General Description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

Under general supervision performs work of moderate difficulty in assisting the Coroner and Chief Deputy Coroner in conducting investigations of deaths reported to the Coroner’s Office. Duties of the Office of Coroner are statutorily described in the Illinois Revised Statutes. Employees in this position perform all support duties involved in death investigation, including conducting scene investigations, organizing the conveying of the body to the morgue, conducting body examinations, taking of body fluids for toxicological examinations, taking of x-rays and fingerprints and assisting at autopsies. Work is performed under unusual and unpleasant conditions and is subject to call on a 24-hour a day basis.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Depending on the assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties, and perform related duties as assigned:

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  Conduct on scene investigations including taking photographs, interviewing family and witnesses, collection of applicable evidence.
• Coordinate the conveyance of the body to the morgue keeping intact evidence on/or accompanying the body, including the correct control and disposition of the personal effects of the deceased.
• Responsible for the preservation of the chain of evidence regarding the body and/or evidence recovered from the body.
• Examine the body, catalogs clothing and personal effects; performs detailed body examinations with the preparation of diagrams of wounds, scars, etc., which are present.
• Take, preserve, and identify body fluids for toxicological examinations including blood, bile and urine and transports to the appropriate laboratory when necessary.
• Assist in the taking, preserving, and identifying trace evidence for crime laboratory analysis including nails, hair, and foreign materials.
• Take x-rays as supplementary investigative information.
• Take fingerprints from bodies for the Coroner’s Office and all law enforcement agencies.
• Assist at autopsies, including techniques in dissection and evisceration, taking swabs and smears from various parts of the body.
• Assist in the proper recovery of bullets and other projectiles, package and identify these materials.
• Properly prepare body for transportation and/or release to funeral home.
• Assist in operation of the morgue under the supervision of the Forensic Pathologist.
• Thoroughly complete applicable paperwork and maintain up to date case file on all assigned cases.
• Communicate on a consistent basis with family members and various agencies about the status of the case and/or findings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES REQUIRED:

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  Knowledge of modern methods of death investigations.
• Knowledge of fingerprinting.
• Knowledge of human anatomy.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply research methods and data analysis techniques and develop alternate solutions.
• Skill in problem-solving, time-management, prioritization, multi-tasking and conflict resolution.
• Ability to work with deceased human bodies under varying conditions, to include various stages of decomposition.
• Ability to collect and research data to write reports and routine business correspondence.
• Ability to manage difficult or emotional situations and adapt to changing conditions while maintaining safety and security procedures.
• Ability to deal courteously with families of deceased individuals, officials, and the public.
• Ability to follow instructions, policies and procedures and take responsibility for own actions.
• Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively both verbally and in writing; ability to interpret, prepare and present clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, correspondence and documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers organization and staff, representatives of other governmental agencies, the public and others encountered in the course of work.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentially handle information, records and issues.
• Ability to successfully use County-specific technology and general office software.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to take independent action, seek increased responsibility, improve and promote quality, accuracy and thoroughness, and meet commitments.

EDUCATION AND/OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or general education degree (GED) equivalent required;
• Some College education in a relevant field of study preferred;
• Five (5) years of experience in a related field;
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record;
• Willingness to be available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year without regard for holidays or personal commitment;
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Illinois Firearms Owner Identification Card;
• Ability to successfully complete Field Training program known as “Deputy Coroner Investigator Training Program”;
• Or any combination of education and experience that provides the candidates possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties prescribed to the position (above).

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND FACTORS OF THE POSITION:

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  Ability to perform duties both outside and inside in varying conditions including extreme heat, extreme cold and wet and/or humid, etc; work in high precarious places, small, confined spaces, etc.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, bodily fluids, etc.
• Ability to withstand odors associated with bodies in varying stages of decomposition.
• Regularly required to lift human bodies more than 100 pounds; finger, handle, feel, reach, pull, push, grasp, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl, kneel, etc.
• The position requires specific visual acuity and field of vision to include color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus; and the ability to hear and speak to understand, respond to and build relationships with a diverse clientele.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.