Family Outreach Specialist, Medical Examiners Office (Part Time)

The Utah DHHS Office of the Medical Examiner seeks to hire a Family Outreach Specialists. This part-time employees engage with recently bereaved families to better understand the circumstances that precede a suicide and/or drug related death. Candidates must have strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and be able to successfully navigate individuals experiencing strong emotions. Additionally, employees assist with mortality surveillance activities, research coordination, basic data management and analysis, and bereavement outreach. Family Outreach Specialists are key team members at the Office of the Medical Examiner. 

Candidates must be able to work in person at the Office of the Medical Examiner in Taylorsville, Utah for the majority of their work hours. After the completion of training, some remote work may be possible. This position will be part-time and not be eligible for benefits. 

Why You Should Join Our Team

This is an opportunity to to be part of a dynamic team and positively impact your community by dedicating your skills and passion to serving the state of Utah. 

The Agency 

To learn more about the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Medical Examiner, click here.  If offered this position, your continued employment will be contingent upon passing a fingerprint background check.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts interviews with recently bereaved informants, such as family members, friends, and acquaintances.
• Collects data and reviews research materials, determines accuracy and validity of sources and appropriateness for use.
• Designs, develops, and conducts a variety of research projects; determines appropriate methodologies, information sources, sampling strategies, and data-collection tools, etc.
• Performs research activities by utilizing computer software to obtain and analyze data.
• Writes or drafts technical reports, articles or related material based on research, investigation or analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• has experience conducting interviews on sensitive topics;
• has professional experience working with individuals or groups of people who are in distress;
• has some experience with REDCap or other database management;
• has a basic understanding of epidemiology and public health;
• is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Minimum Qualifications:

• have experience conducting interviews or experience in customer service;
• have completed an undergraduate level research methods course in a social science;
• be comfortable talking about sensitive topics, including suicide, drug overdose, bereavement, and other traumatic life experiences;
• be proficient in basic spreadsheet functions;
• be able to sit for two to three hours at a time;
• be self-motivated and work independently;
• be a clear communicator in writing and in virtual settings, including phone conversations; and be detail oriented.

Qualifications:

(includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Actively looking for ways to help people.

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Supplemental Information:

• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.