Deputy Coroner Trainee

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Conducts medicolegal death investigations which includes, but is not limited to, examining bodies and death scenes, taking photographs, recording observations, gathering fingerprints, interviewing witnesses, collecting and preserving evidence and personal effects, participating in aspects of the forensic medical examination process; reviewing forensic evidence; conferring with legal staff regarding case development and required forensic investigative support, and testifies in court by citing involvement in a particular case, including findings, actions performed and maintenance of chain of custody.
• Responds to calls from hospitals, nursing homes, citizens, law enforcement agencies or other sources to determine probable cause and manner of death and necessity for autopsy or further examination.
• Analyzes collected evidence and personal effects, examines, and interprets medical records, interviews family members, neighbors, medical personnel, witnesses, public agency staff and others who had contact with or knowledge of the deceased, to establish identity and history of the deceased.
• Searches for, locates, and notifies next-of-kin or responsible party to communicate circumstances of death; conducts legal and other required procedures and arranges for the subsequent examination and disposition of remains, as well as personal effects.
• Completes Record of Death and other forms as required, by writing abstract of medical history and narrative report detailing circumstances of death, findings and action taken, to be used to brief the pathologist prior to autopsy and to be included in case file.
• Schedules autopsies and medical examinations; works closely & collaborates with neighboring agencies to ensure compliance with case referral standards, including completion of all case referral forms, providing scene photos, first blood draw, and ensures chain-of-custody related to the body and other evidentiary items.
• Demonstrates flexibility and knowledge to adapt to the varying information and needs that are required on a case-by-case basis.
• Trains physicians, nurses, medical students, paramedics, law enforcement personnel, and Deputy Coroner Trainees in different aspects of death scene investigation.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the division's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending, and implementing improved policies and procedures.
• Prepares reports, correspondence, and a variety of written materials, prepares and maintains accurate records and documentation of activities.
• Uses standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and City staff and acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Complies with all policies and procedures contained in the Death Investigations Coroner’s Manual.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and Sheriff’s Office information.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Typical Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree, preferably an Associates of Science, AND two (2) years of experience in a medical occupation or law enforcement OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid driver’s license

PREFERED LICENSE

• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) registry certificate is preferred at time of hire or must be obtained once eligible.
• Must complete Deputy Coroner training and demonstrate competency.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Principles of chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, and related physical sciences.
• Criminal investigative techniques and procedures, including protocols for handling and preserving evidence.
• Human anatomy and physiology, and postmortem changes in the body.
• External evidence of disease therapy and the associated diagnoses.
• Current methods and techniques to prevent the spread of infectious and contagious disease.
• Grief counseling techniques.
• Terms and acronyms commonly used in legal, medical, pharmacology, and diagnostic procedures.
• Able to operate a computer and standard office equipment and familiarity with information management systems and software programs used in the workplace.
• Principles and regulations related to criminal or forensic investigative and service functions.
• Procedures for the collection, identification, and storage of evidence.
• Record management principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

Skill in:

• Recognizing aspects of human anatomy and physiology related to identification of human and non-human remains and cause of death.
• Accurately observing, recording, and recalling information.
• Exercising sound judgment and making appropriate decisions under adverse circumstances.
• Analyzing information and situations and arriving at logical conclusions.
• Exercising emotional control.
• Interacting considerately with next-of-kin, witnesses, hospital personnel and others involved in death investigations.
• Overseeing and conducting complex criminal investigations or forensic medical examination process.
• Documenting findings and writing thorough and factual narrative reports.
• Communicating verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
• Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Using tact, discretion, and prudence in dealing with those contacted in the course of the work; dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

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