Deputy Coroner

Essential Job Functions

• Meets all of the essential duties and responsibilities of subordinate medicolegal death investigator and is part of the normal on call rotation.
• Receives calls from law enforcement agencies, doctors, and others that may have potential Coroner cases; determines if the cases are within the legal jurisdiction of the Office of the Coroner for investigation.
• Performs investigations to determine the circumstances, cause and manner of death and establishes and confirms the identity of the deceased.
• Interviews witnesses involved; inspects medical and other pertinent records for sources as to circumstances, manner and cause of death.
• Counsels and assists in the conducting of autopsies by a pathologist and any other duties as required by the Coroner.
• Orders, attends, and assists in the conduct of autopsies and requests services of toxicologists, criminal investigators, and other specialists to aid in arriving at the cause of death or identity of the decedent.
• Provides proper and timely notification of death to family members or next of kin.
• Takes possession of personal property found with a decedent; may evaluate wills or other legal documents (while consulting the county attorney) in attempting to determine next of kin.
• Prepares death investigation reports for review by the Coroner.
• Provides information to law enforcement agencies, relatives, and funeral director personnel as appropriate.
• Testify in court or inquest as a witness regarding findings in a Coroner's investigation, as required.
• Follows up on all pending cases with pathologists.
• Processes unclaimed bodies according to department procedures and state law.
• Have a good rapport and communicate effectively with departments, physicians, emergency services, law enforcement, funeral homes, and others.
• Accurately provide for release of coroner's information as allowed by law.
• Performs other Coroner's Office related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in criminal justice, mortuary sciences, health services, or related field; OR 2 years of related work experience or training; OR equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Successful completion of a criminal history and background check and drug screen.
• Valid Wyoming driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel.
• Knowledge of investigative principles and techniques, techniques of investigative interviewing and use of scientific equipment.
• Knowledge of laws and rules of evidence; laws pertaining to death and the ethical treatment of the dead; criminal and civil law.
• Knowledge of general anatomy and physiology; general medical terminology.
• Knowledge of methods of recognition, collection and preservation of medico legal and/or criminal evidence.
• Knowledge of unclaimed bodies procedures and laws.
• Skill to analyze situations and take appropriate action.
• Skill to work safely under potentially hazardous conditions by wearing personal protective equipment.
• Skill to work effectively with law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services personnel, medical doctors, attorneys, and distraught persons.
• Skill to prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• Skill to converse with medical personnel on a technical level.
• Skill to respond professionally, effectively, and efficiently in all duties of the position.
• Ability to move, assess, and observe bodies while positioning self in areas that may be tight, cramped, burned, or otherwise difficult locations.
• Ability to communicate clearly on the telephone, radio, and to others.
• Must be able to distinguish colors in the assessment and description of injuries and general death scenes.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods.
• Ability to adhere to operational procedures and maintain professional mannerisms in situations that may be considered physically and emotionally stressful.