Forensic Specialist

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

State retirement plan

Job summary

Ohio State University Hospital is seeking a Forensic Specialist within the Critical Care Administration to provide trauma-informed forensic nursing care across the lifespan. The role collaborates with physicians, social workers, law enforcement, and community partners to ensure safe, patient-centered care while maintaining evidence integrity.

Responsibilities include expert assessment, evidence collection, care coordination, patient advocacy, and education, with compliance to Ohio law and OSUWMC

Qualifications

• Requires nursing credential and active Ohio licensure.
• BLS certification required prior to direct patient care.
• Valid driver''s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert forensic nursing assessment and care across the lifespan.
• Collect and preserve evidence in accordance with protocols.
• Coordinate care, education, and advocacy for patients affected by violence and trauma.
• Provide courtroom support and documentation as needed.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Forensic nursing

Evidence collection

Documentation

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Board-certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Job description

Job Title and Department

Job Title: Forensic Specialist Department: University Hospital | Critical Care Administration

Scope of Position

The Forensic Specialist is a highly specialized professional who provides comprehensive, trauma-informed nursing care to patients across the lifespan affected by violence, abuse, exploitation, trauma, crime, and intentional or unintentional injury. The Forensic Specialist integrates nursing science, forensic science, criminal justice, public health, and trauma-informed care principles to address the medical, emotional, psychosocial, and legal needs of patients. The Forensic Specialist collaborates with physicians, advanced practice providers, social workers, advocacy agencies, law enforcement, legal professionals, and community partners to ensure safe, patient-centered care, maintain evidence integrity, and support continuity of care and patient safety. The position may provide forensic services across multiple OSUWMC and affiliated facilities and participates in community outreach and education initiatives.

Position Summary

Provides expert forensic nursing assessment, treatment, evidence collection, documentation, advocacy, care coordination, education, and courtroom support for patients affected by violence and trauma. Practices in accordance with Ohio law, professional nursing standards, forensic nursing standards, and OSUWMC policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred; or board-certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.
• Current applicable Ohio licensure.
• Valid driver's license.
• Reliable transportation.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification prior to providing direct patient care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in emergency, critical care, women’s health, behavioral health, or forensic nursing.
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification.
• Advanced or General Forensic Nursing Certification.
• Experience providing trauma-informed care to vulnerable populations.
• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience.

Additional Information

Location: University Hospital - Rhodes Hall (0354) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 30 Shift: Varying Shifts Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Benefits

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.