.
• Review casework for accuracy, completeness, and procedural compliance; direct corrections and monitor prompt resolution.
• Provide ongoing training on investigative protocols, documentation standards, legal statutes, and operational best practices.
• Ensure effective communication between Investigations and other MEO departments.
• Coordinate with the on-call physician for investigative needs.
• Conduct monthly quality assurance audits; submit reports to the Chief Investigator with identified trends and recommendations.
• Participate in formal performance evaluations; track investigator progress, certifications (ABMDI), continuing education, and competencies. Maintain detailed training and credential logs.
• Ensure ABMDI-certified staff maintain active certification; support candidates in achieving ABMDI status within required timelines.
• Create and manage investigator schedules, including on-call rotations and task assignments; adjust for staffing changes or callouts.
• Provide on-call coverage and operational support as directed to ensure continuous coverage.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of investigator timecards.
• Assist in revising and enforcing SOPs.
• Maintain consistent communication with the Chief Investigator, Director of Operations, and Chief Medical Examiner regarding operational issues or concerns.
• Assist in mass fatality response preparedness.
• Perform full MDI duties when needed to maintain operational continuity.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned by the Chief Investigator, Director of Operations, or Chief Medical Examiner.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience as an MDI in a Medical Examiner or Coroner’s Office.
• Bachelor’s degree

or

equivalent combination of education and MDI experience.

• Current Florida driver’s license (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
• Current ABMDI–Diplomate certification.
• Ability to obtain ABMDI–Fellow certification within one (1) year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

:

• Two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) with Medical Spanish certification (eligible for pay differential).
• At least five (5) years of experience as an MDI in a Medical Examiner or Coroner’s Office.
• Current ABMDI–Fellow certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of medical terminology, cause-of-death classifications, disease processes, injury mechanisms, and the identification, effects, and potential interactions of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, illicit substances, and other toxic agents as they apply to medicolegal death investigations.
• Thorough understanding of medicolegal death investigation principles, protocols, and best practices, including the application of Florida Statutes (F.S. 406) and relevant case law in investigative decision-making.
• Ability to lead and direct Medicolegal Death Investigators, delegate assignments, and provide constructive feedback while ensuring adherence to investigative protocols and chain-of-command requirements.
• Proficiency in evaluating investigative findings, interpreting scene evidence, and reviewing autopsy documentation to verify case accuracy and completeness.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with investigators, medical staff, law enforcement, and other agencies in a professional manner.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Reliable transportation with insurance.
• Valid Florida driver’s license (upon hire).
• ABMDI Board Certification (within one year if not already obtained).

Physical Demands:

• Acceptable vision and hearing for investigative duties.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; navigate stairs; repeatedly enter/exit vehicles.
• Ability to assist with moving decedents (average 180–200 lbs.).
• Full hand, arm, and grip strength for investigative tasks.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work in hazardous or high-stress environments, including under fatigue.
• Willingness to wear personal protective equipment.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis.
• This is an

essential position

—must report during emergencies (e.g., hurricanes) and mass fatality incidents.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off, 12 paid holidays, and paid clothing allowance.
• Shared take-home agency vehicle for on-call shifts.
• Employer-provided equipment, work cell phone, and laptop.
• Opportunities to attend educational conferences.