Deputy Coroner-Public Administrator

Duties

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Assists in determining the cause of deaths falling under the Coroner's jurisdiction and reports findings to determine the need for an inquest.
• Travels to the scene of the death, confers with emergency medical personnel, nurses, fire department staff and law enforcement personnel, under whose jurisdiction the death may fall, and photographs scene, takes evidence, moves body to the Coroner's office.
• Obtains fluid samples from bodies; attends or assists pathologist at autopsies; removes organs, takes tissue and organ samples, closes and cleans bodies and delivers to mortuary; may embalm the bodies.
• Prepares and signs autopsy authorizations and work sheets; completes and signs death certificate and provides for filing with local registrar; if indigent death, determines eligibility for County burial and makes appropriate arrangements.
• Locates survivors and next of kin; notifies them of deaths; secures and prepares receipts for personal effects of the deceased.
• Confers with survivors or heirs of decedents to arrange proper funerals; in the absence of qualified or willing persons, makes funeral arrangements.
• Conducts investigations and inventories of decedents' estates placed under the jurisdiction of the Public Administrator; locates estate assets, including real property, personal property, wills and financial records; assists in the preliminary appraisal of assets.
• Assists in securing estate assets, including storage of transportable personal property and management of real property until estate is closed.
• Collects monies and other estate asses, including Social Security benefits, veterans benefits and life insurance, to pay estate debts and taxes, and disburses to heirs.
• Interviews, advises and confers with heirs, relatives, attorneys, title companies, banks, appraisers, accountants, other public agencies, the District Attorney's Office and others concerning the administration and probate of estates; provides information regarding County policies and procedures.
• Assists in disposing of real estate and personal property, through sale public auction or disbursement to heirs, as appropriate.
• Initiates paperwork with the courts to liquidate assets, arranges for the transfer of assets, establishes and manages trusts and handles the financial affairs of the estate.
• Maintains accurate files and records; prepares legal documents within established time limits.
• Prepares detailed reports accounting for assets, payment of fees and disbursement of estate assets.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Laws and regulations pertaining to the investigation and determination of cause of death. Principles, practices and methods used in estate and financial conservatorship investment and disbursement.
• Welfare and Institutions Code, Probate Code and other applicable laws and regulations relating to estate management and disposal.
• Methods and terminology related to the appraisal of real and personal property.
• Practices related to the real property title recording and transfer.
• Techniques for locating next of kin and other heirs.
• Business arithmetic.

Skill in:

• Administering estates and safekeeping assets and personal effects.
• Conducting detailed investigations, obtaining information, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions.
• Assisting with autopsies and death investigations to determine cause of death. Interpreting, applying and explaining County policies and adhering to laws related to assigned functions.
• Organizing, prioritizing and coordinating work activities.
• Organizing and maintaining accounting, inventory, appraisal and other detailed business records.
• Preparing clear and concise correspondence, reports and other written materials. Exercising initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines. Dealing courteously, tactfully and effectively with the public, especially in situations where relations may be strained.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must be bondable.
• Must successfully complete P.O.S.T. approved PC 832 course and obtain an Advanced Coroner's Investigation certificate within one year of hire.

Desirable Education and Experience:

• A typical way to obtain the skills and knowledge outlined above is: Two years of experience in law enforcement or in a legal support capacity that would provide familiarity with the laws and procedures for death investigations or experience in interpreting, processing and maintaining complex legal documents dealing with property transfer.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!