At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Coroners in investigating unnatural deaths and preparing reports.
- Company: Join the Essex Coroners Service, a vital part of public safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and support for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping families during difficult times.
- Qualifications: Foundation Degree or equivalent experience, strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35769 - 35769 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time £30,404 up to £35,769 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker (you will be expected to work from SEAX House, Chelmsford 1-2 days per week, and daily during the training period)
The Opportunity
Essex Coroners Service supports four full‑time Coroners in statutory duties, investigating the unnatural deaths across greater Essex. The service receives 5,500 referrals per year and holds over 1,000 inquests. We are seeking a Coroner Officer to join our day‑to‑day team. The role involves supporting the early information gathering and preparing reports for Coroner decisions. You will keep families informed throughout the investigation and gather evidence from external parties, including pathologists, NHS, GPs and police. You will follow Coroner instructions to complete investigations and enable the Coroner to determine whether the death was natural or requires an inquest.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills are required to build strong relationships with families and manage a wide range of stakeholders, influence and chase evidence to progress cases in a timely manner.
Accountabilities
- Investigate causes of death by obtaining written statements and collating evidence from police, medics, health and safety inspectors and other authorities.
- Arrange removal of a body, following Coroner procedure, and ensure the property of the deceased is handled appropriately.
- Establish contact with relatives of the deceased and keep them informed of procedures and progress.
- Arrange and obtain details of medical history, hospital notes, doctor’s notes, and other relevant material to prepare paperwork and ensure release of a body to the appropriate party as soon as possible.
- Participate in and support contingency planning and testing to support the Coroner’s services in case of emergency to maintain business continuity.
- Ensure deaths involving UK citizens abroad are investigated correctly when a body arrives within the Coroner’s jurisdiction.
- Support the upskilling of health service workers and other organisations, providing guidance on the work of the Coroner’s Service.
- Achieve specific individual and shared targets and objectives 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 to engage with consultants, GPs, pathologists and legal representatives with discretion and judgement.
- Excellent organisational skills with experience working across boundaries and under pressure.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to deal with distressed bereaved families.
- Good computer literacy and keyboard skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Preferable experience in managing information of sudden, violent, suspicious or unnatural deaths lacking a death certificate.
- Excellent team‑working skills and ability to achieve team goals.
Equal Opportunities & Safeguarding
Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and commits to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements. We also commit to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Security & Background Checks
If appointed, you may be required to register with the DBS update service to maintain an up‑to‑date DBS certificate. An annual subscription is required and you will be responsible for ensuring it remains current.
Contact
For questions regarding this role or to discuss further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
Coroners Officer in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex Coroners Service is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the community. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on excellent customer service, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while working collaboratively with a dedicated team. Located in Chelmsford, the role of Coroners Officer provides unique opportunities to engage with families and various stakeholders, ensuring that every case is handled with care and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Coroners Officer in Chelmsford
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We think you need these skills to ace Coroners Officer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Essex County Counci. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Essex County Counci.
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Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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A full-time HR role at Essex County Counci will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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