Deputy Coroner (Part Time)

Job Description

Description:

Department: Coroner

FLSA: Non-Exempt

This document is not a contract of employment. Employment is at-will.

Employees of the County of Laurens and applicants for employment shall be afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be available to employees or applicants of this position under the ADA/ADAA if given prior notice by the employee or applicant.

The information contained within this document indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or work required of employees assigned to this position.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under policy direction as an elected official, oversees and supervises the operations of the County Coroner's Office. Work involves directing subordinate staff, formulating and developing policies and protocols, serving as chief investigator in the identification of deceased persons and the determination of the cause and manner of death, supervising the maintenance of department records, and performing related specialized, administrative and supervisory work as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Administers the operations and activities of the Laurens County Coroner’s Office in accordance with local, state and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Supervises staff through the chain of command; supervisory duties include instructing, planning and assigning work, reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, selecting new employees, acting on employee problems, recommending and approving employee discipline and discharge as appropriate.

Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates performance and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.

Provides for adequate staff training and development opportunities.

Reviews reports prepared by subordinates for completeness and accuracy; investigates and corrects errors as necessary.

Develops and administers the department budget; ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time.

Responds to death scenes in which sudden, unexpected deaths have occurred as a result of natural, accidental or violent circumstances; deaths occurring outside of a hospital or nursing home within Laurens County; all emergency room deaths, and all deaths occurring less than 24 hours after a patient is admitted to a Laurens County hospital.

Documents death scenes by photographing and/or sketching the deceased and the death scene as necessary.

Determines identity of decedent and establishes date and time of death.

Makes personal notification to the next-of-kin as necessary; provides information and assistance to family members of the deceased as appropriate.

Interviews family members, witnesses and attorneys; consults with medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, pathologists, toxicologists, pharmacists, entomologists, anthropologists, toxicologists, dental professionals, fire department personnel, laboratory personnel, photographers and other forensic specialists as necessary to gather information and assistance for the conduct of death investigations.

Issues subpoenas for the collection of medical records or other evidence as necessary.

Determines what type of examination is necessary; coordinates and schedules autopsies, post-mortem examinations, and the collection of body fluids and tissues as needed for analysis.

Collects, transports, stores, submits and interprets evidence.

Occasionally performs post-mortem examinations after a body has been removed from the scene of death; may collect body fluids and other relevant evidence from the body as necessary.

Completes death certificates and a Coroner’s report describing the death.

In cases of death that do not require a response to the scene, obtains all essential information from reporting person to complete an official Coroner’s report.

Collects, secures and returns the decedent’s personal effects to the legal next-of-kin.

Provides court testimony regarding cases as required.

Issues burial, removal, transit and cremation permits as appropriate.

Coordinates and ensures proper implementation of all applicable OSHA safety requirements; conducts annual blood-borne pathogens in-service training for department staff as required.

Procures and maintains inventory of necessary department supplies, materials and equipment.

Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.

Remains on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Coordinates department activities and functions, including death investigations, with those of other County departments, municipalities and outside agencies as appropriate.

Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility.

Attends training, seminars, professional meetings, etc., as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills.

Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as medical reports, psychological histories, law enforcement reports, judicial records, pathology reports, and various other reports and correspondence.

Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as policy and standard operating procedures, notices and memorandums, budgets, training materials and records, death scene reports, burial removal permits, death certificates, cremation permits, child fatality reports, and various other records, reports and general letters of correspondence.

Refers to laws, codes, regulations, protocols, medical texts, drug identification texts, policy and procedure manuals, publications and reference texts, etc.

Operates passenger and transport vehicles and a variety of specialized diagnostic equipment; operates general office equipment such as a computer, fax machine, printer, telephone, calculator, camera, etc.; uses medical instruments, protective clothing, diagnostic devices, general office supplies, and word/data processing software

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the County Administrator, County Council, subordinates, emergency response agencies, other County department heads and staff, hospital personnel, nursing home personnel, funeral home personnel, court personnel, physicians, pathologists and other medical professionals, insurance representatives, witnesses, family members, the news media and the general public.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs duties of subordinates as necessary.

Performs various administrative tasks as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, returning telephone calls, attending and conducting meetings, receiving and responding to e-mails and faxes, etc.

Performs related duties as required.Requirements:

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent and one year of college or vocational school education in emergency medical technology, law enforcement or related field supplemented by four to six years of experience as a Deputy Coroner or related position; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Must possess S.C. Coroner certification and complete 16 hours of training each calendar year; must be bondable. Must possess a valid state driver's license.

Part-time