Deputy Investigator (Coroner Department)

Starting Rate: New Hire starting rate - $23.34 per hour

Schedule: 35 hours per week

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions
1.

Responsible for handling of routine calls during the work shift and for contacting the On-Duty Supervisor for non-routine calls.
2.

Receive calls for service from Berks County Dispatcher, Coroner’s office telephones or supervisors.  Complete a report of death either by taking the information over the telephone or responding to the scene, hospital, nursing home, care giving facility, place of business or a personal residence.
3.

Complete the required paperwork for any such calls while on duty in a complete, concise, and professional manner as dictated by protocols and procedures of the office.
4.

While at the scene, conduct a thorough investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the death.
5.

Conduct a complete investigation of the body and the scene.
6.

Make determinations of suspicious and non-suspicious deaths,
7.

time of death due to circumstances of the body such as rigor mortis,
8.

livor mortis, body decomposition, etc.
9.

Preserve, collect, and interpret evidence for the office, police, or the courts.  Work with other agencies at the scene such as law enforcement, fire, ambulance personnel, etc.
10.

Conduct an in-depth interview with family member(s) to determine past medical history, habits, medications, recent problems, or falls, etc.  If family members are not present, conduct an in-depth search of the premises for information leading to finding next of kin. 
11.

Advise and assist families with the process of interment of the deceased, advising and assisting with funeral homes and removals.
12.

In the event the body must be removed for further investigation (i.e.

homicides, vehicle crashes, accidents) or further testing (i.e.

autopsies, toxicological exams, odontology) the deputy is responsible for transporting the body to the morgue or other testing facility.  The deputy is responsible for chain of custody for the body during this type of event.
13.

Obtain, identify, and preserve body fluids (blood, urine, vitreous, bile) for toxicological examinations and transport same to the appropriate laboratory when necessary.
14.

Handle requests for information and to assist in routine office duties while on duty and refer all other matters to the on-duty Supervisor.

Non-Essential Functions
1.

Deputies (on or off duty) are required to respond to any emergency situation or mass disaster which may occur in this County or any other county which is listed in the Mutual Aid Agreement, at the discretion of the Coroner or the supervisor.
2.

Deputies may be called in early is assist in the office on extremely busy shifts or called out to assist on duty deputies with a larger type call (on overtime basis).
3.

Testify at hearing or in court when subpoenaed or requested to do so.
4.

Assist other deputies with their investigation suc...