OCME Planning & Research Associate I
OCME Planning & Research Associate I
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Job Description
OCME Planning & Research Associate I
Office of Chief Medical Examiner
Opening Date: June 2 2025
Closing Date: June 16 2025
Job Class Code: 0030
Grade: 20
Salary: $43014.40 - $60070.40
Bargaining Unit: Pro-Tech
Position #
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is a relatively small agency (12 full-time people) under the administrative umbrella of the Department of the Attorney General and is unique with its varied and complex mission that is concerned with all aspects of death and final dispositions of deceased bodies. The office daily processes the details surrounding the deaths of individuals by collecting histories scene photos suicide notes and many personal effects often under less-than-ideal circumstances. All employees of the OCME must be able to function under conditions that are often psychologically extreme. The post-mortem states of bodies may often be offensive to ones physical or emotional senses.
Information on the Office of the Attorney General
Information on the Office of Chief Medical Examiner
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This position is designated as OCME Administrative Support Staff and will perform clerical work to assist the Chief Medical Examiner Deputy Chief Medical Examiner and field Medical Examiners in the investigations of deaths under OCME jurisdiction. Work hours are 7:30am 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Work is performed under limited supervision and may be emotionally or psychologically stressful at times.
The position is responsible for obtaining all pertinent information including demographics location and pertinent circumstances when a death is reported by phone then assess all information and circumstances to assist with the determination of jurisdiction and all aspects of the administrative investigative process. The daily office duties of this position include but are not limited to: answering the phone and assisting callers as necessary responding to emails requesting and reviewing medical records reviewing case details for accuracy and accessing and filing electronic photographs of all Medical Examiner cases. There are no laboratory or body processing duties associated with this position.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:
Gather all pertinent information regarding a reported death. Including but not limited to: name date of birth home address circumstances of death medical history and next of kin contact information.
Make determinations for a case category: autopsy examination paper review jurisdiction declined or released back to primary care physician.
Decide when notification to the Chief or Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Medicolegal Death Investigators Administrator field Medical Examiners Attorney General Investigators police personnel and others is necessary for priority cases and immediate actions.
Decide whether a body needs to be brought to the OCME for autopsy and arrange timely transportation.
Decide what further information is needed from reporting law enforcement agencies hospitals or primary care physicians for a case determination.
Assist outside certifying physicians with appropriate wording for a cause and manner of death to list on death certificates submitted for cremation release.
Select and dispatch appropriate field Medical Examiners to investigate medical examiner cases.
Determine what official documents reports or medical records are needed for case investigation and obtain them.
Discuss reported deaths with outside certifying physicians or hospital personnel to discuss decedent medical information and obtain laboratory samples.
Talk with grieving families about autopsy findings answer their questions and follow up as needed.
Act as a liaison between the OCME and police departments or funeral homes.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of basic human anatomy physiology and pathology and medical terminology
Knowledge of basic law enforcement investigative techniques and resources
Ability to read and interpret law enforcement and medical records
Ability to read and interpret medical examiner reports and toxicology findings and convey that information to surviving family members
Ability to process and document graphic case details and photographs
Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with distraught family members
Ability to communicate tactfully and efficiently with the internal and external personnel to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to keep sensitive information confidential to ensure proper respect for privacy
Ability to request medical records as needed from various medical providers
Ability to effectively resolve case-specific problems through troubleshooting
Ability to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and making quick decisions
Ability to assist the Chief Medical Examiner Deputy Chief Medical Examiner and Administrator upon request with special assignments
Ability to prioritize coordinate and integrate work objectives among several projects and operational units while maintaining timelines and schedules (i.e. multitask)
Ability to be available 24/7 in the event of a mass disaster state emergency or office crises
Ability to multi-task especially when covering for co-workers absences
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A six (6) year combination of relevant education training and/or experience providing knowledge of the principles of research and planning.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you are interested in applying for this position prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that you believe will make you a strong candidate. Please include examples of the required knowledge skills and abilities described above.
Include resume the names and contact information of three references including at least one work related reference and complete the online direct hire application.
The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service faxing malfunctions or electronic transmission malfunctions.
Please direct all questions via email to Lindsey Chasteen OCME Office Administrator or at .
BENEFITS:
No matter where you work across Maine state government you find employees who embody our state mottoDirigo or I leadas they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforces health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package including:
- Work-Life Balance Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays12 days of sick leave and3 weeks of vacation leaveVacation leave accrual increases with years of service and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($10523.28 - $12380.40 annual value) depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
- Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
- Retirement Plan The State of Maine contributes13.29%of payto the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information visit theFederal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a childincluding fathers and adoptive parentsreceivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional unpaid leave may also be available under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.
- Learn about additional wellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness.
Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
