This ad for Deputy Coroner I, Cowlitz County offers the following description...
Minimum Qualifications:
1. A two-year degree in a medical or legal discipline, or related filed, and one year experience in death investigation (e.g.assisting in autopsies, pathology lab work). Or, any combination of education and experience that provides the skills to successfully perform the duties of this position.
2. Familiar with Washington State applicable statutes.
3. Obtain basic knowledge of Medicolegal death investigations and attend the Washington State Medicolegal DeathInvestigation Course within one-year of employment.
4. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
The job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent, and is not to beconstrued as an exclusive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by the incumbent on this position. The job description does not imply an offer of employment, nor a contract for employment. It is subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Required Skills and Abilities:
1.Knowledge of applicable laws and standard practices related to the duties of the Coroner’s Office.
2.Interpersonal and customer service skills to effectively deal with grieving families, and others requiring services. Develop and maintain good working relations with dept. staff, other county employees, other agencies, the public and the media.
3.Assist with autopsies, conduct investigations and determine causes of death. Maintain accurate and organized records.
4.Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, in a professional business-like manner. Skilled at preparing thorough, organizedand clearly presented technical reports. Convey medical and technical information in a manner that is understandable to the audience
5.Work well independently as well as in a cooperative environment. Multi-task work environment with deadlines.
6.Able to exercise judgement and discretion of sensitive or confidential matters.
Based on that, I'd say that shooting for a Nursing degree and taking whatever public speaking, interpersonal communications and Administration of Justice classes are available would serve you well in such a goal... Intro to Social Work would be helpful,too.
