Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner

About NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the United States. We provide essential outpatient, inpatient and home‑based services to more than one million New Yorkers every year across the city’s five boroughs. Our large health system consists of ambulatory centers, acute care centers, post‑acute care/long‑term care, rehabilitation programs, Home Care, and Correctional Health Services. Our diverse workforce is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers. At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person‑centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Purpose of Position

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.
• 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 in accordance with 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.
• Endorse clinically relevant examination findings to the 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 the responsible Emergency Department/Service Attending; if the Attending is unavailable, hand off to a resident or allied health professional.
• Communicate with law enforcement and the district attorney’s office; testify as fact or expert witness as required.
• Escalate all clinical and operational issues to the NYC Health + Hospitals Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Borough Coordinator.
• Perform other program‑related work as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

• Valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Physician Assistant (PA), or physician, issued by the NYSED, 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) at the time of 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 certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA).