Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner

NYC Health + Hospitals; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Health + Hospitals is seeking a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) to be part of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). You will perform forensic evidence collection for assault victims while providing compassionate care. Candidates must hold a valid clinical license (RN, NP, PA, or medical) along with completion of a SAFE Training Program. A commitment to a high standard of care and the ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement is essential. Apply online for this impactful role.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid New York State RN, NP, PA, or medical license and one year of clinical post-licensure experience.
• Completion of a certified SAFE Training Program and obtaining NYSDOH SAFE certification within twelve months.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required within 30 days of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Respond to SAFE-designated health care settings within 60 minutes.
• Perform forensic evidence collection including photography.
• Document findings and communicate with law enforcement.
• Provide emotional support and health counseling to patients.

Skills

Clinical experience

Forensic evidence collection

Crisis intervention

Patient advocacy

Communication with law enforcement

Education

Registered Nurse (RN) license

Nurse Practitioner (NP) license

Physician Assistant (PA) license

Medical license

SAFE Training Program certification

Tools

Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kit

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

Under clinical oversight, Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) serves as part of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and performs forensic evidence collection for patients who report sexual assault, including evaluation and referral. Ensures the quality of collection, documentation, and preservation of forensic evidence. Provides timely, compassionate, and patient-centered care through data collection, physical assessment, health teaching, health counseling and provision of supportive care to ensure emotional support and reduce further trauma to the patient. Ensures optimal utilization of resources, service delivery and compliance with NYC Health + Hospitals, health care settings, and all relevant regulatory policies, procedures, and standards of care for better outcomes and improved patient experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to any SAFE-designated NYC H+H health care settings within the borough within 60 minutes of being notified by the clinical team, including those reported from inpatient departments.
• Obtain informed consent and conduct suspect evidence collection, including forensic photography, and adhere to chain of custody protocol.
• Ensure accurate collection and preservation of all forensic evidence and relevant specimens, utilizing the New York State Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kit, Drug Facilitated Forensic Evidence kit (if indicated), and a camera to document patient injuries as supporting evidence in accordance with the National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations Adults/Adolescents.
• Accurately document findings, Sexual Assault Assessment forms and complete Crime Victim’s Board (CVB) claim forms.
• Endorse clinically relevant examination findings to primary treatment team, including STI exposure risk, strangulation, etc.
• Identify components of crisis intervention and supportive techniques to be used with sexual assault survivors.
• Communicate with patients and their families regarding evidence collection, provide victim advocacy and educate sexually assaulted patients on recommended treatments, such as appropriate prophylaxis and follow‑up.
• Consult appropriate personnel for medical treatment, as needed, and engage in hand‑off process with responsible Emergency Department Attending. If the Emergency Room Attending is not available, engage in hand‑off process with resident or the allied health professional responsible for patient care.
• Communicate with law enforcement and the district attorney’s office; and testify as fact or expert witness to any cases performed.
• Escalate all clinical and operational issues to NYC Health + Hospitals Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Borough Coordinator.
• Perform other program‑related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED); and one (1) year of full‑time clinical post‑licensure experience.
• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) issued by NYSED; and one (1) year of full‑time clinical post‑licensure experience.
• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Physician Assistant (PA) issued by NYSED; and one (1) year of full‑time clinical post‑licensure experience.
• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice medicine; and one (1) year of full‑time clinical post‑licensure experience.
• At the time of appointment, have successfully completed a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Training Program that is certified or approved by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
• Obtain the NYSDOH SAFE certification within twelve (12) months of appointment; extensions may be granted up to an additional six (6) months at the discretion of the SAFE Coordinator or Director; and maintain certification for the duration of employment by completing fifteen (15) Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits in NYSDOH‑approved coursework/training every three (3) years after the initial certification.
• Hold, or obtain within 30 days of appointment, a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA).

How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply for Job" button.