Deputy Coroner

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. These applicants will be disqualified from consideration.

The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected. Education and work experience fields must be completed, regardless of the presence of an attached resume.In addition, all applicants must attach a cover letter to their application. Failure to attach this document may result in the rejection of your application. Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed.

The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the Minimum Requirements for this position as noted in the Job Description. We encourage all applicants to provide a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment history. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application. For questions regarding this posting, please contact Sherry Christman, Human Resources Analyst at schristman@norcopa.gov or 610-829-6382. Equal Employment Opportunities - It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.GENERAL PURPOSEThe Deputy Coroner (sometimes referred to as Medical Legal Death Investigator), under the direction of the Coroner and Chief Deputy Coroner, represents an essential component of the multidisciplinary investigation of sudden and unexpected deaths.

 The Deputy Coroner is expected to investigate all jurisdictional and referred deaths which occur within the geographic boundaries of Northampton County.Individuals hired as Part-Time Deputy Coroner must work an average of fifteen (15) hours per month to maintain active employee status. Employees who do not meet this requirement for a period of three (3) months will lose active status. SUPERVISION RECEIVEDThis position reports directly to the Coroner and the Chief Deputy Coroner.SUPERVISION EXERCISEDThis position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees.       ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITIONTravels to the scene of homicides, suicides, accidental, questionable, and/or unattended deaths as required, on behalf of the office of the Coroner, in accordance with established call schedule.

 Conducts a systematic scene investigation to assist with determining the cause and manner of death. Understands the difference between jurisdictional and referral case death investigations and the responsibilities that each requires.  Takes custody of the remains in accordance with the prescribed protocol and procedure.

Performs initial on scene examination of the remains, takes photographs, and collects information relevant or related to the cause and manner of death.  Conducts external examination of bodies and collects specimens for the purposes of toxicology testing as may be required in individual cases.  Conducts joint investigations with law enforcement agencies and in conjunction with County, State, and Federal Agencies to assist in determining the cause and manner of death.

Collects data and prepares reports on death investigations in accordance with pre-established policies and procedures ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.Conducts follow up investigations that may be assigned. Practices appropriate safety, environmental, and infectious control methods. Establishes the identity of the deceased individual and notifies the legal next of kin in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Oversees and assists with the removal of remains to the attending funeral director and/or morgue facility for the purposes of a forensic examination.  Occasionally attends and provides evidence/testimony at pre-trial and/or court hearings, as may be required in individual cases.  In the absence of the Coroner and Chief Deputy Coroner, determines any attending physician and his or her willingness to sign the death certificate.Addresses community groups, schools, and other audiences about the functions of the office, as directed.* An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description.

Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent; ANDCompletion of at least thirty (30) credits from an accredited college or university in a related field of study such as forensic science, criminal justice, anthropology, psychology, sociology, biological science, nursing, or chemistry.

Two (2) years of relevant work experience in a medical or law enforcement setting may be substituted for the education requirement; ANDEmployees assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license with an acceptable driving record; ANDAbility to complete required training as outlined below.REQUIRED TRAINING AND DEPUTIZATION: Deputy Coroners must attend and successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Coroner's Education Board basic education course held at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, PA. The state mandated education course along with maintaining eight (8) hours of continuing education credits annually is required. Formal deputization as a Deputy Coroner is required upon completion of required training.BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION - As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a criminal history check.PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION - As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a psychological examination.MEDICAL EXAMINATION - A post offer drug screen is a requirement for employment.  REQUIRED SCREENINGS AND VACCINATIONS: Deputy Coroners are required to submit to annual Tuberculosis and Rubella screening, as well as Hepatitis vaccinations.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  Ability to learn the goals and objectives of the Northampton County Coroner's Office.Ability to learn death investigation protocol, procedures, and standards and the legal/policy requirements for the processing of evidence.Ability to gain knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.Ability to learn bereavement and counseling techniques.General knowledge of cameras and photographic procedures.Ability to learn the procedures involved in detecting, analyzing, and interpreting signs and symptoms of trauma and other physical conditions.Ability to learn the planning, execution/implementation, and documentation of investigations.Ability to learn fingerprinting cadavers and identifying traumatic wounds.Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.Ability to be available for irregular shift work and shift rotations necessary to provide service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.Ability to operate on a scheduled 24 hour, on call basis.Ability to learn and understand medical/forensic information and terminology.Ability to learn, understand, and follow complex, detailed technical instructions.Ability to write reports containing technical information.Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.Ability to learn how to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.Ability to learn how to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.Ability to learn techniques to search records, interview individuals, develop case histories, interpret findings, and draw persuasive conclusions from that evidence.Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stressors.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with family members, medical officials, representatives of law enforcement, and court systems.Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.Ability to make presentations before various groups, including giving testimony in hearings and court cases.TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTTelephone or cell phone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, fax machine, copy machine, and camera equipment, as well as technical, medical, and scientific equipment. PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.

The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors and loud noise.  Must be able to lift, carry, drag, or push an average body weight of 150 to 200 pounds, alone or with assistance.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee often works in the field. Work will require the use of personal protective equipment and the ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Work involves occasional exposure to unusual elements such as toxic chemicals, and biohazardous materials. Will work in a death environment with almost constant exposure to noxious odors. Will work with blood or blood borne pathogens and will be required to follow quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.The noise level in the work environment varies.SELECTION GUIDELINESFormal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.FLSA STATUS:        FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)DESIGNATION:        CAREER SERVICEPAY GRADE:            CS-23UNION STATUS:      NON-UNIONUpdated May 2023