Deputy Coroner Investigator

Duties:

Essential Job Functions

• Responds to death scene assignments. Secures the death scene; makes physical examination of deceased; photographs and performs evaluation of the scene. Identifies the deceased.
• Interviews witnesses, family members, physicians, employers, friends, professionals and others associated with the deceased; compiles statements, documents, related factual evidence, medical records and other records that may be related to the death.
• Facilitates body removals; assists when needed.
• Notifies next of kin of deceased.
• Schedules, coordinates and attends autopsies with pathologist, law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Assists pathologist as needed.
• Writes and compiles reports using obtained information so as to assist the Coroner in determining cause of death.
• Ensures proper release of information to public through press releases and/or media interviews.
• Provides training and education in the field of forensic death investigation to other law enforcement, health agencies, schools, community service agencies and the general public.
• Acts as a liaison with law enforcement personnel, the District Attorney’s Office, funeral directors, hospitals, next of kin and news media.
• Locates collects and preserves evidence; arranges for technical analysis of evidence as appropriate.
• Works with Public Administrator to protect property.
• Writes comprehensive reports of investigations and confers with the Coroner and attorneys regarding cases.
• Assists at Coroner’s inquests; testifies in court; serves subpoenas; advises prosecuting attorneys of facts likely to be presented in testimony.
• Performs basic vehicle maintenance; picks up supplies.
• Performs related work as required.
• Performs other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

General Requirements

• Fills in for other staff as necessary and/or required.
• Attends meetings, classes and trainings as required or requested by supervisor.
• Encouraged to recommend changes to improve procedures that would result in efficiencies, cost savings and safety.
• Communicates actively, clearly and regularly with supervisor and co-workers on all work-related topics.
• Understands, observes and complies with all Governmental, Pueblo County and Departmental policies, procedures and protocols when performing job duties.
• Possesses excellent oral and written skills to communicate effectively.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Pueblo County employees from same or different departments/offices, entities and customers.
• Effectively manages multiple projects at once.
• Effectively deals with stressful situations.
• Easily adapts to sudden and unexpected changes in work assignments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Full Proficiency:

• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations of the work; of practices and procedures of forensic evidence collection.
• Basic anatomy and medical terminology.
• Perform all duties required of American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (A.B.M.D.I.) within the bounds of medicolegal duties.
• Works under high stress and exercises good judgment in crisis situations.
• Exercises discretion and confidentiality in handling case records.
• Utilizes forensic laboratory and photographic equipment.
• Interview techniques.
• Medical terminology and techniques of medico legal death investigation.
• Ability to investigate crimes impartially.
• Communicates effectively with the public.

Requirements:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in a human science field (Human science field such as Biology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Forensic Anthropology, Anatomy and Physiology or related field) and two years of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required.
OR
• Associate’s degree with a concentration in a human science field (Human science field such as Biology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Forensic Anthropology, Anatomy and Physiology or related field) and at least three years of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required.
OR
• High School Diploma or GED equivalency and at least four years of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Valid driver’s license at the time of application and a valid Colorado driver’s license at time of hire required.
• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (A.B.M.D.I.) required.
• Colorado Coroner’s Association (CCA) as a Colorado Death Investigator, preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Must successfully pass background check.
• Department may set special training and education requirements in medico/legal death investigation to meet A.B.M.D.I. requirements.

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