Deputy Coroner - Part Time

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under the direction of the Coroner and Chief Deputy Coroner, the Deputy Coroner, also sometimes referred to as a Medical Legal Death Investigator, represents an essential component of the multidisciplinary investigation of sudden and unexpected deaths.  The Deputy Coroner is expected to investigate all jurisdictional and referred deaths that occur within the geographic boundaries of Northampton County.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Chief Deputy Coroner and the Coroner.
    
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees.  
     
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Travels to the scene of homicides, suicides, accidental, questionable, and or unattended deaths as required, on behalf of the office of the Coroner, in accordance with established call schedule.  

Conducts a systematic scene investigation, to assist with determining the cause and manner of death.  Understands the difference between jurisdictional and referral case death investigations and the responsibilities that each requires.  

Takes custody of the remains in accordance with the prescribed protocol and procedure.  Performs initial on scene examination of the remains, takes photographs and collects information relevant or related to the cause and manner of death.  Conducts external examination of bodies and collects body fluids for the purposes of toxicology testing as may be required in individual cases.  

Conducts joint investigations with law enforcement agencies and in conjunction with County, State and Federal Agencies, to assist in determining the cause and manner of death.  Collects data and prepares reports on death investigations in accordance with pre-established policies and procedures ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.

Conducts follow up investigations that may be assigned.  Practices appropriate safety, environmental and infectious control methods.  Establishes the identity of the deceased individual and notifies the legal next of kin in accordance with established policies and procedures.  Oversees and assists with the removal of remains to the attending funeral director and/or morgue facility for the purposes of a forensic examination.  

Occasionally attends and provides evidence/testimony at pre-trial and/or court hearings, as may be required in individual cases.  

In the absence of the Coroner and Chief Deputy Coroner, determines any attending physician and his or her willingness to sign the Death Certificate.

Addresses community groups, schools and other audiences about the functions of the office, as directed.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description.  Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent; AND

Completion of Bachelor’s Degree program from an accredited college or university in a related field of study, such as: forensic science; criminal justice; anthropology; psychology; sociology; biological science; nursing; or chemistry.  Relevant work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis; AND

Two (2) years of full-time work experience in medicolegal death investigation is preferred.  Two (2) years of full-time related work experience involving investigation and/or wound and pathology experience is required.  A Master’s Degree in forensic science or a relevant field may be substituted for the work experience requirement; AND

Employees assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license with an acceptable driving record; AND

Professional certification or licensure in one of the following fields is preferred:  ABMDI (American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators), law enforcement, nursing, radiology, EMT/Paramedic, or any forensic concentration.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION - As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a criminal history check.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION – As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a psychological examination.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION – A post offer drug screen is a requirement for employment.  

REQUIRED TRAINING AND DEPUTIZATION - Deputy Coroners must attend and successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Coroner’s Education Board basic education course held at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, PA.  The state mandated education course along with maintaining eight (8) hours of continuing education credits annually is required.  Formal deputization as a Deputy Coroner is required upon completion of required training.  

REQUIRED SCREENINGS AND VACCINATIONS - Deputy Coroners are required to submit to annual Tuberculosis and Rubella screening, as well as Hepatitis vaccinations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS - Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and present valid proof of vaccinated status, in order to be eligible for hire with the County of Northampton. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people are considered fully vaccinated two (2) weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series (such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) or two (2) weeks after a single-dose vaccine (such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine).

The County of Northampton will follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines with regard to booster(s) and when individuals are considered fully vaccinated.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  
Knowledge of the goals and objectives of the Northampton County Coroner’s Office.

Knowledge of death investigation protocol, procedures and standards and the legal/policy requirements for the processing of evidence.

Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.

Knowledge of bereavement and counseling techniques.

Knowledge of cameras and photographic procedures.

Knowledge of the procedures involved in detecting, analyzing and interpreting signs and symptoms of trauma and other physical conditions.

Skills in the planning, carrying out and documentation of investigations.

Skill in fingerprinting cadavers and identifying traumatic wounds.

Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.

Ability to be available for irregular shift work and shift rotations necessary to provide service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.

Ability to operate on a scheduled 24 hour, on call basis.
Ability to understand medical/forensic information and terminology.

Ability to understand and follow complex detailed technical instructions.

Ability to write reports containing technical information.

Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.

Ability to maintain quality, safety and infection control standards.

Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.

Ability to search records, interview individuals, develop case histories, interpret findings and draw persuasive conclusions from that evidence.

Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies and other stressors.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with family members, medical officials, representatives of law enforcement and court systems.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.  

Ability to make oral presentations before various groups, including giving testimony in hearings and court cases.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone or cell phone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, fax machine, copy machine, camera equipment, as well as technical, medical and scientific equipment.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors and loud noise.  

Must be able to lift, carry, drag, or push an average body weight of 150 to 200 pounds, alone or with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee often works in the field.  Work will require the use of personal protective equipment and the ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.  Work involves occasional exposure to unusual elements such as toxic chemicals, and biohazardous materials. Will work in a death environment with almost constant exposure to noxious odors. Will work with blood or blood borne pathogens and will be required to follow quality and safety and or infection control standards.

The noise level in the work environment varies.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS:        FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION:        CAREER SERVICE
PAY GRADE:            CS-23
UNION STATUS:      NON-UNION

Updated November 2021

Salary : $24