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:
1. Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner is expected to 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.
2. Obtains informed consent and conducts suspect evidence collection, including forensic photography, and adheres to chain of custody protocol.
3. 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.
4. Accurately documents findings, Sexual Assault Assessment forms and completes Crime Victim’s Board (CVB) claim forms.
5. Endorses clinically relevant examination findings to primary treatment team, including Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) exposure risk, strangulation, etc.
6. Identifies the components of crisis intervention and supportive techniques to be used with sexual assault survivors.
7. 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.
8. Consults appropriate personnel for medical treatment, as needed, and engages in hand off process with responsible Emergency Department Attending. If the Emergency Room Attending is not available, engages in hand off process with resident or the allied health professional responsible for patient care.
9. Communicates with law enforcement and the district attorney’s office; and testifies as fact or expert witness to any cases performed.
10. Escalates all clinical and operational issues to NYC Health + Hospitals Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Borough Coordinator.
11. Performs other program-related work, assigned.
