POSITION SUMMARY:

The Death Investigator is responsible for conducting medicolegal investigations into deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Coroner. These investigations include sudden, unexpected, violent, suspicious, or unattended deaths. The investigator collects and evaluates information from death scenes, gathers relevant medical and social history, coordinates with law enforcement and forensic experts, and prepares detailed reports to assist in determining cause and manner of death.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Routine Essential Functions:

1. Receive calls for service from the Berks County Communications Center, outside agency calls, or supervisors.
2. Determine jurisdiction and whether further examination and/or an autopsy is warranted.
3. Respond to death scenes in a timely manner to conduct thorough and unbiased investigations.
4. Examine decedents at scenes and document findings through photography, sketches, and written notes. A foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology to accurately assess findings is required.
5. Make determinations of suspicious/non-suspicious deaths and time of death using body conditions such as rigor mortis, liver mortis, algor mortis, and stages of body decomposition.
6. Photograph the decedent and the death scene. This will involve touching and moving the deceased.
7. Collect evidence and secure personal property in accordance with legal and departmental procedures.
8. Interview witnesses, family members, and first responders to gather relevant historical and circumstantial information.
9. Responsible for the safe and respectful transport of decedents from the scene to the morgue or designated facility when further examination or testing is required. Duties include lifting, carrying, and handling remains in accordance with established protocols and safety procedures.
10. Coordinate with forensic pathologists, toxicologists, law enforcement agencies, and healthcare providers.
11. Required to assist with forensic autopsies and other medicolegal examinations, performing duties such as evidence collection, documentation, and support tasks as needed.
12. Prepare detailed and accurate written reports, including investigative summaries and official documentation.
13. Maintain chain of custody and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws.
14. Determine next of kin and make death notification, either in person or by telephone.
15. Assist funeral home representatives with decedent removals.
16. Must be able to obtain body fluids utilizing phlebotomy techniques and preserve these for toxicological testing purposes. These fluids may include blood, urine, vitreous, and bile. Must be able to maintain a chain of custody for these samples and prepare and package them for testing.
17. Must be able to perform job functions while wearing personal protective equipment, as needed, such as Tyvek suits, respirators, boot covers, aprons, hard hats, etc.
18. Process and issue cremation authorization requests or other disposition authorizations.
19. Perform a daily vehicle and equipment inspection checklist.
20. Must be able to successfully complete the office training forms and program.
21. Participate in training, peer reviews, and professional development activities.
22. Be available for on-call shifts, weekends, holidays, and nights as needed.
23. All other assignments as deemed necessary by the Coroner or supervisors.

Non-Routine Essential Functions:

1. Deputy Investigators, whether on duty or off duty, are required to respond to any major emergency situation or mass disaster event which may occur in Berks County or any other county that is listed in our Mutual Aid Agreement, at the discretion of the Coroner or supervisor.
2. May be called in early or asked to stay late to assist on extremely busy shifts. This may include help in the office or on deaths at a scene.
3. Mandatory overtime and shift coverage may be required to ensure adequate staffing of the office.
4. Testify at a deposition hearing or in court when subpoenaed or requested to do so.
5. Complete other appropriate duties that the Coroner or supervisors may assign.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or the ability to obtain.
3. 1-3 years of prior experience working in a Coroner/Medical Examiner’s office or a background in law enforcement, fire services, nursing, emergency medical services, mortuary science, or related field.
4. Full-time employees are required to attend a 40-hour Coroner’s Basic Education Course that is presented by the Pennsylvania State Coroner's Association and the Pennsylvania State Coroners’ Education Board (PSCEB). Successful completion of the class and a passing grade on the final test are required for continued employment.
5. Must maintain annual continuing education requirements as determined by the PSCEB.
6. Full-time employees must be able to obtain certification through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) within 18 months of hire and maintain that certification throughout their length of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Certification or eligibility for certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).
2. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Nursing, Mortuary Science, or a related field.
3. Prior experience working in a Medical Examiner or Coroner’s office.
4. Knowledge of forensic pathology and medico-legal terminology.
5. Familiarity with evidence handling, death scene protocols, and investigative techniques.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Able to move, lift, and carry a human body of varying weights.
2. Able to drive a vehicle in all types of weather conditions.
3. High level of attention to detail, integrity, and ability to work independently in high-stress environments.
4. Able to communicate effectively and respectfully with people during difficult times, showing compassion and empathy in sensitive situations
5. Proficient in operating computers, cellular phones, cameras, and other electronic devices essential for conducting and completing investigations
6. Able to work well with coworkers and supervisors.
7. Basic knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, and arithmetic.
8. Able to handle stressful situations well.
9. Able to be on time and ready to work at the start of your assigned time.
10. Handle death investigations in a confidential and respectful manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires lifting human bodies, moving heavy objects, bending, kneeling, stooping, crawling, walking, talking, and smelling. May be required to walk up or down steep grades, rocky terrains, climb ladders, and enter waterways. Must be able to wear protective gear (Tyvek suits, gloves, masks, shoes).

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The position involves exposure to postmortem examinations, including attendance at autopsies and the handling of needles, syringes, and the collection of biological samples such as blood, vitreous humor, bile, and urine. Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, often under challenging conditions such as extreme heat, cold, rain, confined spaces, or elevated precarious places. The position also includes exposure to bodily fluids, strong odors, airborne particles, and potentially hazardous chemicals. The ability to tolerate the sights and smells associated with bodies in various stages of decomposition is essential.

• Work may be performed in a variety of environments, including death scenes (indoors/outdoors), hospitals, morgues, and office settings.
• Frequent exposure to deceased individuals, biological hazards, and emotionally distressing situations.
• Requires physical stamina to lift and move decedents and perform duties in all weather conditions and terrains.
• Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position, and may be changed where appropriate.