Sangamon County is seeking a Death Investigator II in the Coroner’s office. This individual will primarily work in conjunction with the Coroner and office staff. During certain situations, under general supervision of the Sangamon County Coroner, conduct specialized medicolegal death investigations, both in the field and in the office of the Coroner.

A Death Investigator II, is responsible for supporting the staff to help them stay organized and complete tasks that allow them to focus on more advanced responsibilities. Their duties will consist of organizing meetings for Administrators, greeting office visitors and composing documents on behalf of Administrators.

Office Duties:

The core duties and responsibilities of an Administrative Assistant revolve around supporting others. Their job duties can vary widely, not just from job to job, but from day to day at the same job. On any given day, they may perform a variety of tasks, such as:

1. Answer phones and greet visitors
2. Schedule appointments and maintain calendars
3. Schedule and coordinate staff and other meetings
4. Collate and distribute mail
5. Prepare communications, such as memos, emails, invoices, reports and other correspondence
6. Write and edit documents from letters to reports and instructional documents
7. Create and maintain filing systems, both electronic and physical
8. Manage accounts and perform bookkeeping

Death Investigator Duties: 

1. Conduct scene visits and scene re-enactments, including photography and specimen collection for the purpose of gathering and developing information relevant to the death investigation. 
2. Prepare comprehensive investigative reports including circumstances and preliminary determinations of cause of death and manner of death on all reportable deaths. 
3. Actively participate in daily case review, presenting case data including circumstantial details, preliminary manner and cause, notification of the legal representatives, identification, and donor status. 
4. Perform investigative activities to identify, locate and notify the decedent’s legal representative(s). 
5. Assure that decedents released from the location of death are released at the direction of the legal representative with right to control disposition. 
6. Identify, locate, and gather information to assure decedent identification is confirmed via department policy and scientific methods when directed. Communicate with survivors, funeral directors, attorneys, physicians, and law enforcement. 
7. Refer decedents for tissue and cornea donation according to department procedure. 
8. Identify, gather, inventory and transport decedents, personal effects, and evidence from the location of death or other relevant location(s). 
9. Communicate with legal representatives of the decedent, funeral directors, attorneys, medical personnel, law enforcement, media and others in matters relating to the death investigation. 
10. Interview individuals and agencies to obtain information relevant to decedent’s background and circumstances of death. 
11. Order appropriate radiographic exams.
12. Review and approve cremation authorizations.
13. Request, review and prepare supplemental reports on medical records, law enforcement, EMS and other ancillary reports relevant to the investigation.
14. Direct and guide investigative activities of coroner staff while on duty.
15. Assist with intake processing of decedents.
16. Operate Coroner’s vehicle and stretchers.
17. Participate in department committees by appointment.
18. Adhere to all county and department policies, procedures, and regulations.
19. Identify, collect, and preserve evidence when necessary. 
20. Assist Forensic Pathologist with autopsy procedures.

Required Experience: 2 years experience in medical field, emergency medical services, law enforcement or prior employment in a death investigation office. Must employ discretion, tact and diplomacy when working with general public. Required Education: Associate’s degree in mortuary science, criminal justice, laboratory science, allied sciences, or related field preferred; will consider combination of applicable practical, professional experience and education. Registry certified (basic) as a Medicolegal Death Investigator by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators within twelve months of employment or upon meeting eligibility requirements.

Special requirements: Incumbents must live within Sangamon County. This is a safety sensitive, law enforcement position; applicants must be able to pass a post job offer criminal background investigation. Must maintain the physical and mental stamina to perform the work and be willing to accept the physical and mental discomforts inherent in the work. Must possess/maintain a valid Illinois Drivers’ License. This position requires driving a county vehicle. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends and be on-call when needed. Must have the ability to attend continuing education requirements and pass any applicable testing.

Knowledge of: equipment, procedures and practices used in forensic medical investigation; statutes and regulations governing disposition of property and body of deceased persons; common causes of death; policies, statutes and regulations governing pathological examinations and investigations; operational functions and responsibilities of the Coroner’s Office; specific investigative techniques; record and report preparation

Ability to: lift, push, pull, and carry objects and body weights of at least 100 pounds; work in all weather conditions, hazardous environments such as confined spaces, difficult terrain, and heights; be fitted for and wear a respirator; participate in pathological investigative procedures (i.e. postmortem examinations); collect, organize and document information from a variety of sources and circumstances; disseminate information verbally and in writing; order appropriate X-ray and toxicological studies; determine cause and preliminary manner of death; prepare and maintain appropriate records and reports; conduct specific investigative procedures; provide support and guidance in a caring and professional manner.

Skill in: use of related computer software and information access and entry; gathering photographic evidence using digital and cameras.

The work assigned to a position allocated to this class may not include all the job functions or knowledge, abilities, skills and physical requirements indicated nor does the class specification include all work that may be assigned or restrict the emphasis of the work assigned.

Work Hours: Vary with demands of the position.

Annual salary of $45,766.00; health, dental, and life insurance; pension plan; deferred compensation option; paid vacation, sick and personal time.

To apply you are required to submit a cover letter, a résumé, a Sangamon County Employment Application, and unofficial copy of your college transcripts to:

Jim Allmon, Sangamon County Coroner
200 South Ninth Street, Room 303
Springfield, IL 62701-1635
Office: 217-753-6610
Email: jim.allmon@sangamonil.gov

Sangamon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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