Deputy Coroner

General Definition:

• The Office of the Coroner is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year operation. This position consists of highly specialized investigative work at the full performance level. This class obtains information on deaths reported to the Coroner's Office. A position in this class investigates deaths, making determinations of the existence of a criminal act or negligence in each investigation. Work includes the investigation of cases of sudden and unexpected death, including all instances of suicide, suspicious deaths, homicides or accidental deaths; or deaths where a physician will not or cannot certify the death certificate.
• This work includes interviewing person(s) who may have knowledge concerning the circumstances surrounding the death of any individual who falls under the jurisdiction of the Coroner and making professional observations of the body and the scene. The work also includes determining and locating the next of kin, if any, and may include the appropriate transfer of property. This work includes the examination of the body and the scene and the collection of specimens and evidence.
• A position in this class may receive direction and assistance from a higher-level investigator's position, supervisor, the Chief Deputy Coroner or the Coroner.

Typical Examples of Work:

• The Deputy Coroner collects information surrounding the death of an individual and determines if a Coroner's investigation, under Pennsylvania Statutes, is necessary. Travels to the scene of death and secures information concerning the possible Cause and Manner of Death and other vital factors surrounding the death.
• Conducts an investigation in a professional manner in cooperation with, but independent of, any other investigative agencies. Conducts interviews and follows up on leads established in such interviews, regardless of location, time of day, day of week or specific circumstances involved and documents all such information received. Relates pertinent case information to the Coroner. Attends autopsies as required.
• Determines action required to locate next of kin or other persons. Utilizes information sources, including computerized databases, cross-reference directories, etc. Contacts present/former spouses, employers, friends, neighbors and others. Contacts and works with law-enforcement departments and other City, County, State and Federal agencies. May contact others as required by investigation. Makes death notification; serves subpoenas and obtains records; collects, documents and inventories decedent's personal property and medications as necessary. Orders autopsies only when necessary to establish a Cause and Manner of Death, in accordance with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Statutes and in compliance with County code.
• Photographs all death scenes, utilizes teleconferencing equipment and transmits data and visual images to other locations. Performs investigative duties, such as specimen and evidence collection, measurements and interviewing possible witnesses and others.
• Arranges for the positive identification of the deceased using whatever means necessary, may include fingerprinting, photography, dental examination, and x-ray or DNA comparison to establish same. Secures all valuables of deceased person(s) when necessary. Determines rigor, body temperature and ambient air temperatures when necessary. Documents clothing, property and location of any trauma on deceased persons, keeping in mind that evidence must be preserved. Oversees proper removal of the deceased.
• Releases the deceased to the Funeral Director of the family's choice, or other appropriate entity, after completion of examinations, tests and evidence collection, as necessary, to establish the Cause and Manner of Death. Also releasing the remains, if the Cause and Manner of Death have been established without such measures, or in the case of a Natural Death, at those times, when a physician will certify the Cause of Death and Manner of Death.
• Prepares investigative reports. Testifies during court proceedings, and attends meetings with District Attorneys, FBI, Police Investigators, Families, Funeral Directors, OSHA, Forensic Pathologists, Physicians, Fire Department Personnel, Emergency Medical Services, other Federal, State, local employees and the general public in regards to any death investigation. Attends autopsies when required.
• Performs related work as required and directed for the operation of the office.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to work with families and others during times of tragedy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, law-enforcement and investigative agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with ambulance services, fire departments and rescue personnel with whom this office comes in contact.
• Ability to learn methods of identifying bodies otherwise unrecognizable (due to decomposition and fire-related deaths), including, but not limited to, photography, fingerprinting, dental examination, x-ray and DNA comparison.
• Skilled in the use of photography equipment. Skilled in the use of desktop and notebook computers, teleconferencing equipment, as well as, other state of the art equipment used in death investigations. Skilled in the use of forensic equipment such as temperature devices, alternate light sources and other forensic or scientific devices.

Acceptable Training & Experience:

• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment.
• High School Diploma or GED
• Any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license, issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Two to three (2-3) years investigative and/or Law Enforcement experience.
• Attend, complete and pass the Pennsylvania Coroner's Education Board Basic Education Course, held at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. State mandated education course.
• Must become American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) certified as a Diplomate or Fellow within one and a half (1 ½) years of employment. This is a condition of employment.
• Must be able to lift and carry heavy items in all environments and terrains.
• Must pass a criminal history background check.