Performs forensic autopsies for the El Paso County Coroner and surrounding jurisdictions.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Performs complete forensic autopsies and evaluates historical and law enforcement information in order to establish cause, manner, and probable time of death.
- Prepares detailed autopsy reports of findings, confers with judicial and law enforcement personnel, and assists with interpreting autopsy findings.
- Completes death certificates.
- Testifies in civil and criminal trials pertaining to El Paso County Coroner's Office cases.
- Performs death scene investigation, including crime scenes.
- Produces appropriate records related to forensic autopsies, including autopsy reports.
- Remains informed of developments in forensic pathology; attends seminars and trainings as needed.
- Serves as member of disaster team when designated by Coroner.
- Performs other duties as required.
Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Working knowledge of applicable laws and statutes governing forensic services.
- Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology; knowledge of State and Local laws regarding deaths and human remains.
- Knowledge of the Coroner system and medical terminology.
- Skilled in performing forensic autopsies, death scene investigations, and recording results of findings and associated medicolegal death investigation.
- Strong organization skills and ability to perform detailed work with significant accuracy.
- Ability to communicate effectively with County staff, elected officials and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently.
- Ability to maintain composure during very stressful situations.
- Ability to use standard office equipment; proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Required Education & Experience
- Graduate from an accredited medical school.
- Graduate from an accredited pathology residency and forensic fellowship.
Licenses/Certificates
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Board-certified or board-eligible in forensic and anatomical pathology.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
Work Conditions
Duties are performed in an office, laboratory, morgue, and at the death scene; some travel is required. May be exposed daily to chemical and biological hazards. Work may be performed under constant emotional stress from dealing with decedents. Constantly utilizes eye, hand, and finger coordination to perform job tasks. Normal color vision is required, due to need to examine and classify evidentiary materials and to process and interpret photographic and electronic images. Position requires frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, balancing, climbing, and often while simultaneously lifting. May be activated to respond to disaster situations, potentially in rough, unimproved terrain and in extreme weather. Coroner’s Office employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation prior to the date of hire.
The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.
VISION
El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.
PURPOSE
We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.
El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.
El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.