Deputy Coroner-On Call

Participate in the development and modification of methods, techniques, and procedures for death investigation services, protocols, methods and procedures.

Receive notification of deaths and determines whether a death is within the jurisdiction of the Coroner's Office. Interpret RCWs for the purposes of determining jurisdiction and reviewing information pertinent to a death investigation.

Respond to calls relating to violent or sudden deaths. Examine death scenes and confer with appropriate parties to ascertain circumstances, medical history and the cause of death.  Photograph death scenes. Make positive identification and take possession of or secure and account for personal effects of deceased.

Secure, protect, and retain the chain of evidence at crime scenes; coordinate investigation with law enforcement, prosecutor or other involved agencies.

Gather and transport human remains, personal effects, and evidence to our autopsy facility. Secure and store appropriately until release to family, law enforcement, or other designees by next-of-kin. Release remains and personal effects to funeral home of the family's choice.

Coordinate work of forensic specialists as required: crime scene investigator; x-ray technician; pathologist; anthropologist; dentist; entomologist; psychologist; toxicologist; attorneys, prosecutors, etc.

Write complete and comprehensive investigative reports, as well as create other documentation to justify the determination of cause and manner of death. Complete and sign death certificates to be filed with the County Vital Statistics Registrar and Washington State Office of Vital Statistics. File Affidavits of Correction as needed to correct or change death certificates when appropriate.

Secure and package blood and body fluid samples for toxicological analysis and notify other investigating agencies of results. Advise next-of-kin of toxicology results in regard to cause and manner of death.

Organize, track, and document cases until all documentation is received. Disseminate and explain technical information to appropriate agencies and family members as requested. Maintain case tracking system for reference and statistical purposes. Utilize MDI software to prepare reports.

Testify in court and/or provide information for deposition in court cases as to investigative findings in the field; evidence gathered and secured; correspondence with other agencies and family members, etc.

Preserve confidentiality in all statements and activities with stakeholders.

Participate in the development and modification of methods, techniques, and procedures for death investigation services, protocols, methods and procedures.

Ensure vehicles are fully supplied, clean (inside & out), and in operational order.

Respond to calls within fifteen (15) minutes of getting a notification. 

Regular, reliable and punctual attendance. 

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• State and local laws regarding deaths and human remains
• Methods, techniques, equipment and practices of handling decedents, property and evidence.
• Techniques used in interviewing, photography, investigation and report writing
• Procedures necessary to inspect, prepare, and transport a body for autopsy, preservation and collection of evidence
• Equipment and supplies necessary to maintain the office, morgue facility, coroner vehicles and forensic photography
• Medical terminology, prescription drugs and their application
• Law Enforcement operations & road system in Mason County

Skills in:

• MS Suite
• Office procedures, practices and equipment.
• Communicating with highly emotional circumstances. 
• Providing public education and speaking.
• Writing comprehensive reports and business correspondence.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes. 
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from stakeholders.
• Acts as county-wide resource for information regarding death and dying, grief and bereavement, suicide, etc.
• Analyze and evaluate death scene evidence and make a preliminary finding as to the cause and/or manner of death.
• Make independent judgment and initiate appropriate action.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of activities. 
• Assist in autopsies as required.

OTHER JOB DUTIES:

May be required to obtain additional education as required to conduct business functions.(Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job may be considered.) 
Pass a criminal background check through law enforcement agencies
Pass a medical/physical and psychological evaluation
Obtain a current Washington State First Aid/CPR certification within six (6) months of hire.
Complete a WACME approved and/or sponsored medicolegal death investigations school within three (3) years.
Obtain death investigators certification through ABMDI (American Board of Medico-legal Death Investigators) within 3 years.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Washington State Driver license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Former experience in working in Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, Nursing RN or LPN.
• Completion of courses in biology, physiology, forensic studies, and anatomy or criminal justice from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

This position is required to follow chapter 13 of the Mason County Personnel Policy. If offered the position you must provide an Abstract Driving Record from the WA State DOL