Deputy Investigator - Coroner's Department

Starting Hourly Rate: $24.16

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Deputy Investigator is responsible for conducting medicolegal investigations into deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Coroner. These investigations include sudden, unexpected, violent, suspicious, or unattended deaths. The investigator collects and evaluates information from death scenes, gathers relevant medical and social history, coordinates with law enforcement and forensic experts, and prepares detailed reports to assist in determining cause and manner of death.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Receive calls for service from the Berks County Communications Center, outside agency calls, or supervisors. 
• Determine jurisdiction and whether further examination and/or an autopsy is warranted.
• Respond to death scenes in a timely manner to conduct thorough and unbiased investigations.
• Examine decedents at scenes and document findings through photography, sketches, and written notes. A foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology to accurately assess findings is required.
• Make determinations of suspicious/non-suspicious deaths and time of death using body conditions such as rigor mortis, liver mortis, algor mortis, and stages of body decomposition.
• Photograph the Death Scene and Decedent 
• Collect evidence and secure personal property in accordance with legal and departmental procedures.
• Interview witnesses, family members, and first responders to gather relevant historical and circumstantial information.
• Responsible for the safe and respectful transport of decedents from the scene to the morgue or designated facility when further examination or testing is required. Duties include lifting, carrying, and handling remains in accordance with established protocols and safety procedures.
• Coordinate with forensic pathologists, toxicologists, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and funeral homes.
• Required to assist with forensic autopsies and other medicolegal examinations, performing duties such as evidence collection, documentation, and support tasks as needed.
• Prepare detailed and accurately written reports, including investigative summaries and official documentation.
• Maintain chain of custody and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws.
• Make a positive identification of decedent, determine next of kin and make death notification, either in-person or by telephone.
• Assist funeral home representatives with decedent removals., when necessary. 
• Must be able to obtain body fluids using proper phlebotomy techniques and preserve them for toxicological testing. Specimens   may include blood, urine, vitreous humor, and bile. Must maintain strict chain of custody for all samples and prepare and package them for transport and analysis.
• Must be able to safely perform essential job functions while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as Tyvek suits, respirators, boot covers, aprons, hard hat, etc. in compliance with bloodborne pathogen safety protocols.
• Process, investigate, and issue cremation authorization requests and other disposition authorizations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and office procedures.
• Perform a daily vehicle and equipment inspection checklist.
• Must be able to successfully complete the office training program.
• Participate in training, peer reviews, and professional development activities.
• Must be available for on-call coverage for all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed. Must be able to work mandatory overtime and provide shift coverage to ensure adequate staffing. May be required to report early or remain beyond scheduled hours during high-demand periods, including providing assistance both in the office and at death scenes.
• Deputy Investigators, whether on duty or off duty, are required to respond to any major emergency situation or mass disaster event which may occur in Berks County or any other county that is listed in our Mutual Aid Agreement, at the discretion of the Coroner or supervisor. 
• Testify at a deposition hearing or in court when subpoenaed or requested to do so. 
• Able to move, lift, and carry a human body of varying weights.
• Able to drive a vehicle in all types of weather conditions. 
• High level of attention to detail, integrity, and ability to work independently in high-stress environments.
• Able to communicate effectively and respectfully with people during difficult times, showing compassion and empathy in sensitive situations
• Proficient in operating computers, cellular phones, cameras, and other electronic devices essential for conducting and completing investigations
• Basic knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, and arithmetic.
• Handle death investigations in a confidential and respectful manner.
• All other duties and assignments as deemed necessary by the Coroner or supervisors.

MINIMUMEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. certification from a recognized issuing agency.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
• Preferred: 1 or more years of prior experience in medicolegal investigations, a background in law enforcement, fire service, nursing, emergency medical service, mortuary science, death-related fields, or a recent college graduate.
• Full-time employees are required to attend a 40-hour Coroner’s Basic Education Course that is presented by the Pennsylvania State Coroner's Association and Pennsylvania State Coroners’ Education Board (PSCEB). Successful completion of the class and a passing grade on the final test are required for continued employment. 
• Must maintain annual continuing education requirements as determined by the PSCEB.
• Full-time employees must be able to obtain certification through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) within 18 months of hire and maintain that certification throughout your length of employment. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification or eligibility for certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Nursing, Mortuary Science, or a related field.
• Prior experience working in a Medical Examiner or Coroner’s office.
• Knowledge of forensic pathology and medico-legal terminology.
• Familiarity with evidence handling, death scene protocols, and investigative techniques.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate well with people, be compassionate, and caring.
• Basic knowledge in the related fields of law enforcement, fire investigation, 
• and emergency medical or be willing to become familiar with those fields.
• Basic knowledge in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.
• Able to move, lift, and carry a human body of varying weights.
• Able to drive a vehicle in all types of weather conditions. 
• High level of attention to detail, integrity, and ability to work independently in high-stress environments.
• Able to communicate effectively and respectfully with people during difficult times, showing compassion and empathy in sensitive situations
• Proficient in operating computers, cellular phones, cameras, and other electronic devices essential for conducting and completing investigations
• Able to work well with coworkers and supervisors.
• Basic knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, and arithmetic.
• Able to be on time and ready to work at the start of your assigned time. 
• Handle death investigations in a confidential and respectful manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires the ability to lift and move human bodies and other heavy objects, as well as frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, crawling, walking, and exposure to various odors. May be required to traverse steep grades and uneven or rocky terrain, climb ladders, and enter waterways. Must be able to wear and work in required protective equipment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The position involves exposure to postmortem examinations, including attendance at autopsies and the handling of needles, syringes, and the collection of biological samples such as blood, vitreous humor, bile, and urine. Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, often under challenging conditions such as extreme heat, cold, rain, confined space, or elevated precarious places. The position also includes exposure to bodily fluids, strong odors, airborne particles, and potentially hazardous chemicals. The ability to tolerate the sights and smells associated with bodies in various stages of decomposition is essential. 

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.