Deputy Coroner

HC1 Hamilton County; United States; On-site; USD 58,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Hamilton County is seeking a Deputy Coroner (part-time) in Noblesville, Indiana. The role involves investigating deaths, documenting scenes, and coordinating with law enforcement and medical staff.

Must meet state certification requirements and be prepared for a 24-hour call rotation. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, ability to work with distraught individuals, and strong documentation/communication skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must complete Indiana State Coroner’s training within the first year of appointment.
• Must maintain Medical Legal Death Investigator certification annually.

Responsibilities

• Performs duties of Coroner in absence.
• Investigates deaths per state/local rules; observes, photographs, documents death scenes and autopsies.
• Interviews witnesses or relatives and verifies decedent medical history.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Discretion

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Location: 402 Lafayette Road - Noblesville, Indiana, 46060 Hamilton County is one of Indiana’s fastest growing, highest educated and wealthiest counties in the state and the Midwest. Two-thirds of the workforce lives and works in the county -- a percent that has remained constant since 2010. Hamilton County is continually recognized in rankings ranging from “Best Cities to Relocate To” and “Best City to Raise a Family” to “Healthiest County in Indiana” and “Happiest Suburbs in the Nation”. Come be a part of all Hamilton County has to offer as we work together to serve the citizens of Hamilton County.

Job Description

POSITION: Deputy Coroner

DEPARTMENT: Coroner

WORK SCHEDULE: As needed

STATUS: Part-time

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

HOURLY RATE: $28.2661 per hour

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Hamilton County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.

DUTIES

Performs duties of Coroner in his/her absence. Investigates deaths reported to office according to applicable state and local rules, regulations and guidelines, including observing, photographing, and documenting scene of death, and examining, photographing, and documenting body at autopsies and exhumations. Interviews witnesses and/or relatives of decedent and verifies medical history of decedent. Consults with various agencies as appropriate, including Sheriff, municipal police departments, fire departments, Indiana State Police, and emergency medical services. Determines need for specimen draws or autopsies, and witnesses autopsies as needed. Completes investigatory documents and reports as required, such as lab requests, Coroner's verdict, investigation reports, fatal accident and SIDS reports. Maintains related case files. Complete Provisional notification of death and burial transit permits. Renders/certifies cause and manner of death and provides documentation to agencies and individuals as requested. Determines next of kin and provides personal notification of casualty as needed. Secures personal possessions of decedent and releases to appropriate individual. Periodically provides information regarding investigations to news media, and makes depositions as required. Attends and successfully completes State Commission certified death investigation class as required. Serves on 24-hour call rotation. Attends conferences (as required by state statute) and seminars to maintain current knowledge of laws and other trends in the field. Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DIFFICULTY OF WORK

High school diploma or GED and ability to successfully complete required training. Must successfully complete the training and certification of the Indiana State Coroner’s training board for Medical Legal Death Investigator within the first year of appointment to the office as required by state statute. Must maintain the certification of Medical Legal death investigator by attending annual training by the Indiana State training Board as required by state statute. Thorough knowledge of and ability to make practical application of state and local rules and regulations regarding duties and authority of coroners. Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of various related fields of science, such as pathology, forensics, anatomy, and criminal investigation. Working knowledge of blood borne pathogens control, and ability to follow universal health precautions at all times to prevent infection of self and others. Ability to properly secure death scenes, bodies, collected evidence, and personal property of decedent, in conjunction with police agencies. Ability to properly operate a camera, and accurately complete required documents and reports. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with state and local law enforcement, other emergency personnel, mortuaries, news media, physicians, witnesses, decedents' next of kin, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities. Ability to periodically provide testimony in legal proceedings. Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons. Ability to comply with all employer/department personnel policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct. Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information/records according to state requirements. Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers. Ability to adapt to changing work environments and irregular hours Ability to regularly work extended, weekend and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town, but not overnight. Ability to serve on 24-hour call rotation, and appropriately respond from off-duty status, despite the stress of exposure to distraught persons and disturbing evidence, such as deaths involving violence. Possession of a valid Indiana driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record. As a result of the duties associated with this job, there is the potential of becoming exposed to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious diseases. To safeguard employees and eliminate the liability placed on Hamilton County, employees working in this position shall begin the three shot Hepatitis B vaccination and subsequent training within 10 days of their initial job assignment per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)(i). The initial and two subsequent vaccinations shall be administered by the Hamilton County Health Department and free of charge to the employee. If the employee has previously received the three shot Hepatitis B vaccination, official documentation must be provided to the supervisor identifying the dates in which each shot was appropriately administered. A Temporary Medical Declination may be made for a period of up to six months. A Declination form must be completed, outlining the medical reasons for the temporary declination and forwarded to the Safety & Risk Manager. Employees temporarily declining the vaccine are prohibited from performing any duties in which they may be exposed to a blood borne pathogen or other potentially infectious disease until they are able to begin/continue the series of vaccinations. Failure to comply will result in termination of employment.

II. RESPONSIBILITY

Incumbent performs a broad scope of duties involving non-routine decisions in determining unexplained human deaths. Incumbent's decisions regarding cause and manner of death are final and cannot be overruled. Work is performed according to legally defined procedures, and standard practices of the profession, and is reviewed for soundness of judgement, technical accuracy, and compliance with legal requirements and department policy.

III. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Incumbent communicates frequently with state and local law enforcement personnel, other emergency personnel, mortuaries, news media, witnesses, decedents' next of kin, and the public, for purposes of exchanging information, coordinating investigations, and resolving problems. Incumbent reports directly to Coroner.

IV. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment, in a vehicle, and at scenes of death, involving sitting and walking at will, bending, crouching/kneeling, working in confined areas, handling/grasping objects, and occasionally lifting/carrying objects weighing more than 100 pounds. Incumbent may be exposed to distraught individuals, disturbing evidence, inclement weather, and blood borne pathogens, for which universal health precautions must be followed at all times to prevent infection of self and others. Incumbent serves on 24-hour call rotation. Incumbent regularly works extended, weekend and/or evening hours, and occasionally travels out of town, but not overnight.

APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT The job description for the position of Deputy Coroner for the Coroner describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.

Hamilton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We participate in E-Verify.

Welcome to Hamilton County Indiana! Hoosier Hospitality is our culture, and you will find a unique blend of communities that define sophistication, have entrepreneurial spirit, as well as home town charm. Walkable downtowns, waterfront access, dynamic sports venues, cultural and food attractions, and open land all demonstrate the diversity of our county offerings.

Who We Are: With a growing population of 300,000+ residents, Hamilton County is a great place to live, work, learn and play. We are strategically located in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Close to downtown Indianapolis and the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport, Hamilton County is within a one-day drive of 50% of the U.S. population. We are listed as one of the fastest growing counties in the country and have earned a national designation as a Best Place to Live and Raise a Family. Home to four midsized cities and vibrant communities that include award-winning schools and workforce training opportunities, the county offers Midwest affordability, low tax rates, safe,walkable downtowns that include thriving arts communities, dining, entertainment and shopping with easy commute times and abundant parking. The county also includes options for lakeside living or properties in the open country. Central Indiana enjoys four seasons living for a variety of outdoor sports and recreation all year round. A short drive takes you to Indianapolis, the 16th largest city in the country and the state capitol. Home of the world-famous Indianapolis 500, The Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, minor league soccer and baseball, and host of numerous college and professional champions, in addition to unique museums and cultural venues.

Hamilton County #1 Best Counties to Live in Every State -MSN.com 2020 Best Counties to Live in America –Niche.com 2018 Healthiest Communities in America –US News & World Report 2019 Carmel #2 Best Places to Live in 2021-2022 - Money 2021 #1 Fit City in Indiana - Barbend 2020 #2 Strongest Small Business Presence - Smart Asset 2020 #4 Safest City to Raise a Child - Safewise 2020 Named as one of the Coolest Suburbs in America – Apartment Therapy 2019 #1 Best Place to Live in America – Town and Country Magazine 2018 Best Places in U.S. to Launch a Career – Money Magazine 2018 Noblesville World’s #1 Amphitheatre: Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Pollstar 2018 Top 5 Places to Live in Indiana – HomeSnacks 2019 Westfield #6 Best Place to Live - Money Magazine 2020 Top Sports Facility in the U.S. – Sports Destination Management 2018 Top 100 Safest Cities in America – Neighborhood Scout 2019 Why choose a career in the public sector with Hamilton County? To provide the most responsive level of governmental services To serve the public efficiently Ability to make a difference in your community The work is meaningful and rewarding Improve your Work/Life balance Stability and job growth Excellent Benefits Work and live in one of the best County in the Nation! 950 Full-time positions 350+ part-time = 1,300+ County wide Position Types: Law enforcement – Police, Corrections Officers in Jail, 911 Dispatch Center, Community Corrections Judiciary - Clerk’s Office, Court staff, Court Reporter/Bailiff, Probation & Prosecutors Clerical - Receptionist, Data Entry, Office Managers Labor/Trades/Crafts – Buildings & Grounds, Highway, Parks Department Professional and Executive – IT, Health Department, Engineers, Elected Officials/Department Heads, Human Resources Benefits Highlights: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life (employee, spouse, children), Long and short-term Disability Hamilton County Employee Health Center & Pharmacy (Noblesville/Westfield): High quality primary medical care facility and wellness services Advocacy Program – One-on-one appointment with a Physician to evaluate chronic illness/injuries Nutrition Education and Wellness Center (diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss and management, cancer and kids health) Pharmacy – Low-cost co-payments, encourage use of generic meds, Medication Management Program providing review of medication interactions/effectiveness Leave Benefits: Sick leave, bereavement, holidays (10-13 per year), compensatory time, paid time off (1 week at 6 months, 2 weeks at 1 year then an additional day each year until max of 22 days on year 15). Upon completion of 30 years of service time, employees earn 1 additional day per year up to 40 years of service time. Retirement Benefit Options: Indiana Public Employee Retirement Fund Pension (annuity & pension), AUL Deferred Compensation Plan, McCready Retirement (Merit staff)