Coroner Investigator I

Jefferson County CO•Golden, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Coroner, and direct supervision of the Chief Deputy Coroner, this entry-level position will focus on adapting to office policies and procedures while also adhering to state/federal laws in performing medicolegal death investigations and associated work in a comprehensive manner; involving medicine, public health, criminal justice, and community service; fulfilling the vision of the Coroner, mission of the office, and related statutory responsibilities. The work involves conducting comprehensive investigations into deaths, researching related facts, and producing highly accurate investigation reports. The Coroner Investigator is responsible for pronouncing death and notifying appropriate agencies and next-of-kin regarding deaths within the Coroner's jurisdiction. The Coroner Investigator is also responsible for drawing and submitting toxicological specimens, maintaining investigative equipment, and keeping detailed records. This position may require testifying in court for criminal and civil cases.

Requirements

Associate of Arts in criminal justice or related field
A minimum of one years of death investigation experience.
Certification (D-ABMDI) with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators is within one year of hire.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general technical procedures and governmental regulations.
Ability to write concise and accurate reports.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Must have the ability to assess complex situations and problems to determine appropriate course of action, demonstrating commitment to compliance of policy, procedure, and all applicable laws, or know when to ask a supervisor for direction.
Ability to exercise mature judgment and react effectively and professionally in emergencies and stressful situations.
Understanding of policies and procedures, and goals specific to the Coroner’s Office.
Requires up to date knowledge of laws and standards of medicolegal death investigation, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and forensic pathology.
Understanding of rules, laws, and goals specific to the coroner’s office.
Working knowledge of medical terminology, physiology, anatomy, and current death investigative practices.
A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
CJIS Certification at time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, physiology, anatomy, biology, or related field.
3 years of death investigation experience
Experience working with a Coroner or Medical Examiner office
Medical background (such as nursing, paramedic/EMT, pharmaceutical, medical technician, hospital medical staff, laboratory, etc.)
Must have basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, psychology, medical terminology, and technical report writing.

Responsibilities

General responsibility for conducting death investigations in accordance with state/federal laws and office guidelines.
Field phone calls and pages to the office with reports of death.
Establish jurisdiction and determine appropriate course of action to ensure a thorough, comprehensive medicolegal death investigation.
Write reports on all cases for legal documentation.
Gathers, reviews, and analyzes medical/psychological records and legal documents; including but not limited to EMS/Police reports, toxicology records and autopsy reports and summarizes findings.
Complete positive identification before release of remains.
Identify legal next-of-kin and make notification of death for county deaths.
Consults with families, witnesses, medical professionals, law enforcement personnel, and others to obtain statements and related evidence.
Analyzes information and prepares investigative reports accordingly for legal documentation.
Must be able to obtain x-rays, fingerprints, DNA swabs, and collect toxicology; all must be appropriately packaged.
Maintains daily cooler count of each individual body.
Assists with inventory of supplies, toxicology, medications, and evidence.
Assists with educational activities.
Special projects as assigned.
Maintains department equipment in a clean and safe working condition.
Maintains continuing education units for the ABMDI or establishes ABMDI certification within the first year of hire.
Other duties as assigned, for example, assists with inventory of supplies, toxicology, medications and evidence.
Assists with educational activities.
Special projects as assigned.
Maintains department equipment in a clean and safe working condition.