What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Coroner-Public Administrator position at Humboldt County?
DEFINITION
- Assists in determining the cause of deaths
- Obtains fluid samples from bodies
- Conducts investigations and inventories of decedents' estates placed under the jurisdiction of the Public Administrator and prepares detailed reports accounting for assets
- Interviews, advises and confers with multiple departments and members of the public
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Under general supervision, investigates and prepares reports regarding deaths falling under the Coroner's jurisdiction and assists in the administration of estates from assigned death cases; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the skilled professional class responsible for the full range of investigations within the Coroner's office and handling the administration of the less complex estates that come under the jurisdiction of the Public Administrator. Successful performance of the work requires the use of independence, judgment and initiative within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from Assistant Coroner-Public Administrator in that the latter is a supervisory class which also deals with more complex Coroner and Public Administrator cases.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Assists in determining the cause of deaths falling under the Coroner's jurisdiction and reports findings to determine the need for an inquest.
- Travels to the scene of the death, confers with emergency medical personnel, nurses, fire department staff and law enforcement personnel, under whose jurisdiction the death may fall, and photographs scene, takes evidence, moves body to the Coroner's office.
- Obtains fluid samples from bodies; attends or assists pathologist at autopsies; removes organs, takes tissue and organ samples, closes and cleans bodies and delivers to mortuary; may embalm the bodies.
- Prepares and signs autopsy authorizations and work sheets; completes and signs death certificate and provides for filing with local registrar; if indigent death, determines eligibility for County burial and makes appropriate arrangements.
- Locates survivors and next of kin; notifies them of deaths; secures and prepares receipts for personal effects of the deceased.
- Confers with survivors or heirs of decedents to arrange proper funerals; in the absence of qualified or willing persons, makes funeral arrangements.
- Conducts investigations and inventories of decedents' estates placed under the jurisdiction of the Public Administrator; locates estate assets, including real property, personal property, wills and financial records; assists in the preliminary appraisal of assets.
- Assists in securing estate assets, including storage of transportable personal property and management of real property until estate is closed.
- Collects monies and other estate asses, including Social Security benefits, veterans benefits and life insurance, to pay estate debts and taxes, and disburses to heirs.
- Interviews, advises and confers with heirs, relatives, attorneys, title companies, banks, appraisers, accountants, other public agencies, the District Attorney's Office and others concerning the administration and probate of estates; provides information regarding County policies and procedures.
- Assists in disposing of real estate and personal property, through sale public auction or disbursement to heirs, as appropriate.
- Initiates paperwork with the courts to liquidate assets, arranges for the transfer of assets, establishes and manages trusts and handles the financial affairs of the estate.
- Maintains accurate files and records; prepares legal documents within established time limits.
- Prepares detailed reports accounting for assets, payment of fees and disbursement of estate assets.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Laws and regulations pertaining to the investigation and determination of cause of death. Principles, practices and methods used in estate and financial conservatorship investment and disbursement.
- Welfare and Institutions Code, Probate Code and other applicable laws and regulations relating to estate management and disposal.
- Methods and terminology related to the appraisal of real and personal property.
- Practices related to the real property title recording and transfer.
- Techniques for locating next of kin and other heirs.
- Business arithmetic.
Skill in:
- Administering estates and safekeeping assets and personal effects.
- Conducting detailed investigations, obtaining information, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions.
- Assisting with autopsies and death investigations to determine cause of death. Interpreting, applying and explaining County policies and adhering to laws related to assigned functions.
- Organizing, prioritizing and coordinating work activities.
- Organizing and maintaining accounting, inventory, appraisal and other detailed business records.
- Preparing clear and concise correspondence, reports and other written materials. Exercising initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines. Dealing courteously, tactfully and effectively with the public, especially in situations where relations may be strained.
Other Requirements:
Must possess a valid California driver's license.
Must be bondable.
Must successfully complete P.O.S.T. approved PC 832 course and obtain an Advanced Coroner's Investigation certificate within one year of hire.
Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the skills and knowledge outlined above is:
Two years of experience in law enforcement or in a legal support capacity that would provide familiarity with the laws and procedures for death investigations or experience in interpreting, processing and maintaining complex legal documents dealing with property transfer.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
- You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
- No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
- You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
- Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt 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.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
