Coordinator of Investigations

**Competition #**: 43948
**Department**: Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
**Location**: DARTMOUTH
**Type of Employment**: Permanent
**Union Status**: NSGEU - NSPG
**Closing Date**: 11-Sep-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service investigates deaths of persons who die from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent good health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility, or in any suspicious or unusual manner. Our service is also responsible for approving cremations.
The Medical Examiner Service serves the people of Nova Scotia by providing impartial, professional, compassionate, and accurate medicolegal death investigation. We serve Nova Scotians by providing compassionate service that meets the highest standards of science. We are committed to educating the next generation of forensic scientists. We collaborate with our partners in health care and health surveillance to prevent deaths.
About Our Opportunity
Our Service is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death in circumstances that are defined in the Fatality Investigations Act, but broadly includes all deaths that are violent, unexpected, or unexplained. The cause of death is the underlying disease or injury responsible for death. The manner reflects the circumstances surrounding the death. If the death is due only to natural disease, then the manner is natural. If injury contributes in any way, then the death is not natural. The group of deaths that are not natural are divided into homicide, suicide, or accidental. If there is insufficient information available, the manner of death may be ruled undetermined.
Primary Accountabilities
As the Coordinator of Investigations (COI) you are responsible for:
conducting a medical legal investigation into the reports of sudden death.
evaluating sudden, unexpected, and/or violent deaths (natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, occupational etc.). This includes receiving notification of a death, obtaining the appropriate information, determining jurisdiction, collaborating with medical examiners and consultants, liaising with law enforcement agencies, and grieving families before and after the investigation.
managing a caseload which includes ensuring that all relevant documents are obtained on cases, that investigations are complete, liaising with the Medical Examiner to answer additional questions, updating families, and discussing final cause and manner of death information with them.
filling the responsibilities of team leader on a rotational basis. This includes compiling an assignment for the other Coordinators, providing direction for junior investigators, maintaining communication between investigative staff, medical examiners, morgue services and support staff.
Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this opportunity, you are a Registered Nurse with a Degree in Nursing or commiserate education, licensed with the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia and have a minimum of five years of recent critical care experience. Recent experience must be within the last three years.
You possess excellent computer skills, in addition to strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal). You can assimilate and analyze a variety of medical/technical data and make decisions quickly when required. In addition, you have strong public relations and counseling skills, and able to use these skills to work with grieving families and stakeholders. You can work both independently and collaboratively while dealing with multiple priorities.
A valid driver's license is required.
We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
Equivalency

**Benefits**:
Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
Working Conditions
- This position requires the ability to lift 35 lbs, to carry a scene bag and camera equipment weighing 10 lbs, to walk up 3 flights of stairs, and to walk on uneven ground in various terrains.
- Involves work under pressure and in stressful, difficult circumstances
- Involves work in a dynamic environment of varying complexity, and continuous change
- Occasional travel may be required within the province with some overnight stays.

Additional Information
This is a permanent, full-time position based in Dartmouth.
Occasional travel within the province for work related meetings may be required.
What We Offer
- Career Development where you have access to car