JOB SUMMARY

Assists with the investigation of deaths reported to the agency. Conducts the seeking, gathering and documentation of pertinent circumstantial, historical, and other medicolegal data. Aids the Coroner with identification of the decedent, determination of cause and manner of death, preservation of evidence, notification of next-of-kin and interagency communications. Facilitates the transportation, admission, and discharge of decedents at the Forensic Center. Prepares cases and conducts photography during autopsies. Collects laboratory samples.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent is deputized by the Lancaster County Coroner and reports to the Chief Deputy Coroner.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Receives and responds to the initial report of death or the request for investigation
• Seeks and gathers facts and additional information necessary to establish jurisdiction
• Responds as appropriate to location of death and/or location of injury and documents by means of notes, diagrams, sketches, and photographs
• Performs a preliminary external examination of the body as appropriate
• Notes findings relevant to time, identification, manner, injuries, condition of the body, location of the body, and relationships to any possible evidence within the scene
• Communicates and coordinates with the Coroner, Chief Deputy Coroner, First Deputy Coroner, family members, witnesses, law enforcement, hospital, and other agencies.
• Obtains pertinent past and present medical, psychiatric, social, and family history
• Facilitates the secure removal of a decedent, along with any evidentiary or pertinent property, and adheres to proper chain-of-custody procedures
• Ensures proper preservation and storage of property/evidence and records
• Creates an official record within the electronic case management system
• Prepares official reports as directed
• Facilitates the admission and discharge of decedents at the Forensic Center
• Performs any necessary preliminary procedures to determine the depth and breadth of an investigation
• Maintains proper inventory par levels for autopsy procedures, disasters, and field investigations, including equipment within the response vehicles
• Attends continuing education and training courses as available and directed in order to maintain professional credentials and knowledge of the latest investigative standards

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Assists the pathologist in the absence of the pathology assistant. Provides out of county transportation of lab specimens, evidence or remains. Assists with clerical and statistical record keeping. May perform other related duties as assigned..

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate Degree with three or more years acceptable and proven experience in death or forensic investigations. At the discretion of the Coroner, years of experience in other related fields may substitute for education or stated qualifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

This section should include the skills and abilities relevant to performing this job that will be expected of the employee.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• ABMDI Registry Certification is required within two years
• Ability to pass pre-employment criminal background investigation, drug screening and driver's record check
• Ability to obtain Act 235 certification
• A current and valid Pennsylvania driver's license is required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Sitting: Approximately 40% of time

Standing: Approximately 20% of time

Walking: Approximately 40% of time

Bending/Stooping: Frequently

Push/Pull: Frequently

Carry/lift: Approximately 30 to 175 pounds

Verbal communication: Frequently

Written communication Frequently

Hearing normal conversation: Frequently

Sight, including near acuity: Continuously

Depth perception: Continuously