Deputy Coroner (Full & Part Time Positions)

Posting will remain online until positions are filled. Benefits are for full-time only. Applicants are encouraged to review the requirements (see below) for this position before submitting your resume and cover letter. If you meet the requirements, provide details in your submitted documents to support your qualifications. Candidates who do not meet the requirements as outlined will not be considered. When submitting documents, be sure to include if you are applying for full or part time. GENERAL PURPOSE - The Deputy Coroner (sometimes referred to as Medical Legal Death Investigator), under the direction of the Coroner and Chief Deputy Coroner, 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 which occur within the geographic boundaries of Northampton County. Individuals hired as Part-Time Deputy Coroner must work a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours per calendar month to maintain employment status. Employees who fail to maintain minimum monthly hours will be separated from County employment. SUPERVISION RECEIVED - This position reports directly to the Coroner and the Chief Deputy Coroner(s). SUPERVISION EXERCISED - This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees. ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION - Travels to the scene of unattended deaths which occur within the geographic boundaries of Northampton County which can include 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 biological specimens 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 forensic facility for the purposes of additional testing or forensic examination. May be required to provide testimony facts at criminal or civil hearings in individual cases. As part of a death investigation, it may be necessary to communicate with the primary care physician or other attending physician(s) to obtain medical history and/or determine whether the physician will certify the death. *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 - Comp etion of a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Biological Science, Anthropology, Nursing/Medicine, or Chemistry. Relevant work experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis; AND At least two (2) years of full-time work experience in involving investigation and/or wound and pathology experience is required; OR Possession of a Master's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Biological Science, Anthropology, Nursing/Medicine, or Chemistry. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - 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. REQUIRED TRAINING AND DEPUTIZATION - All full-time Deputy Coroners must attend and successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Coroner's Education Board one-week basic education course within six months of appointment, as set by State law. 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. 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 SCREENINGS AND VACCINATIONS - Deputy Coroners are required to submit to annual Tuberculosis and Rubella screening, as well as Hepatitis vaccinations. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - For additional information please see our external website posting. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT - Telephone or cell phone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, fax machine, copy machine, and 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 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