Deputy Coroner - County of Orange

DEPUTY CORONER

Incumbents will be periodically rotated through assignments, shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. 

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

 
POSITION/RECRUITMENT INFORMATION
This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List to fill current and future Deputy Coroner vacancies until the next recruitment.
 
THE DIVISION

The Coroner Division is an investigative unit responsible for carrying out the statutory duties of the Coroner. Those duties include investigation into the circumstances surrounding all deaths falling within the Sheriff-Coroner's jurisdiction for the purpose of determining the identity of the deceased, the medical cause of death, the manner of death, and the date and time of death. Medico-legal death investigations are conducted countywide on all homicides, suicides, accidents, suspicious and unexplained deaths. Other duties include notifying the next of kin, safeguarding personal property, collection of evidence, and completion of mandatory records and documents. The Division is also proactive in the community, participating in programs geared towards preventing drunk driving and drug use; identifying consumer products causing fatal injury; domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse; and providing educational services for medical, legal and law enforcement professionals. Other contributions to the community include cooperative relationships with non-profit organ and tissue procurement agencies to enhance the quality of life and save lives. The Division also collaborates with research organizations pursuing medical science advancements.

General Duties:
Conduct medico-legal death investigations of all sudden, violent, and unexpected deaths that occur within the County of Orange in order to determine the circumstances, manner, and cause of death, and the identity of decedents coming under the Sheriff-Coroner's jurisdiction; order autopsies performed by professional staff; and do other work as required.
 
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will possess basic software computer skills such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Internet Explorer. Candidate will have a strong understanding and knowledge of anatomy and physiology; possess leadership qualities, effective communication skills; have strong organization and excellent time management skills; be flexible and have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click hereto view the class spec/job description.

General Knowledge of:

• Investigative principles and techniques
• Techniques of investigative interviewing
• Use of scientific investigative equipment
• Laws and rules of evidence
• Laws pertaining to death and dead bodies
• Criminal, civil, and probate laws
• Physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, and techniques used in general medicine or criminal or coroner's investigations

Some Knowledge of:

• Medicine and its subspecialties and techniques
• Methods of recognition, collection, preservation, and analysis of medico-legal and/or criminal evidence
• Prescribed drugs, both generic and name brands, poisons, and other toxic elements and compounds

Ability to: 

• Analyze situations and take effective action
• Work effectively under unpleasant conditions
• Communicate effectively with attorneys, medical doctors, law enforcement officers, and distraught persons
• Prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence
• Answer questions of law pertaining to death and dead bodies
• Converse with professional medical personnel on a technical level

Education and Experience: 

Option I 

One year as an investigator with a city, county, state, military, or federal law enforcement agency, Coroner Department, or Medical Examiner's Office OR  two years as an investigator for a nongovernment entity conducting medico-legal investigations.

Option II 

Two years in the Orange County class of Forensic Assistant, Forensic Specialist, or Forensic Scientist OR two years in a science or paramedical field such as Autopsy Technician, Registered Nurse, Paramedic, Police Evidence Technician, Criminalist, or any other medical/science related experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and abilities listed.

Option III 

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Criminal Justice, Biology, Nursing, Forensic Science, Mortuary Science, or other related subject to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Option IV 

Possession of an Associate Degree from an accredited college in Criminal Justice, Biology, Nursing, Paramedic Science, or Mortuary Science combined with some experience as a Reserve Peace Officer, Coroner's Volunteer, Forensic Assistant, Orange County Sheriff's Special Officer, Mortician, Licensed Embalmer, Emergency Medical Technician I, Reserve Firefighter, or other related experience.

License/Certification:
Possession of a valid California Driver License by date of appointment.

Option I

Must possess and maintain a valid California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Certificate.

Option II

Must possess and maintain a valid California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Specialized Basic Certificate. 

Option III
 
Must maintain a valid California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Proof of Eligibility (P.O.E.) and obtain and maintain a valid California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Certificate or a valid California Peace Officer Standards and Training Specialized Basic Certificate upon completion of probation.   
 
A P.O.E. is not transferable between agencies and expires upon obtaining a valid California Peace Officer Standards Training (P.O.S.T) Basic Certificate or a valid California Peace Officer Standards Training (P.O.S.T) Specialized Basic Certificate. 
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must maintain periodic firearm qualification.

Requirements for Deputy Coroner per California Government Code Section 1031:

Incumbent will be required to successfully complete a Penal Code 832 (Arrest and Firearms) course and the Coroner’s Death Investigation course within one year of date of hire.
 
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.  Background screening includes completing of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting and may include a polygraph test. Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use and credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e.. degree, license, or official transcripts).

• Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Must be at least 21 years of age by date of appointment. 
• Not have been convicted of a felony and not be otherwise subject to disqualification under California Government Code Section 1029.  
• Be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect exercise of Deputy Coroner powers, as determined by a license examining authority in accordance with California Government Code Section 1031.
• Have graduated from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on a General Education Development (G.E.D.) test or California High School Proficiency exam or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university. 
• Pass a background investigation conducted in compliance with California Government Code Section 1031, to the satisfaction of the Sheriff-Coroner.