Deputy Coroner/Investigator

Mesa County•Grand Junction, CO

About The Position

Respond to the scene of all reportable deaths that occur in Mesa County, obtain information concerning the circumstances surrounding the death, examine the decedent for postmortem changes and trauma, document and safeguard personal effects until released to next of kin, establish positive identification of the decedent, locate and notify next of kin in a timely compassionate professional manner, obtain identifying information about the decedent, obtain medical history of the decedent when appropriate, determine the necessity for an autopsy in conjunction with the coroner, ensure the protection of trace evidence on the decedent until it can be properly evaluated, documented and collected; assist with autopsies as needed. Complexity/responsibility: Work is characterized by conducting investigations of death under the County Coroner’s jurisdiction. The medical Investigator must pay strict attention to detail, be able to multi-task, and take initiative. Work involves a variety of sensitive and highly confidential material. The ideal candidate is organized, self-motivated, adaptable, detail oriented, and able to work under heightened emotional situations and unpleasant conditions while maintaining a positive and professional attitude. Scope of Interpersonal Contacts: The Investigator is a representative of the Coroner’s Office and is involved in a myriad of interpersonal contacts. Such contacts require a high degree of interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, tact, discretion, etiquette, and good judgment. Working under the direct supervision of the Medical Investigator Supervisor: Composes, prepares, transcribes, and/or reviews a variety of written documents; independently or at the direction of the Coroner. Documents include, but are not limited to, scene reports, medical/psychological records, legal documents, police/EMS records, toxicology records, autopsy reports, etc.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in a human science field from a nationally accredited College or University.
~OR~ An Associate’s Degree with a concentration in a human science field from a nationally accredited College or University AND at least 2 years of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement, or psychology for example).
~OR~ A High school diploma or GED equivalent AND at least 4 years of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement, or psychology for example).
Human science field such as Biology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Forensic Anthropology, Anatomy and Physiology or related field.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Must be able to work days, nights, graveyard shifts, weekends, holidays and maintain on-call availability.

Nice To Haves

Applicants certified with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators are preferred but not required.
Must become certified with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators within one year of being hired regardless of background.

Responsibilities

Responds to death scenes and officially pronounces death.
Takes custody of the deceased and transports the deceased to the Coroner’s Office.
Conducts thorough scene and death investigations into the manner and cause of death, including interviewing those involved.
Identifies and locates the decedent’s primary next-of-kin and conducts death notification to the decedent’s next-of-kin.
Maintains and inventories investigative equipment/supplies.
Releases deceased individuals to mortuary establishments.
Collects, secures, transports and documents the decedent’s medications, and property.
Coordinates with law enforcement agencies in the collection of evidence, maintenance of chain-of-custody, and processing of the death scene.
Prepares outgoing deliveries and accepts incoming deliveries, including supplies, toxicology, histology, property, evidence, and specimens.
Conducts or assists with the intake, maintenance, and disposition of biohazardous materials/waste, property, evidence, toxicology, histology, medication, bodies, and/or specimens.
Photographs death scenes and the deceased.
Performs external examinations of the deceased.
Acts as a liaison to the bereaved: answers questions, advises, makes referrals, provides support, etc.
Operates, cleans, and maintains scene, morgue, and autopsy equipment: autopsy stations, surgical tools, bone saws, counters, cameras, cots, vehicles, etc.
Operates a variety of office equipment: computers, fax machines, scanners, printers, copiers, recorders, etc.
Obtains fingerprints, toxicology, specimen samples, and DNA samples.
Answers telephones, greets the public, and performs clerical tasks as needed.
Maintains and cleans office, autopsy suite and vehicles.
Assists with autopsies, setup and cleanup as needed.
Operates county response vehicles and equipment.
Transports bodies, materials, and specimens to outside agencies.
Represents office at meetings or on committees with other offices, departments or agencies.
Oral and written communications must be clear and effective.
Performs other duties as assigned.
May be re-assigned in emergency situations.