Deputy Investigator (Coroner's Department)

County of Berks • Reading, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Investigator is responsible for conducting medicolegal investigations into deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Coroner. These investigations include sudden, unexpected, violent, suspicious, or unattended deaths. The investigator collects and evaluates information from death scenes, gathers relevant medical and social history, coordinates with law enforcement and forensic experts, and prepares detailed reports to assist in determining cause and manner of death.

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D. certification from a recognized issuing agency.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
• Foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
• Ability to obtain body fluids using proper phlebotomy techniques.
• Ability to safely perform essential job functions while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to move, lift, and carry a human body of varying weights.
• Ability to drive a vehicle in all types of weather conditions.
• High level of attention to detail, integrity, and ability to work independently in high-stress environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with people during difficult times, showing compassion and empathy in sensitive situations.
• Proficient in operating computers, cellular phones, cameras, and other electronic devices essential for conducting and completing investigations.
• Basic knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, and arithmetic.
• Must be able to successfully complete the office training program.
• Must maintain annual continuing education requirements as determined by the PSCEB.
• Must be able to obtain certification through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) within 18 months of hire and maintain that certification throughout your length of employment.
• Ability to communicate well with people, be compassionate, and caring.
• Basic knowledge in the related fields of law enforcement, fire investigation, and emergency medical or be willing to become familiar with those fields.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.
• Able to be on time and ready to work at the start of your assigned time.

Nice To Haves

• 1 or more years of prior experience in medicolegal investigations.
• Background in law enforcement, fire service, nursing, emergency medical service, mortuary science, death-related fields, or a recent college graduate.
• Certification or eligibility for certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Nursing, Mortuary Science, or a related field.
• Prior experience working in a Medical Examiner or Coroner’s office.
• Knowledge of forensic pathology and medico-legal terminology.
• Familiarity with evidence handling, death scene protocols, and investigative techniques.

Responsibilities

• Receive calls for service from the Berks County Communications Center, outside agency calls, or supervisors.
• Determine jurisdiction and whether further examination and/or an autopsy is warranted.
• Respond to death scenes in a timely manner to conduct thorough and unbiased investigations.
• Examine decedents at scenes and document findings through photography, sketches, and written notes.
• Make determinations of suspicious/non-suspicious deaths and time of death using body conditions such as rigor mortis, liver mortis, algor mortis, and stages of body decomposition.
• Photograph the Death Scene and Decedent.
• Collect evidence and secure personal property in accordance with legal and departmental procedures.
• Interview witnesses, family members, and first responders to gather relevant historical and circumstantial information.
• Responsible for the safe and respectful transport of decedents from the scene to the morgue or designated facility when further examination or testing is required.
• Coordinate with forensic pathologists, toxicologists, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and funeral homes.
• Assist with forensic autopsies and other medicolegal examinations, performing duties such as evidence collection, documentation, and support tasks as needed.
• Prepare detailed and accurately written reports, including investigative summaries and official documentation.
• Maintain chain of custody and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws.
• Make a positive identification of decedent, determine next of kin and make death notification, either in-person or by telephone.
• Assist funeral home representatives with decedent removals, when necessary.
• Obtain body fluids using proper phlebotomy techniques and preserve them for toxicological testing.
• Maintain strict chain of custody for all samples and prepare and package them for transport and analysis.
• Safely perform essential job functions while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as Tyvek suits, respirators, boot covers, aprons, hard hat, etc. in compliance with bloodborne pathogen safety protocols.
• Process, investigate, and issue cremation authorization requests and other disposition authorizations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and office procedures.
• Perform a daily vehicle and equipment inspection checklist.
• Successfully complete the office training program.
• Participate in training, peer reviews, and professional development activities.
• Be available for on-call coverage for all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Work mandatory overtime and provide shift coverage to ensure adequate staffing.
• May be required to report early or remain beyond scheduled hours during high-demand periods, including providing assistance both in the office and at death scenes.
• Respond to any major emergency situation or mass disaster event which may occur in Berks County or any other county that is listed in our Mutual Aid Agreement, at the discretion of the Coroner or supervisor.
• Testify at a deposition hearing or in court when subpoenaed or requested to do so.
• Handle death investigations in a confidential and respectful manner.
• Perform all other duties and assignments as deemed necessary by the Coroner or supervisors.

Benefits

• Full-time employees are required to attend a 40-hour Coroner’s Basic Education Course that is presented by the Pennsylvania State Coroner's Association and Pennsylvania State Coroners’ Education Board (PSCEB).
• Successful completion of the class and a passing grade on the final test are required for continued employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED