SHERIFF’S SUPERVISING CORONER INVESTIGATOR

Job Specifications

Class Code:	RA7
Analyst:	JES

Date Originated:	10/20
Date Revised:

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under direction, assist the Forensic Pathologist in overseeing the functions of the Coroner’s Division; directs, plans, and supervises the work of the Sheriff-Coroner Investigators and Administrative staff in the Coroner’s Office; directs and/or conducts the more complex investigations; ensures maintained compliance with accreditation requirements; and performs other related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This position is a peace officer under Penal Code Section 830.35, Paragraph C, in the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.  This class is distinguished from other peace officers in that persons in this class are not sworn and do not carry firearms.

This class is a supervisorial classification, supervising the investigators and administrative staff in the Coroner’s Unit.  Incumbents function as first line supervisors and are expected to perform the most varied and complex investigations, which requires significant technical expertise, lead oversight, technical guidance, and training of coroner staff on a regular and recurring basis. This position may also handle routine cases as required by caseload. This position is distinguished from the positions of Sheriff-Coroner Investigators I and II, which do not have ongoing supervisory or administrative responsibilities.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Supervises, plans, assigns, trains, directs, and evaluates the work of the investigative staff in the investigations of deaths to assist in the determination of cause and manner of death;
• Directs and/or conducts the more complex field investigations into cause, manner, and circumstances of death, and works closely with the Forensic Pathologist to make these determinations;
• Represents the Coroner’s Office in contacting medical professionals, funeral directors, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and other related agencies;
• Reviews investigative reports and records for accuracy, correct medical terminology, and completeness, and monitors completion of reports in on-going death investigations;
• Supervises, plans, assigns, trains, directs, and evaluates the work of the administrative staff in assisting the investigative staff with answering phone calls, managing case files, completing electronic death certificates, identifying next of kin, requesting medical records, maintaining office statistics, releasing property to next of kin, assisting with body releases to funeral homes, stocking and ordering supplies, and other related duties as assigned;
• Prepares shift assignments and vacation schedules;
• Assists in preparation of departmental procedures and changes in procedures;
• Makes public presentations on the function and mission of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office;
• Prepares correspondence and reports;
• May appear and testify in court;
• Performs other related tasks, as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Criminal investigative techniques and practices involving extensive interview, interrogation, research, and report writing.
• Laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the operation of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
• Criminal law, rules of evidence, and court procedures and testimony.

Working knowledge of:

• The organization and function of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
• Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, power point, and email.

Some knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of Sheriff-Coroner Investigators and administrative staff.
• Maintain cooperative and effective working relationships in dealing with medical professionals, hospitals, funeral directors, law enforcement agencies, other County departments, public and private organizations, and the general public.
• Make public presentations to groups on the functions and mission of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office and represent the office with a demeanor consistent with the dignity of the office.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Gather and evaluate forensic evidence to assist in determining cause and manner of death.
• Handle routine skilled investigative work and perform the more difficult and specialized investigations.

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-

• Four years of experience in investigations at a Coroner’s or Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Supervisory experience in an investigative field is highly desirable.
• Successful completion of the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Coroner's Death Investigation Course and PC 832 Arrest Course at time of appointment.
• Possession of a valid American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Registration Certificate.
• 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 of the classification’s essential functions as summarized in the typical tasks section of this job specification with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Physical Ability: This class requires 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 California Driver License, Class C issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles by the time of appointment.
• Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation.

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 03

Occupational Grouping: 62

Worker's Comp Code: 0285