Coroners Court Coordinator
Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £23,344 to £24,731 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Fixed-base worker
The Opportunity
The Coroners Service is an essential service for the residents of Essex, providing an investigative service that assists in the execution of the coroner's legal and public duties. This includes investigating unnatural or violent deaths where the cause is unknown, or deaths that occurred in state detention, such as prisons or mental health institutions. The service also provides bereaved individuals and other relevant parties with explanations of the coroner's investigations and the inquest process.
The service is composed of Coroners, judicial officers, and Coroners Officers, who are employees of Essex County Council (ECC) and serve as a link between the coroner and bereaved families. They also liaise with stakeholders such as NHS trusts, GPs, funeral directors, and pathologists, while collating all relevant documentation necessary for the coroner.
This role primarily focuses on ensuring the smooth running of the Coroners Court, including directing family and jury members, ensuring relevant case files are ready and available, and providing support during hearings. When courts are not in session, the role will also involve simple administrative tasks that contribute to the service's operations.
The role holder will need strong communication and engagement skills to support both Coroners and bereaved family members, along with a high level of resilience, as many cases may be distressing in nature.
Accountabilities
* Attend and support the operation of the Coroner's Court for all aspects of inquest hearings, ensuring files are ready prior to inquests and all necessary supplies are available.
* Manage the digital display of evidence in court, including witness evidence by video link when required.
* Prepare the courtroom for use, ensuring all inquests are recorded and filed according to statutory requirements.
* Liaise with bereaved families, juries, witnesses, lawyers, press, and other interested parties to keep them informed throughout the inquest process.
* Read witness statements in court as required and support the swearing and affirmation of oath processes.
* Ensure messages are passed to the coroner from the jury and prevent unauthorized approaches to the jury.
* Support the smooth running of the office by undertaking basic administrative duties such as answering telephone enquiries, photocopying, and filing.
* Archive and manage inquest files according to office processes, including updating and uploading information onto the coroner case management system.
The Experience You Will Bring
* Educated to GCSE Level.
* Excellent organisational skills.
* Methodical and accurate.
* Ability to prioritise workload.
* Ability to work to strict deadlines.
* Ability to work in confidential and sensitive situations.
* Good standard of IT skills and use of technology.
* Confident and clear public speaking voice.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we are committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements for the role.
As part of employment with Essex County Council, if your role requires a DBS check, you will need to register with the DBS update service. For further information on the DBS update service, please visit here.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you have queries on this role or require further information, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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