Summary

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, conducts investigations to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as identify the those falling under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff-Coroner's Office; coordinates autopsies and external examinations; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Chief Deputy Coroner. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Reviews coroner reports to determine course of action; checks cases and prepares samples; prepares equipment and supplies for autopsies.
• Assists pathologist in autopsies, makes incisions and sutures; performs evidence collection, labeling, photography, and specimen collection; maintains cleanliness and sanitation of the morgue.
• Answers, responds to, and investigates calls involving deceased individuals; lifts, moves and transports deceased; collects relevant information to make determinations as to the cause, circumstances and manner of death.
• Tracks and updates the County sex offender’s registry.
• Ensures scene photography when necessary; secures, collects and preserves the decedent’s property for release to next of kin; documents information relating to the death investigation; obtains medical information, evidence and specimens; interviews witnesses and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies and the medical community.
• Assists in the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biological evidence for forensic analysis, including but not limited to gunshot residue collection, fingernail scrapings, sexual assault specimen collection, forensic toxicology, clinical chemistry, serology, and microbiologic testing; packages and prepares evidence and specimens for storage or transports ensuring legal chain of custody; secures proper biohazard waste disposal regulations according to protocol.
• Testifies in court or when deposed through a legal process; establishes the identity of the deceased; searches and obtains available information relevant to their identify; obtains fingerprints and documents distinguishing physical characteristics; identifies individuals responsible for the custody and final disposition of the deceased; assists in ordering autopsies and arranges for services of forensic or medico specialists.
• Prepares written reports of case investigations, explains the circumstances of death, including the probable method and manner (accident, homicide, suicide, or natural), and other pertinent facts including summaries of information from hospital charts.
• Prepares for and assists with inquests; subpoenas jurors and witnesses.
• Serves as a liaison between the Sheriff-Coroner and the Public Guardian/Administrator ensuring transference of the decedent's assets to the Public Administrator; assists in maintaining the inventory of property belonging to the deceased.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, and techniques of investigation, including the gathering, preservation, and presentation of evidence.
• Sources of information used in locating persons.
• Court procedures and operations.
• Principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement.
• Court procedures and operations.
• Basic medical terminology and human anatomy.
• Principles, practices, and procedures related to evidence handling.
• Principles and techniques of interviewing and forensic interview techniques.
• Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for death investigations.
• Organization, procedures, operating details, and legal provisions of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, statues, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Interview and obtain information from witnesses, families, and others.
• Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions, and adopt an effective course of action.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Interact in a calm, courteous and professional manner when dealing with the public and when responding to a variety of public inquiries.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of individuals, some of whom may be hostile or irate and/or from varying ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Coordinate activities with a variety of personnel and agencies.
• Present accurate court testimony concerning evidential property.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade; and

One (1) year of experience in medical, nursing, medical examiner, coroner or investigative field working with deceased persons and families.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When assigned to field work:

• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel and bend, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform heavy physical work; lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 100 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to inspect site conditions and evidence scenes.
• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment, two-way radios, cameras, blood, drug and chemical analysis kits, bone saw, scalpel, and needles.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.