BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Responsible for performing autopsies of sudden, unexpected or violent deaths within the LCM Pathologists’ coverage area.

STARTING SALARY:  $180,000 with comprehensive benefit package with excellent retirement benefits.

CREDENTIALS:

Must be a graduate of a medical school recognized by the American Medical Association, a member in good standing of the medical profession, be or be eligible to be licensed in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, duly qualified as a Pathologist certified or eligible to be certified in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology.  If only Board eligible at the time of employment, Board certification in Forensic Pathology must be obtained within the first year of employment.  The Forensic Pathologist must possess acceptable skills and ability both in written and oral communication.  The Forensic Pathologist must possess adequate physical attributes to include the physical strength and skill to perform autopsies and navigate in adverse scene conditions.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.       Perform death investigations including scene investigation, autopsy, and analysis of investigative data and

      certification of cause and manner of death

2.       Supervise, administrate, and provide guidance for the pathology assistants, other deputy coroners, or other coroner staff, in their performance of death investigations including scene investigations, autopsy, and analysis of investigative data and certification of cause and manner of death.

3.       Serve as the director of autopsy services for LCM Pathologists, P.C.

4.       Serve as a faculty member of the Sanford USD School of Medicine.  Faculty responsibilities include teaching the forensic pathology sections for the Sanford USD School of Medicine sophomore medical class and providing other USD teaching services as requested and able, to include an annual Forensic Medicine/Pathology Conference.  Research and publication endeavors are encouraged.

5.       Teach the Forensic Pathology sections for the Pathology Residency Program to include both monthly didactic sessions and autopsy performance.

6.       Serve as Minnehaha County Coroner.  As Coroner the following duties and responsibilities would be expected:

A.      Ensure the performance of the functions of the Minnehaha County Coroner’s Office as prescribed   by State laws and County policies.

B.   Assure the rapid completion of death certificates under your jurisdiction.

7.       Organize and direct emergency responses to disasters that require Coroner services.

8.       Testify in court and to the grand jury.

9.       Coordinate and direct body and property custody and release in cases under the coroner’s jurisdiction.

10.   Ensure the preservation of physical and medical evidence and departmental case files in accordance with professional standards and state laws and regulations.

11.   Respond to inquiries from the news media and other interested parties.

12.   Encourage the use of forensic pathology services by others both in and outside of the current LCM

Pathologists service area and to provide consultation and contract services to other agencies  (to include the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the South Dakota health department) towards that end.

13.   To serve as a liaison with area funeral directors to revolve issues of autopsy performance,

cremation,  release of bodies, and death certificate completion.

14.  To work towards acquiring NAME accreditation for the County Coroner’s Office.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of Federal, State, and local statutes, and current developments in the professional and leadership areas; methods and techniques of criminal investigation and crime scene processing; computer applications related to the work; techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; principles and practices of forensic pathology and laboratory analysis; scientific research methods and procedures as they relate to the job; organizational and administrative principles and techniques; budget principles, techniques and strategies.

Ability to lead and train physicians and other professionals in the ares of diagnosis and evaluation of cases; establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with coworkers, law enforcement and legal personnel; testify in court as both an expert and rebuttal witness; coordinate and conduct training seminars for user coroners; communicate effectively and manage public relations.