Position Summary

The purpose and mission of the Marion County Coroner’s agency is to investigate and determine a person’s cause and manner of death, particularly in cases when the individual died under unusual circumstances. The office consoles families, advocates for the deceased, and gives information to police and courts to prosecute suspected criminals. The agency strives to cultivate a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the citizens of Indianapolis and Marion County.

This position is responsible for providing crime scene and investigation activities for intentional and non-intentional deaths, homicides, suicides, accidents, natural deaths on-site or at the hospital for public safety agencies throughout Marion County. Assists in the development and implementation of crime scenes, and confers with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate work activities. Provides preliminary data and information from death investigations. Ensures the total work output meets all appropriate scientific, legal and accreditation requirements. This position must exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties and receives minimal supervision. Judgment is exercised in assessing death scenes and in the course of performing the duties. Errors in judgment could create significant legal liability for the city and county of Indianapolis. Position reports to the Sr. Deputy Coroner.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for forensic support in identification, preservation, and collection for forensic evidence at death investigation crime scenes
• Provides a variety of death investigation activities involving homicides, suicides, to include DNA collection/swabbing, fingerprinting and other death procedures
• Ensures appropriate quality assurance and quality control methodologies are conducted throughout death investigation per N.A.M.E (National Association of Medical Examiner) guidelines
• Reviews statistical data and ensures compliance with appropriate scientific, legal and government regulations
• Serves as liaison between MCCO and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
• Makes determination if new case is a scene consult or phone consult.
• Provides testimony in legal proceedings
• COVID deaths are coded for full autopsy and are referred to the hospital.
• Conducts identification and notification of families. Coordinates with chaplains if not local and telephonically as last resort
• Conducts case management
• Make notations in CRM database and check case notes for updates
• Follows up with doctor to sign death certificates
• Checks mail for autopsy reports and enter manner and cause of death
• Reviews toxicology reports, collect specimens to be sent out
• Collects property from Pathology and contact next of kin
• Inventories all property
• Collects pills only
• Conducts research to identify unclaimed decedents through social media resources, True people search, CLEAR database, and Pour House for the homeless population
• Enters all demographic information into database to start file
• Prints photos, medical records, police reports, EMS reports, fingerprints, etc. for file
• Maintains confidentiality at all times

• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Forensic Science, or a related field with five (5) or more years of relevant work experience in crime scene or death investigations. Must be able to obtain Indiana State Coroner Medicolegal Training certificate within one (1) year of hire and complete 16-hours of training every two (2) years thereafter. Must have a valid driver’s license. Emotional intelligence and empathy is a must. Knowledge of death investigation scenes and the laws that govern it. The ability to communicate with diverse backgrounds. Must be able to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written. Excellent reasoning and analytical skills and detail oriented. Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office. Excellent verbal and communications skills.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Biology, Forensic Science, or a related field with three (3) or more years of relevant work experience in crime scene or death investigations. Must be able to obtain Indiana State Coroner Medicolegal Training certificate within one (1) year of hire and complete 16-hours of training every two (2) years thereafter. Must have a valid driver’s license. Emotional intelligence and empathy is a must. Knowledge of death investigation scenes and the laws that govern it. The ability to communicate with diverse backgrounds. Must be able to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written. Excellent reasoning and analytical skills and detail oriented. Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office. Excellent verbal and communications skills. Bilingual preferred