Quality Assurance Deputy Coroner

Position Summary

• This is an internal position**
  
  

Agency Summary

This position will consist of a dual role of performing both deputy coroner and quality assurance functions. Incumbent in this role will spend ten percent of their time per month conducting death investigations and the remaining ninety percent performing quality assurance functions and responsibilities.

As a deputy coroner the incumbent will be responsible for investigating the death of individuals of unnatural or unexpected causes within the county jurisdiction. Position will assist in the development and implementation of crime scene scientific programs and confers with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate work activities at the scenes. Incumbent will provide preliminary data and information from death investigations. Positions ensures the total work product meets all appropriate scientific, legal, and accreditation requirements. Incumbent in the percentage of role for the quality assurance program will meet the National Association of Medical Examiners laboratory practices, overseeing the safety program, and to ensuring the program meets all technical issues related to the forensic unit. Incumbent may work independently following established protocols and utilized independent judgment to direct death investigations for determining accurate cause and manner of death. Errors in judgment could create significant legal liability for the city and county. This position is guided in judgment by agency polices and standard operation procedures. If no clear-cut standard operating procedures exist, the incumbent will use independent judgment to accomplish the work. Position reports to the Sr. Deputy Coroner.

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of the Marion County Coroner’s agency is to investigate and determine a person’s cause and manner of death, particularly in cases when the individual died under unusual circumstances. The office consoles families, advocates for the deceased, and gives information to police and courts to prosecute suspected criminals. The agency strives to cultivate a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the citizens of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer . All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Responds to scene to initiate death investigation physical exam of body
• Responsible for forensic support in the identification, preservation, and collection of forensic evidence at death investigation crime scenes
• Provides a variety of death investigation activities involving homicides, suicides, etc., to include but not limited to DNA collection and swabbing, fingerprinting, and other death investigation procedures
• Collects property to inventory
• Takes photo of decedent and scene
• Contacts removal service or fire department as needed to move or remove body
• Notifies family for identification by phone or in-person
• Accesses databases for medical records (Eskenazi and Community hospital), EMS, and police reports
• Sends subpoena duces tecum electronically to hospital which cannot be accessed through database
• Completes field deputy report
• Ensures appropriate quality assurance and quality control methodologies are employed throughout the death investigation per the National Association of Medical Examiner guidelines
• Makes recommendations on strategic plans for the office of quality assurance program
• Updates and maintains the quality assurance manuals
• Monitors laboratory practices
• Oversees the safety program
• Maintains a variety of records, databases, and logbooks pertaining to autopsy records
• Provides feedback to Chief Deputy Coroner on issues related to the quality assurance program
• Serves as key liaison for all quality assurance issues with all agency employees and outside agencies
• Reviews laboratory calibration and maintenance records
• Schedule and coordinate audits
• Submit office accreditation of documentation as required
• Administers the administrative and technical review of agency case work
• Assists in the development and implementation of agency standard operating procedures
• Investigates technical deficiencies, propose corrective actions, and verify compliance
• Attends conferences or seminars related to quality assurance and accreditations
• Maintains confidentiality at all times
  
  

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Forensic Science, or a related field with one (1) or more years of relevant work experience in investigations of death. Will consider five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in-lieu of education. State Medicolegal Coroner’s training certificate preferred. Must be able to obtain Medical Legal Death Investigator certification within one (1) year of hire date and then complete eight (8) hours per year of continuing education credits. Must maintain a valid driver’s license. Knowledge of medical terminology is a plus. Considerable knowledge of National Association of Medical Examiners and American Board Medicolegal Death Investigators accreditation and certification processes. Emotional intelligence and empathy. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written. Excellent reasoning and analytical skills and detail oriented with the ability to multi-task. Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Job Requirements And Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Biology, Forensic Science, or a related field and the ability to learn quickly on the job in death investigations. State Medicolegal Coroner’s training certificate preferred. Must be able to obtain Medical Legal Death Investigator certification within one (1) year of hire date and then complete eight (8) hours per year of continuing education credits. Must maintain a valid driver’s license. Knowledge of medical terminology is a plus. Considerable knowledge of National Association of Medical Examiners and American Board Medicolegal Death Investigators accreditation and certification processes. Emotional intelligence and empathy. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written. Excellent reasoning and analytical skills and detail oriented with the ability to multi-task. Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office.