Deputy Coroner bei Stanislaus County, CA

About the Department

THE POSITION

The Deputy Coroner investigates and reports on causes of death that fall within the jurisdiction of the Sheriff-Coroner and assists with autopsies and post-mortem examinations. This individual also removes bodies from the scene of death and delivers them to the County Coroner facility. This position also keeps the morgue and autopsy room and equipment in clean and orderly condition. This position is subject to shift work, weekend, overtime, standby, and callback assignments. Performs related duties as assigned. 

To learn more about the Sheriff's Office, click here.
 

Position Duties

• Receive calls from law enforcement agencies, doctors, and other medical facilities reporting death or potential cases;
• Make the initial determination,  if a death will fall within the jurisdiction of the Sheriff-Coroner;
• Investigate deaths by gathering facts, conducting interviews, and requesting medical records from medical facilities;
• Visually and physically conduct preliminary external examinations of the decedent;
• If required, respond to the scene and take possession of the body and appropriate evidence and/or personal property;
• Inventory, secure, seal, and/or store real and personal property  belonging to decedent or physical evidence;
• Locate, inform, and instruct Next of Kin regarding the death, autopsy results and funeral information;
• Complete the necessary Coroner's paperwork including associated narrative reports;
• Initiate or update Death Certificate via the California Electronic Death Registry System (EDRS);
• If required, assist forensic pathologist with autopsies and duties typically performed by autopsy technician; and
• Prepare investigation reports, review autopsy reports and sign certificates of death.

Minimum Qualifications

• The procedures involved in assisting a physician in post-mortem examinations;
• Investigative principles and techniques used in cause-of-death investigations;
• Recognition and preservation of evidence;
• Techniques involved in handling and preparing bodies for post-mortem examination or burial;
• The care of surgical instruments and equipment used in the performance of autopsies;
• Laws, regulations and policies relating to the Sheriff-Coroner function which may involve use of the Health and Safety Code, Government Code, California Penal Code, Vehicle Code and Probate Code as they relate to the duties of a Deputy Coroner; and
• Hygienic methods and practices, including septic and antiseptic procedures.

• Understand and explain laws, regulations, and policies governing coroner operations;
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with department personnel, law enforcement agencies, other coroner offices, medical offices and the media;
• Work around death and handle remains of deceased persons under unpleasant conditions, and deal with distraught persons;
• Observe and accurately record information relating to deaths; Learn basic anatomy and medical terminology;
• Collect and analyze data and materials to draw logical conclusions, including writing and dictating reports, and filing documents with the Public Health Department; Follow written and oral instructions;
• Lift and move objects, including cadavers weighing at least 150 pounds; Cope with death and the grieving process;
• Work in all types of weather conditions;
• Operate a variety of office equipment, such as a multi-function phone system, copying machine, fax machine, Dictaphone and tape recorder used in the performance of death investigation work; and
• Operate a motor vehicle.

PATTERN I

 PATTERN II

• One (1) year of full-time experience (or equivalent) as an Autopsy Assistant/Technician assisting with autopsies in a forensic pathology setting.

• Successfully complete the 832 (PC 832) Arrest and Firearms Course and Coroners’ Death Investigation training courses pursuant to 830.35(c) PC (as prescribed by POST) within twelve (12) months from the date of employment; AND
• Physical/manipulative abilities required by the department; AND
• Mental/cognitive abilities required by the department; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
• Must be of good moral character with no felony convictions and must not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment in a Federal penitentiary or State prison.

Other Qualifications

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on. 
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification.  Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.