NC Department of Health and Human Services
Associate Chief Medical Examiner
NC Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
About Us
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.
Agency Dept of Health and Human Services
Division Public Health
Job Classification Title Forensic Pathologist (NS)
Position Number 65036230
Grade MH28
Description Of Work The Associate Chief Medical Examiner provides advanced professional forensic pathology services within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This position performs medicolegal autopsies, reviews non‑central office medical examiner cases, and certifies cause and manner of death in accordance with state statutes and established protocols. Responsibilities include interpreting autopsy findings, consulting with law enforcement and medical professionals, and ensuring accuracy and completeness of official reports. The role also involves providing instruction in forensic pathology to medical trainees and professional audiences. Work is performed in a high‑volume, specialized environment requiring precision and adherence to legal and scientific standards.
Key Duties Include
Perform approximately 200–250 medicolegal autopsies annually and prepare comprehensive written reports of findings.
Review histologic slides, toxicology results, and medical records to finalize cause and manner of death determinations.
Certify death investigations and ensure compliance with statutory and procedural requirements for official records.
Consult with law enforcement, attorneys, and medical professionals regarding autopsy findings and interpretations.
Provide expert instruction in forensic pathology to fellows, residents, medical students, and allied health professionals.
Review and approve investigation and autopsy reports from local medical examiners and regional pathologists for accuracy and completeness.
Serve as senior attending pathologist for autopsies performed by trainees, ensuring quality and adherence to protocols.
Communicate findings to families, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in a clear and professional manner.
Participate in quality control processes to maintain consistency and reliability of medicolegal documentation.
Utilize specialized laboratory equipment and instruments to conduct examinations and maintain operational standards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $188,350.00 - $376,701.00
Recruitment Range: $188,350.00 - $243,935.00
Expert-level experience performing medicolegal autopsies using specialized pathology instruments and techniques, ensuring accurate documentation and interpretation of findings.
Demonstrated proficiency in reviewing histologic slides and toxicology reports to finalize cause and manner of death determinations with precision and consistency.
Skilled in preparing comprehensive autopsy reports and case reviews using digital case management systems, maintaining accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
Proven ability to consult with law enforcement and legal professionals on forensic findings, providing clear, evidence‑based interpretations in complex cases.
Advanced capability in mentoring and instructing medical trainees in forensic pathology procedures, utilizing structured training protocols and performance evaluation tools.
Physical Requirements Must be able to stand for long periods of time; use upper body strength to conduct dissections on human remains.
About The NC Division Of Public Health The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.
About The Office Of The Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) leads the North Carolina Medical Examiner System, a statewide network of physicians and health professionals responsible for investigating deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or occur under suspicious or violent circumstances. OCME ensures that these deaths are thoroughly and scientifically evaluated to support justice, public safety, and public health. Learn more at
ocme.dhhs.nc.gov .
Located in a state‑of‑the‑art facility in Raleigh, OCME offers modern workspace, convenient access to major highways and universities, and amenities including on‑site wellness resources, professional development programs, and staff recognition initiatives.
Compensation And Benefits The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high‑quality, low‑cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits.
Supplemental Contact Information The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS:
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ .
DHHS uses the Merit‑Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.
Application Process
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at
https://www.naces.org/members .
Veterans’ and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD‑214 Member‑4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Contact Information If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at
talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov .
Minimum Education And Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Eligible to obtain license to practice medicine in the state of
North Carolina , board
eligible/certified
in Anatomic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology, and board eligible/certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology.
EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter Yvette Jones
Email talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Agency Dept of Health and Human Services
Division Public Health
Job Classification Title Forensic Pathologist (NS)
Position Number 65036230
Grade MH28
Description Of Work The Associate Chief Medical Examiner provides advanced professional forensic pathology services within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This position performs medicolegal autopsies, reviews non‑central office medical examiner cases, and certifies cause and manner of death in accordance with state statutes and established protocols. Responsibilities include interpreting autopsy findings, consulting with law enforcement and medical professionals, and ensuring accuracy and completeness of official reports. The role also involves providing instruction in forensic pathology to medical trainees and professional audiences. Work is performed in a high‑volume, specialized environment requiring precision and adherence to legal and scientific standards.
Key Duties Include
Perform approximately 200–250 medicolegal autopsies annually and prepare comprehensive written reports of findings.
Review histologic slides, toxicology results, and medical records to finalize cause and manner of death determinations.
Certify death investigations and ensure compliance with statutory and procedural requirements for official records.
Consult with law enforcement, attorneys, and medical professionals regarding autopsy findings and interpretations.
Provide expert instruction in forensic pathology to fellows, residents, medical students, and allied health professionals.
Review and approve investigation and autopsy reports from local medical examiners and regional pathologists for accuracy and completeness.
Serve as senior attending pathologist for autopsies performed by trainees, ensuring quality and adherence to protocols.
Communicate findings to families, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in a clear and professional manner.
Participate in quality control processes to maintain consistency and reliability of medicolegal documentation.
Utilize specialized laboratory equipment and instruments to conduct examinations and maintain operational standards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $188,350.00 - $376,701.00
Recruitment Range: $188,350.00 - $243,935.00
Expert-level experience performing medicolegal autopsies using specialized pathology instruments and techniques, ensuring accurate documentation and interpretation of findings.
Demonstrated proficiency in reviewing histologic slides and toxicology reports to finalize cause and manner of death determinations with precision and consistency.
Skilled in preparing comprehensive autopsy reports and case reviews using digital case management systems, maintaining accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
Proven ability to consult with law enforcement and legal professionals on forensic findings, providing clear, evidence‑based interpretations in complex cases.
Advanced capability in mentoring and instructing medical trainees in forensic pathology procedures, utilizing structured training protocols and performance evaluation tools.
Physical Requirements Must be able to stand for long periods of time; use upper body strength to conduct dissections on human remains.
About The NC Division Of Public Health The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.
About The Office Of The Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) leads the North Carolina Medical Examiner System, a statewide network of physicians and health professionals responsible for investigating deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or occur under suspicious or violent circumstances. OCME ensures that these deaths are thoroughly and scientifically evaluated to support justice, public safety, and public health. Learn more at
ocme.dhhs.nc.gov .
Located in a state‑of‑the‑art facility in Raleigh, OCME offers modern workspace, convenient access to major highways and universities, and amenities including on‑site wellness resources, professional development programs, and staff recognition initiatives.
Compensation And Benefits The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high‑quality, low‑cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits.
Supplemental Contact Information The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS:
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ .
DHHS uses the Merit‑Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.
Application Process
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at
https://www.naces.org/members .
Veterans’ and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD‑214 Member‑4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Contact Information If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at
talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov .
Minimum Education And Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Eligible to obtain license to practice medicine in the state of
North Carolina , board
eligible/certified
in Anatomic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology, and board eligible/certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology.
EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter Yvette Jones
Email talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov
#J-18808-Ljbffr