Coroner’s Officer

**About the role**

**Coroner's Officer**

Fixed Term, Full Time

Up to £31,067 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

**This is a fixed term contract opportunity for a period of 2 years.**

**The Opportunity**

Coroners Officers represent the interests of HM Coroner for Essex and Thurrock and HM Coroner for Southend and SE Essex, by providing an investigative service and assisting in the execution of the Coroner’s legal and public protection duties, in accordance with the Coroners & Justice Act 2009.

The role will receive information of sudden, violent, suspicious or unnatural deaths for which no death certificate has been issued. Assessing, analysing and making recommendations to the Coroner as to the appropriate action in accordance with the Coroners & Justice Act 2009 and the Coroners (Amendment) Rules 2004

Possessing the ability to deal with a wide range of audiences including Consultants, GPs, Pathologists and legal representatives with discretion and judgement and experience of communicating with bereaved families. The role requires excellent organisational skills and experience of working across boundaries in close liaison with other agencies.

**Accountabilities**
- Responsible for investigating causes of death by obtaining written statements and collating and assembling evidence from police officers, medics, health and safety inspectors and other authorities.
- Responsible for arranging removal of a body, following the Coroner’s procedure, arrange for identification of the deceased and ensure that the property of the deceased is handled appropriately. Establishing contact with relatives of the deceased and their representatives, to keep them informed of procedures and progress.
- Responsible for arranging and attending post mortems, obtaining details of medical history, hospital notes, doctor’s notes and any other relevant material to prepare relevant paperwork and ensure release of a body to the appropriate party at the earliest possible time.
- Work closely with the Coroner to organise, supervise and attend inquests, giving evidence, acting as usher and administrating all oaths and attestations to ensure all parties understand fully the process. Ensure the security of the witnesses and jury.
- Represent HM Coroner at the scene of major incidents/multiple fatalities to.
- Participate in and support contingency planning and testing to support the Council’s and Coroner’s services in the event of an emergency to maintain business continuity.
- Responsible for ensuring deaths involving UK citizens abroad are investigated correctly when a body arrives within the Coroner’s jurisdiction.
- Deliver training and guidance on the work of the Coroner’s Service to health service workers and other organisations.
- Work collaboratively with the British Museum and other interested parties on the reporting of Treasure.
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

**The Experience You Will Bring**
- Educated to RQF level 5 (Foundation Degree) or equivalent by experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal with a wide range of audiences including Consultants, GPs, Pathologists and legal representatives with discretion and judgement.
- Excellent organisational skills with experience of working across boundaries in close liaison with other agencies and under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills both written and oral, including the ability to deal with distressed bereaved families.
- Good computer literacy and keyboard skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products.
- Excellent team working skills and the ability to successfully achieve team goals.

To read more about us please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services

**Why Essex?**

Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest - Basildon and Harlow - are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us here.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

**What you should do next**

**Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.**

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