Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner

About the role

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the United States, providing essential outpatient, inpatient and home‑based services to more than one million New Yorkers each year across the city’s five boroughs. The system includes ambulatory centers, acute care centers, post‑acute/long‑term care, rehabilitation programs, Home Care, and Correctional Health Services. The workforce is focused on empowering New Yorkers, delivering high‑quality care without exception, and embodying the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through person‑centered, empathic communication and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Respond to any SAFE‑designated NYC H+H health care setting within the hired borough, providing services on call within 60 minutes of notification, including inpatient departments.
• Obtain informed consent and conduct suspect evidence collection, including forensic photography, adhering to chain‑of‑custody protocols.
• Collect and preserve forensic evidence and relevant specimens using the New York State Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kit, Drug‑Facilitated Forensic Evidence kit (if indicated), and a camera, following the National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations (Adults/Adolescents).
• Accurately document findings on Sexual Assault Assessment forms and complete Crime Victim’s Board (CVB) claim forms.
• Communicate clinically relevant examination findings to the primary treatment team, including STI exposure risk, strangulation, etc.
• Identify and apply crisis‑intervention and supportive techniques for sexual assault survivors.
• Provide victim advocacy, educate patients on recommended treatments (e.g., prophylaxis and follow‑up), and communicate with patients and families regarding evidence collection.
• Consult appropriate personnel for medical treatment as needed and engage in hand‑off processes with the responsible Emergency Department/Service Attending, resident, or allied health professional.
• Communicate with law enforcement and the district attorney’s office; testify as a fact or expert witness when required.
• Escalate clinical and operational issues to the NYC Health + Hospitals Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Borough Coordinator.
• Perform other program‑related work as assigned.

Qualifications

• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice as one of the following:
  • Registered Professional Nurse (RN) with at least one (1) year of full‑time clinical post‑licensure experience.
  • Nurse Practitioner (NP) with at least one (1) year of full‑time clinical post‑licensure experience.
  • Physician Assistant (PA) with at least one (1) year of full‑time clinical post‑licensure experience.
  • Physician with at least one (1) year of full‑time clinical post‑licensure experience.
• Successful completion of a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) training program certified or approved by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) prior to appointment.
• Obtain NYSDOH SAFE certification within twelve (12) months of appointment (extensions up to six (6) months may be granted) and maintain certification by completing fifteen (15) CME credits in NYSDOH‑approved coursework/training every three (3) years.
• Hold, or obtain within 30 days of appointment, a valid and current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA).