Forensic Nurse

Description

Position Summary:

The Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team (START) program is seeking a Forensic Nurse Examiner to join our team. This role is responsible for providing high-quality, comprehensive, medical-forensic exams and care to sexual assault and intimate partner violence patients at HAVEN. This is primarily a night and weekend on-call position. We seek to reflect the diverse community we serve and be a welcoming, inclusive space for all. Applicants from diverse experiences, backgrounds, and identities are encouraged to apply.

Under the guidance of the START Program Director and Senior Forensic Nurses, the Forensic Nurse Examiner will interact both in-person and via phone with patients needing urgent medical services and ensure that critical information and communication is provided to the patients in a reassuring, clear, and appropriate manner. 

Essential Duties:

• Assists and supports in the management of the HAVEN/START program.
• Works as a team with First Response Advocates to implement trauma informed best practices.
• Performs comprehensive medical forensic examinations of sexual assault and intimate partner violence patients, including the preparation and reporting of examination results. 
• Attends at a minimum of 8 monthly START team meetings.
• Acts as a subject matter expert and participates in legal proceedings including providing expert witness testimony, as needed.
• Promotes greater awareness of services for both patients and a wide variety of professionals.
• Advocates for patients of sexual assault and domestic violence. 
• Assists with patient satisfaction surveys and program evaluations.
• Ensures adherence to HAVEN policies and START practice guidelines and compliance requirements.
• Works as a team with internal HAVEN programs and external business partners to collaborate on building awareness initiatives.
• Maintain equipment and supplies in examination room during and after use.
• Maintain records and statistics, as required by state and federal laws.
• Participate in ongoing competency and evaluations at the discretion of the Director.
• Respond to all subpoenas for exams performed while employed with START.
• All other duties as assigned.

HAVEN’s Mission Statement:  

Empower survivors to heal and engage all individuals and communities to address and prevent sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

HAVEN is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status or any other characteristic protected by state and/or federal law.

Requirements

Position Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of sexual assault and intimate partner issues from an empowerment philosophy. 
• Knowledge of forensic evidence collection best practices.
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills required. 
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to women, men, and cultural diversity issues, preferred.  
• Outstanding organizational skills.  
• Degree in Nursing required.
• Registered Nurse with current MI license required.
• SANE-A training, on-line (or equivalent), required.
• Forensic examiner must be on-call a minimum of 52 hours per month. These hours may include a combination of 24-hour weekend shifts, 12-hour weekend shifts, or 14-hour weekday shifts. Shifts must equal a combined total of 52 hours.
• Each forensic examiner must also be on-call at least 36 hours of holiday time each calendar year, with at least 12 of those hours on one of the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve night (6:00 PM to 6:00 AM), and New Year’s Day.
• Must be able to respond in person to patients in Oakland County with 1 hours’ notice.
• Must have valid, unrestricted driver’s license and a clear driving record.
• Must be willing to complete and pass a comprehensive background check.

Core Competencies

• Able to provide trauma informed care.
• Detail oriented.
• Calm, compassionate demeanor.
• Able to be non-judgmental in their interactions with patients and their families or support persons.
• Ability to portray confidence, expertise and integrity.
• Ability to work and think well under pressure.