Deputy Coroner Trainee (Intermittent Part-Time)

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Carson City, NV

Job Type

PART-TIME / HOURLY

Job Number

TBD_2.23.24

Department

Sheriff

Opening Date

02/23/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

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Description

Under general direction performs death scene investigations including photography of death scenes, interviews, collection of medical documentation, notifications, safeguarding of personal property, and related duties.

Deputy Coroner new hires will be assigned to a Field Training Officer which will include standardized training protocols on how to handle death investigations involving the various manners and causes of death. During training, the new hire will respond to death scenes with Deputy Coroners which may be anytime day or night. Upon successful completion of the training program the candidate will be placed on the monthly Deputy Coroner On-Call Rotation Schedule. While training, the new hire will be compensated at an hourly pay rate of $25.00 per hour. Once the new-hire is placed on the Deputy Coroner On-Call Rotation Schedule, rate of pay will be to $50.00 per hour.

Special Note: This is an intermittent part-time position that requires employees to be on call 24/7 for a minimum of one (1) week a month and work nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees must be able to respond to calls within thirty (30) minutes. Living in or near Carson City is required, and employees must have reliable transportation. Prior professional experience dealing with death either in a medical or law enforcement capacity is preferred.

Examples of Duties

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Conducts medicolegal death investigations which includes, but is not limited to, examining bodies and death scenes, taking photographs, recording observations, gathering fingerprints, interviewing witnesses, collecting and preserving evidence and personal effects, participating in aspects of the forensic medical examination process; reviewing forensic evidence; conferring with legal staff regarding case development and required forensic investigative support, and testifies in court by citing involvement in a particular case, including findings, actions performed and maintenance of chain of custody.
• Responds to calls from hospitals, nursing homes, citizens, law enforcement agencies or other sources to determine probable cause and manner of death and necessity for autopsy or further examination.
• Analyzes collected evidence and personal effects, examines, and interprets medical records, interviews family members, neighbors, medical personnel, witnesses, public agency staff and others who had contact with or knowledge of the deceased, to establish identity and history of the deceased.
• Searches for, locates, and notifies next-of-kin or responsible party to communicate circumstances of death; conducts legal and other required procedures and arranges for the subsequent examination and disposition of remains, as well as personal effects.
• Completes Record of Death and other forms as required, by writing ab tract of medical history and narrative report detailing circumstances of death, findings and action taken, to be used to brief the pathologist prior to autopsy and to be included in case file.
• Schedules autopsies and medical examinations; works closely and collaborates with neighboring agencies to ensure compliance with case referral standards, including completion of all case referral forms, providing scene photos, first blood draw, and ensures chain-of-custody related to the body and other evidentiary items.
• Demonstrates flexibility and knowledge to adapt to the varying information and needs that are required on a case-by-case basis.
• Trains physicians, nurses, medical students, paramedics, law enforcement personnel, and Deputy Coroner Trainees in different aspects of death scene investigation.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the division's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending, and implementing improved policies and procedures.
• Prepares reports, correspondence, and a variety of written materials, prepares and maintains accurate records and documentation of activities.
• Uses standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and City staff and acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Complies with all policies and procedures contained in the Death Investigations Coroners Manual.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and Sheriffs Office information.

Typical Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience: Associates degree, preferably an Associates of Science, AND two (2) years of experience in a medical occupation or law enforcement OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid drivers license

PREFERED LICENSE

• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) registry certificate is preferred at time of hire or must be obtained once eligible.
• Must complete Deputy Coroner training and demonstrate competency.

Required Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of:

Principles of chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, and related physical sciences.

Criminal investigative techniques and procedures, including protocols for handling and preserving evidence.

Human anatomy and physiology, and postmortem changes in the body.

External evidence of disease therapy and the associated diagnoses.

Current methods and techniques to prevent the spread of infectious and contagious disease.

Grief counseling techniques.

Terms and acronyms commonly used in legal, medical, pharmacology, and diagnostic procedures.

Able to operate a computer and standard office equipment and familiarity with information management systems and software programs used in the workplace.

Principles and regulations related to criminal or forensic investigative and service functions.

Procedures for the collection, identification, and storage of evidence.

Record management principles and practices.

Correct business English, including spelling, grammar,