$93,704.00-$118,539.20 yearly

Definition

Under general supervision, conducts investigations to identify deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Office and to determine the cause and manner of deaths; determines the identification of the deceased and notifies the next of kin; collects and preserves forensic evidence; collects and reviews medical records; safeguards the personal effects of the decedent; prepares and submits reports on the death investigation to the Forensic Pathologist; works closely with all agencies concerned with the decedents death; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Positions in this series are peace officers under Penal Code Section 830.35, Paragraph C, in the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. These classes are distinguished from other peace officers in the Sheriff’s Office in that persons in these classes are not sworn and do not carry firearms.

Sheriff-Coroner Investigator I: is the entry level classification in the Coroner Investigator job series. Incumbents receive a substantial amount of on-the-job training by working closely with senior staff member(s) and are expected to progressively perform investigative work in a more independent manner.

Sheriff-Coroner Investigator II: is the journey level classification in the Coroner Investigator job series. Incumbents independently perform the duties of the Sheriff-Coroner Investigator with limited supervision. Incumbents also provide technical direction to the Sheriff-Coroner Investigator I .

Typical Tasks

Conducts investigations into the cause, manner, and circumstances of death, and works closely with the Forensic Pathologist to make these determinations;
Responds to calls from law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or private citizens concerning unattended or traumatic deaths, and authorizes removal of bodies from death scenes;
Interviews witnesses, medical professionals, peace officers, and family members to obtain facts concerning deaths;
Consults with physicians, hospitals, and other medical personnel, and obtains and reviews medical records to identify medical history pertinent to the investigation;
Takes scene photographs;
Takes charge of body, personal property and forensic evidence found at death scenes and maintains chain of evidence;
Makes positive identification of decedents; may take fingerprints for identification purposes;
Locates and personally notifies decedent’s next of kin, providing information regarding the death and Coroner’s Unit procedures while obtaining background information for the investigation;
Reports findings to the Sheriff Coroner Supervisor and/or Forensic Pathologist;
Discusses findings with District Attorney’s Office where criminal prosecution is indicated; appears as a witness in criminal and civil proceedings and at industrial accident boards to testify to facts gathered during investigation;
Investigates requests for indigent disposition;
Prepares written case reports of the investigation; maintains required records;
Ensures accurate completion of the Death Certificate, including attestation with the State of California Electronic Death Registry System;
Performs related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Knowledge:

Sheriff’s Coroner Investigator I

Some knowledge of:

Basic anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
California Penal Code, Government Code, Health and Safety Code, and Welfare and Institutions Code relating to the function, jurisdiction and authority of the Coroner's Office.
Principles and techniques of death investigations including interviewing methods and techniques.
Rules of evidence regarding chain of custody and methods to preserve and safeguard evidence.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, and databases.

Sheriff’s Coroner Investigator II

Working knowledge of:

All of the above.
Recent developments, current technology, and trends in the profession.

Ability to:

Sheriff’s Coroner Investigator I & II

Work closely with Forensic Pathologist when investigating cause, manner, and circumstances of unattended or traumatic deaths.
Read and understand medical charts.
Maintain professionalism in tragic and emotional situations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Create accurate and comprehensive reports of the findings of a death investigation.
Gather, analyze, correlate, and preserve forensic evidence.
Testify in court.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Work alone and independently.
Use critical thinking skills in problem solving.
Perform strenuous physical activities including lifting and moving dead bodies.

Education and Experience/Training:

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Graduation from High School or G.E.D certificate and a minimum of an associate degree in forensic science, criminal justice, nursing, or other related fields.

-AND-

Sheriff-Coroner Investigator I

One year of experience in a medical, nursing, or investigative field.
Successful completion of the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Coroner's Death Investigation Course and PC 832 Arrest Course, within twelve months of appointment.
Successful passage of the Registry Certification (Basic) examination from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI), must be completed within two years of appointment.

Sheriff-Coroner Investigator II

Two years of experience in investigations at a Coroner’s or Medical Examiner’s Office.
Possession of a valid ABMDI Registration Certificate.
Successful completion of the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Coroner's Death Investigation Course and PC 832 Arrest Course, within six months of appointment.
Successful passage of the Board Certification (Advanced) examination from ABMDI, must be completed within twelve months of appointment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION:

Possession of a valid ABMDI Board Certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS:

Capable of performing all the classification’s essential functions, as summarized in the typical tasks section of this job specification with or without reasonable accommodations.
Tasks require the ability to manipulate/maneuver up to 100 pounds of body weight, often combined with bending, twisting, or working on irregular surfaces; typically involves some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; occasionally requires hiking in mountainous terrain while carrying equipment.
Sensory Requirements: Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities and differences between shade, degree or value of colors, shapes, forms, textures, or physical appearance associated with job-related objects, materials, tasks, or people; occasionally requires ability to differentiate sounds and odors.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to variable temperatures, confined workspaces, and heights; strong unpleasant odors; infectious bio-hazardous materials, such as blood, urine, and semen, which might cause chronic disease or death; dust, pollens, chemical irritants; toxic substances; individuals who may be hostile and abusive; evidence that may be disturbing, such as homicide evidence.
Hours: May be required to work flexible hours, shifts, weekends, and holidays and be subject to holdover and callback duty; and to provide a telephone number or means by which employee can be reached.
License Requirement: Possession and maintenance of valid Class C California Driver License issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles by the time of appointment.
Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation.

CLASS: RA1; EST: 10/1/2020;

CLASS: RA2; EST: 10/1/2020;