Forensic Evidence Technician I

The principal function of an employee in this class is to assist with the handling and management of forensic evidence and the operation and management of the forensic evidence room.  Employee MAY be sworn in as a Deputy Coroner after successful probationary period to be able to conduct essential functions which are only allowed to Deputy Coroner’s per the S.C. Code of Laws. 

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $42,432 to $55,598 (Estimated Annual Salary)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

• Receives various types of evidence and property such as money, jewelry, documents, drugs, weapons, DNA evidence, biological evidence, and other items, collected and taken into custody by the Coroner’s Office and ensures that it is submitted, packaged, labeled, and stored appropriately ensuring chain of custody.
• Stores and records evidence and property to ensure all property and evidence is preserved and accounted for and documented according to local, state, federal regulations and laws and national standards. 
• Assists with the release of all property and/or evidence, completes necessary documentation to return proper to legal next of kin, law enforcement or other representative as indicated. 
• Performs digital forensic photography as indicated and uploads photographic evidence to the case management system. 
• Maintains the evidence room in a clean and orderly manner; cleans and sterilizes equipment, checks for adequate supplies, proper ventilation, and condition of equipment; maintains safety and decorum of facility; completes logs and reports as directed.
• Upon Deputy Coroner appointment will conduct forensic fingerprint services utilizing digital scanning equipment and conduct cremation authorization as indicated. 
• Assist with the transfer of evidence to and from autopsy facilities and law enforcement facilities to forensic labs as indicated. 
• Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Work efficiently and safely with little direct supervision
• Interacts effectively, professionally, tactfully with the public and all participating agencies. 
• Show initiative to seek other work upon completion of a task. 
• Perform work in a safe manner complying with all applicable safety rules, regulations and procedures while protecting self and all others from injury.                                                 
• Respond positively to a work environment that will change day-to-day, requiring quick departure from and re-organization of one’s schedule.                                      
• Safeguard confidential information and use it or disclose it only as expressly authorized or specifically required while performing specific job duties.
• Attentive to the County’s standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all County policies and procedures ensuring that all work performed, and all staff members meet those standards while exhibiting consistent treatment of all staff. 
• Acknowledge and accept the Department’s mission, respect the Department’s confidentiality regulations, and maintain the integrity of the department.             

• High School Diploma or GED required. Associate Degree from an accredited institution in Criminal Justice or Health Care preferred.
• One or more years of experience in healthcare or law enforcement; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work; and
• Possession of a valid State Driver’s License indicating a clean DMV record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively with medical and law-enforcement personnel, funeral directors, and the public.
• Vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee operate photographic equipment to investigate, identify, preserve, and maintain evidence.
• Manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate computers and other general office equipment.
• Personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a vehicle, lift heavy objects, and to easily move about in a way that will not disturb evidence.
• Able to stand for extended amounts of time in different conditions.
• Able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Able to perform all essential functions of the position while wearing required protective equipment. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Employee may be exposed to health and environmental hazards. 
• Position requires travel within and outside of the County which imposes common travel hazards.
• Manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to operate tools  

             continuously, to lift and carry a wide variety of supplies, equipment, and bodies. 

• Standard work hours must be flexible, may include days, evenings, overnights, and weekends.  May be greater than 40 hours per week and may be called to report to duty at any time.
• Work is performed inside and outside. Exposure to cold, heat and elements of weather and nature may be encountered.
• There is no residency requirement for this position