Coroner Officer

Durham County Council is looking to recruit a Coroner Officer to the busy Durham & Darlington Coroner Service. You will act in support of the Senior Coroner by undertaking investigations in connection with the occurrence of reportable deaths, providing sufficient evidence to enable the Coroner to fulfil their judicial function. This will require use of initiative to make all relevant enquiries surrounding the circumstances of deaths of unknown cause, unnatural deaths, and deaths in state detention. This is a challenging yet highly rewarding role delivering a vital service in the community, particularly to the bereaved. You will need to be confident in dealing sensitively and professionally with people, and in particular those who are vulnerable and / or distressed. Liaison with bereaved families, Police, medical personnel, internal and external agencies is a key part of the role and forms the basis of investigatory process. You will be able to demonstrate the capability to produce accurate work, paying meticulous attention to detail and will be able to clearly evidence excellent organisational, ICT and time management skills. Prioritisation and organisation of a demanding workload within tight timescales is paramount. WHAT IS INVOLVED? The Durham & Darlington Coroner Service is made up of a Senior Coroner, several Assistant Coroners, 11 Coroner Officers and four Inquest & Support Officer based in Crook Civic Centre. As well as undertaking investigations, you will be required to give evidence and produce court exhibits during an inquest, complete any relevant specific training and provide out of hours on-call cover on behalf of the service., Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home / remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process. Take a closer look: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held week commencing 28 October 2024. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

You should have 4 GCSE's (Grades 4-9 or A

• -C including English Language or Literature) or equivalent and NVQ level 3 in a relevant subject or equivalent.
You should have strong organisational skills, a high level of attention to detail and be able to work discreetly and confidentially. You must also have excellent verbal and written communication skills. The post holder will each provide effective, flexible and responsive support to the Senior and Assistant Coroners so it will be important to demonstrate flexibility and have the ability to work innovatively and proactively to meet on-going demands and deadlines, as well as changing priorities, when required.

We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
• Hybrid working (home and office working).
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.