Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner

Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner

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 in which they are hired to provide services when on call within 60 minutes of being notified by the clinical team, including those reported from inpatient departments.
• Obtains informed consent and conducts suspect evidence collection, including forensic photography, and adheres to chain of custody protocol.
• Ensures accurate collection and preservation of all forensic evidence and relevant specimens, while 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 documents findings, Sexual Assault Assessment forms and completes Crime Victim's Board (CVB) claim forms.
• Endores clinically relevant examination findings to primary treatment team, including Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) exposure risk, strangulation, etc.
• Identifies the components of crisis intervention and supportive techniques to be used with sexual assault survivors.
• Communicates with patients and their families regarding evidence collection, provides victim advocacy and educates sexually assaulted patients on recommended treatments, such as appropriate prophylaxis and follow-up.
• Consults appropriate personnel for medical treatment, as needed, and engages in hand off process with responsible Emergency Department/Service Attending. If the Attending is not available, engages in hand off process with resident or the allied health professional assigned to the patient.
• Communicates with law enforcement and the district attorney's office; and testifies as fact or expert witness to any cases performed.
• Escalates all clinical and operational issues to NYC Health + Hospitals Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Borough Coordinator.
• Performs other program-related work, assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED); and one (1) year of full-time clinical post-licensure experience; or
• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) issued by the NYSED; and one (1) year of full-time clinical post-licensure experience; or
• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Physician Assistant (PA) issued by the NYSED; and one (1) year of full-time clinical post-licensure experience; or
• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice medicine; and one (1) year of fulltime clinical post-licensure experience.
• At the time of appointment, all applicants must have successfully completed a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Training Program that is certified or approved by New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
• Employees must 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 must maintain certification for the duration of employment as a SAFE by completing fifteen (15) Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits in NYSDOH-approved coursework/training every three (3) years after the initial certification.
• Holds, or obtains 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).