THE CHARLESTON COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE

The Charleston County Coroner’s Office is a state-of-the-art agency dedicated to conducting independent investigations of various types of deaths and serving as a representative to decedents and their survivors. The Coroner’s Office conducts thorough medicolegal death investigations with compassion and specialized expertise. The Coroner’s Office also has an in-house autopsy suite that allows for timely, yet thorough post-mortem examinations.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Duties may vary, depending upon current project needs of the division and the intern's assigned section. Examples of duties include investigative assistance which may involve speaking with families of decedents, medical and law enforcement personnel, and mortuary staff; observation and support of forensic assistants during autopsies and in processing remains and evidence; and records/administration tasks related to specialized projects pertaining to data collection and processing, and records.

Assignments may provide experience related to the following activities:

• Assist at death scene investigations under the direct supervision of a Deputy Coroner
• Observe and provide support during autopsies under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Forensic Services or the Forensic Pathologist.
• Assist with data collection and/or analysis
• Records management
• Screen incoming calls
• Review records to identify details relevant to a death investigation
• Process evidence on non-criminal cases

Interns will be expected to present to the staff on a medicolegal death investigation related topic of their choice at the conclusion of the internship.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Those applying for an internship with the Coroner’s Office are expected to have completed their first year at an accredited college or university prior to the start date of the internship and must be pursuing or have completed a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, anthropology, criminal justice or a closely related field.

Minimum GPA of 2.8 is required. (Be sure your GPA is highlighted on your unofficial transcripts)

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be familiar with basic death investigation principles and/or physiology/anatomy; must be comfortable while interacting with the public both in person and via phone; and must have demonstrated experience in customer service. Specific skill requirements will vary depending upon available projects and your assigned section. Basic computer skills are required. Applicants must be able to work independently on projects as assigned.

TIME COMMITMENT

Internships are offered year round and require 8 or more hours per week (up to 20 hours per week) for 3 months, with the possibility to extend up to 6 months, at the discretion of the Coroner. Schedules may vary, depending on specific tasks and intern availability. Hours will be scheduled Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INTERN

Although this is an unpaid internship that does not include employee benefits, the position offers participants an excellent experience in working within a large county Coroner's Office. It also provides an opportunity for interns to explore career options, gain knowledge and skills that complement their academic studies, build resumes and network with professionals in the medicolegal death investigation environment.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Candidates will need to upload a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts to be considered. Selected candidates will be interviewed by the project(s) leader and intern coordinator.

• The cover letter or letter of interest is an opportunity for applicants to describe career and academic goals and to elaborate upon personal interests/accomplishments related to the internship.
• The resume must include relevant education, work experiences and community involvement
• The unofficial transcript(s) must include all undergraduate and any graduate coursework, except coursework in progress. Your current GPA needs to be highlighted on your transcripts

Once an application is made, the selection process includes a review of application materials, an interview and a thorough background investigation. Applicants who have been selected for an interview will be contacted to schedule that interview.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Background investigations will be conducted on applicants who have successfully interviewed for the internship and wish to pursue placement.

The following documents will be completed by qualified applicants during the background investigation:

• Personal History form, includes employment history & arrest record
• Notarized Authorization to Release Information form

As part of the background investigation, applicants will be required to provide three references along with original copies of the following documents (NOTE: Do NOT attach these documents to your application):

• Birth certificate (original or certified copy) or if applicable, naturalization certificate/resident card (Passport is not accepted.)
• Valid, state-issued driver's license or ID
• Social Security card
• Official college transcript(s) (Required for applicants who have completed their degree(s) and must be submitted in a sealed/unopened envelope.)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION:

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.