Medicolegal Death Investigator (Deputy Coroner)

Job Summary

The Deputy Coroner investigates deaths to determine the cause and manner, and they provide crucial support to grieving families. They gather evidence, work with medical professionals, and document findings to contribute to legal and medical understandings of a death.

Principal Accountabilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Responds to scene of death. Examines bodies to determine identification, physical description, injuries, condition and placement. Analyzes information gathered by investigation and prepares investigative reports for determination of cause and manner of death.

• Interviews family, friends, witnesses, professionals and other contacts associated with the deceased during the death investigation.

• Obtains statements, documents and related factual evidence. Confers with medical, social services and law enforcement agencies related to the investigation.

• Administers proper procedures for collection of personal property, medications and evidence.

• Administers proper procedures for notifying next-of-kin and releasing personal property.

• Processes body; takes photographs, fingerprints, and prepares DNA blood spot card

• Arranges for release of body to funeral home as per policy.

• Prepares toxicological samples for submission to laboratory.

• Prepares investigative report and summary narrative in a timely manner per policy.

• Assists in maintaining a clean morgue; enters various data into computer database; takes photographs; collects and processes specimens; inventories and cleans personal property; releases personal property.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• Ability to read and interpret general technical procedures and governmental regulations.

• Ability to write concise and accurate reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Proficiency in computer skills and use of email

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Ability to obtain information and evidence by observation, record examination and interviews.

• Ability to analyze and evaluate all information obtained during investigations.

• Ability to interpret and comply with laws and regulations governing investigations.

• Working knowledge of methods, procedures and techniques used in law enforcement investigations.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology, physiology, and anatomy.

Experience & Education

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized course work in law enforcement or medicolegal investigations.

• Applicant should have minimum of two years active service in law enforcement, medicolegal death investigation, emergency medicine - paramedic or higher, or licensed embalmer

• A combination of education and experience equal to two years

• College degree is preferred.

• Must possess a valid State of Missouri Driver's License.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

• Must be able to push – pull 50 pounds

• Must be able to traverse uneven ground, stairs, and outdoor environments.

Travel

• Must have the ability be in your vehicle and responding within 15 minutes of call notification, 24-hours a day while on primary call-out status.

Residency Requirements

• Employees subject to call status must live in Lincoln County, Missouri.

Disclaimer

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Lincoln County Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.