SUMMARY

Receive and investigate all deaths reported to the office, to include scene response when necessary, and prepare complete, accurate, and legible reports. Interact and work with law enforcement and / or healthcare agencies as needed. Interview family members during times of great loss, as well as communicate medical findings. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate reported deaths and decide, per protocol, which to accept jurisdiction or release (primary physician to sign death certificate (D/C);
• Respond to death scenes per protocol; examine deceased at the scene, document the scene, take appropriate digital photographs and secure personal belongings/evidence;
• Conduct interviews when necessary;
• Obtain medical history, and secure all related reports (Police, Fire, Motor Vehicle Crash, EMS, Hospital, Pharmacy, etc.);
• Document all findings in coroner death report;
• Answer requests from families, friends, attorneys, physicians, and funeral directors, etc.;
• Must be computer literate, enter cases into system and download photographs, etc.;
• Arrange for transport of body, by Transporter or Deputy Coroner;
• Collate file with appropriate forms for Coroner, First Deputy, or Coroner's Forensic Pathologist;
• Follow-up with cases, ensure their completeness;
• Issue and investigate cremation requests;
• Other duties as assigned by the Coroner or First Deputy Coroner.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

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.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• *The part-time deputy coroners will primarily cover weekend and holiday shifts, including but not limited to in-office daytime hours and on-call overnight hours. Additional shifts may be needed during weekday hours and on-call coverage; *
• Applicant must have Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university with a concentration in Criminal Justice, Nursing, Forensic Science or other related field.  
• Past experience/education in Medicolegal Death Investigation or certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) will be considered advantageous;
• Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and be able to drive oversized vehicles;
• Must be able to pass a criminal history background check;
• Must submit to fingerprints and pass a drug screen.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move bodies in excess of 200 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Exposure to hazardous and dangerous conditions including but not limited to waterways, roadways, rough terrain, harsh weather, unsafe structures, foul odors, blood, body fluids and infectious diseases.