Assistant Chief Deputy (Coroner Department)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Chief Deputy, under the policy direction of the Coroner and direct oversight of the Chief Deputy, will supervise and direct the work activities of the Deputy Investigators, staff, and external contractors. This position is responsible for the enforcement of all Coroner, County, and State Rules and Regulations, acting as chief investigator, and providing back up to the responsibilities of the Chief Deputy.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Exercise supervision over Deputy Investigators or subordinate staff; including the selection and onboarding of new hires, training, planning, and scheduling of workflow, evaluating and managing performance, and disciplining and making recommendations for performance action.
• Respond to the death scene to assist and oversee the investigation process, secure physical scientific, and pathological evidence, transport the body to the morgue, keeping evidence on or accompanying the body intact, including control and disposition of the personal effects of the deceased.
• Takes preserves and identifies body fluids for toxicological examinations including (blood, bile, vitreous, and urine fluids) and transports them to the appropriate laboratory when necessary.
• Perform administrative work as required including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, entering, and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, prepare cremation authorizations, contagious disease letters, and non-contagious disease letters.
• Review death certificates in Electronic Death Reporting System for Pennsylvania Vital Records.
• Collect and report data on the manner of death each month.
• Assist in establishing and/or updating departmental policies and procedures
• Receive and respond to charges of incompetence, disobedience, and dishonesty filed against members of the Coroner’s Staff.
• Maintains Coroner vehicles, scheduled maintenance, and repairs, etc.
• May command force during emergencies, mass deaths or disasters.
• Review all incoming cases and keeps abreast of all case files.
• Review and evaluate reports prepared by subordinate staff.
• Makes notifications of death to next of kin.
• Perform the essential functions of the Deputy Chief Coroner in the absence of the Deputy Chief.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or closely related field. (Or)
• Minimum of three years’ experience in the supervision of law enforcement, fire investigation services, emergency medical technician/paramedic or related fields, or at least three years’ experience in a Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office. (Or)
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must attend mandatory Pennsylvania Coroner’s Education School and successfully pass the required test.
• Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Have a basic knowledge in the related fields, Law Enforcement, Fire Investigation, and Emergency Medical or be willing to become familiar with those fields.
• Ability to thrive in a stressful, fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the facility is required.
• Ability to work a variety of hours. In emergency situations, employee will be expected to be available to work 24-hours a day, without regard for holidays and personal commitments.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing; ability to express compassion and empathy.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of organization and sound judgment.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public and government.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
• Ability to provide training, direction and supervision to staff.
• Ability to withstand odors associated with bodies in varying stages of decay

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While the majority of work is performed in a sedentary position, work also involves standing, walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must have ability to lift and/or move greater than 100 pounds; the employee must have ability to lift human bodies, move heavy objects, bend, kneel, stoop, crawl, and smell. May occasionally wear heavy/hot protective gear (suits, gloves, masks and shoes) and walk up or down steep inclines, go into rivers, lakes, woodland and rocky terrains, crawl into tight spaces, climb trees, etc.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work environment varies. The position involves frequent travel throughout Berks County for investigative purposes as well as periodic overnight travel for training, conferences, and meetings. Must be able to perform duties both outside and inside, in varying conditions including extreme heat, extreme cold, wet and/or humid, etc. Varying environments may require employees to work in highly precarious places, small, confined places, etc. Must be able to attend autopsies, use needles, and syringes, and draw blood, vitreous, bile, and urine samples. May be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, bodily fluids, etc.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $59,295.00 - $82,984.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Reading, PA 19605 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Reading, PA 19605: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person