Sexual Offence Examiner (SOE) - Cumbria

Main Responsibilities

Sexual Offence Examiner (SOE)

Location: Cumbria

Salary: £100 Retainer and £150 per call out

On-call basis - From home

An exciting opportunity to join the Nurse Sexual Offence Examiner Team in Cumbria has arisen. You will be required to cover 12 hour shifts on-call from home, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The rota will provide sexual offence examiners to see clients at The Bridgeway SARC in Penrith, and occasionally to other venues, such as hospital.

A Sexual Assault Referral Centre is a dedicated centre providing a comprehensive service to men, women and children who have suffered sexual assault, both for those who wish to involve the Police and those who self-refer.  Utilising a multi-disciplinary team of Doctors, Nurses, Crisis Workers, Police Officers and support staff, the SARC will provide crisis support, appropriate facilities and trained staff for completion of forensic medical examination, provision and advice regarding aftercare including emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, as well as facilitating counselling and ongoing support via third sector agencies and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors.

You will need to have access to your own vehicle and will need to be able to attend the The Bridgeway SARC in Penrith, within 60 minutes of being called.

Job Outline: 

To provide acute forensic examinations for victims of rape and sexual assault in accordance with G4S Health, FFLM and NMC guidelines and the NMC code conduct. To assist in the management of the SARC Service in line with national SARC Best Practice and contractual obligations. 

Key Responsibilities:

• To carry out forensic examinations of victims of rape and sexual assault in accordance with G4S Health, FFLM and NMC guidelines
• To be available and to attend the SARC, or other venue, within an agreed timeframe when requested to by G4S Health call centre.
• To practice as an autonomous practitioner exercising independent and objective clinical judgement within professional guidelines and code of conduct.
• To treat all SARC clients with courtesy, consideration, care and respect and give appropriate care and treatment in accordance with best practice.
• To work with and liaise with the Crisis Worker and Specially trained officer to ensure that the client feels in control and the service is tailored to their needs.
• To obtain fully informed consent for all procedures from the SARC client.
• To take relevant forensic samples as per FFLM guidelines ensuring the chain of evidence, document injuries, complete aftercare risk assessments; pregnancy, blood-borne virus, mental health and safeguarding.
• To administer any relevant medication under G4S Health PGD’s.
• To complete all documentation as per local guidelines including a FFLM Proforma and an Aftercare Form, and store securely as per local guidelines.
• To complete written statements as soon as practically possible, when requested by G4S Health.
• To attend court when requested to as a professional witness of fact
• To maintain their SARC Training Matrix by attending quarterly peer supervision, peer review, appraisals, undertaking quarterly reflective practice, completing mandatory training and attending relevant training, events and conferences.
• To work towards acquiring the DFCASA qualification or equivalent
• To adhere to policies and procedures produced by G4S Health and the SARC.
• To maintain confidentiality at all times, adhering to data protection and maintaining Caldicott Guidelines at all times
• Liaising with Partner agencies to ensure Clients receive appropriate on-going support.
• Participate in multi agency partnership working.
• Participate in bi annual Employee Development Review (EDR).
• Carry out any reasonable request from your Line Manager.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Skills: 

• Nurse/Midwife with 4 years post-reg experience
• Experience of working as an Autonomous Practitioner
• Experience of Clinical Governance Processes
• Excellent Safeguarding knowledge and understanding
• Strong communication skills both written and oral.
• Working with Vulnerable Groups
• Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• Venepuncture

Desirable Skills: 

• Sexual Health
• Women’s Health
• Forensic Awareness
• Multi-Disciplinary Working
• Statement writing and giving evidence experience