Job summary
Applicants are invited for the role of Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) at the Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) service in London. This is a speciality Grade Dr post and we are recruiting for Specialty Grade Drs to support the Havens out of hours on-call rota. The post-holder will be based at a primary Havens site, Camberwell, Whitechapel or St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove, however will be expected to undertake work on any of the Havens sites as required by the service. This post is not accredited for training but offers a unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of care for those who have been sexually assaulted and to deepen a clinician's awareness and understanding of safeguarding. No prior experience in forensic medicine is required as full trainingfor the role of Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) will be offered.The post holder will participate in the out of hours on-call rota to support the delivery of 24/7 cover.The post holder will be required to contribute 3-4 shifts per month to include mid-week, weekends and public holidays - and one overnight shift per month. OOH shifts are typically 6-12 hours but this may be adjusted in the future to fit with potential changes in the daytime working hours of the service If you would like to work for an organisation that values its staff and is committed to working together for ongoing service improvement to deliver the best care, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
The major responsibility of the post-holder will be to take referrals, provide advice and carry out forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault. These are detailed examinations, which must meet strict standards in terms of recording information, sample collection and handling, and avoiding DNA contamination. The examination of victims of sexual assault and rape includes the assessment of risk of pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections/Blood-borne Viruses andadministering emergency contraception, HIV prophylaxis (PEPSE), Hepatitis B vaccination as required, in addition to mental health assessments and safeguarding. Examiners will also make onward referrals to support agencies. Subsequently a witness statement may be requested by the police and the post-holder may be required to attend court to give evidence. The successful post holders will be line managed by senior clinicians and will be given comprehensive training and ongoing support in the role. Post holders will work collaboratively with Forensic Nurses, Crisis Worker's, Paediatricians, Specially Trained Police Officers (SOITs) and other professionals to support clients.
About us
The Havens is commissioned by NHS England and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). Provided by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the service operates from three sites: Camberwell, Whitechapel and St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove.We offer a 24/7 service providing telephone advice, forensic examinations and immediate medical aftercare. We also provide follow-up medical care, Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA)and psychological services, which may be accessed up to a year post-assault.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesClinical responsibilitiesContribute to the out-of-hours rota of the Haven, providing forensic medical examinations for complainants of sexual assault.Provide an immediate response to police or self-referrals requiring a forensic medical examination. The examinations will usually be undertaken at the Havens, but may, in certain circumstances, be conducted elsewhere such as in hospital or a care home forexampleFollowing appropriate training, undertake joint paediatric examination of children where acute sexual assault is suspected. The forensic medical examination will be under the supervision of a Consultant Paediatrician.
Ensure forensic activities are conducted to the standards required by Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice.Provide appropriate medical aftercare, emergency contraception, post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and Hepatitis B, and advice to complainants. To undertake forensic examinations on an on-call basis as part of the out-of-hours rota and to attend for the appointment start within 90 minutes of the call-out.To identify safeguarding needs and complete referrals to social care at the time of forensic medical examinationTo make referrals to other support agencies (e.g. GP, mental health team, MARAC) as required.To adhere to Havens clinical and administrative aftercare protocols and guidelinesAdministrative ResponsibilitiesAccurately record details of examinations and provide written reports/advice to police and Havens staff. Provide reports/witness statements within 15 working days from the request date for police and Court use. To attend Court and give objective unbiased evidence. Prepare medical reports for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, or others, as and when required Adhere to all Havens procedures and protocols and contribute to updating them as and when necessary, through a consultative process.
Education and Training The post holder will be expected to: Attend a compulsory specialist training course in the medical investigation and care of adult victims of sexual assault. This is provided free of charge and should be undertaken, where possible, before the post-holder is included in the forensic rota.
The post-holder will shadow an experienced Sexual Offences Examiner before being mentored during their initial examinations of complainants of rape and sexual assault until they have gained sufficient experience in these assessments to undertake them on their own.
Attend additional training, which is provided free of charge, covering relevant topics including the forensic assessment of child complainants of sexual abuse and court training. Participate in validation, verification and audit processes as part requirement for achieving and maintaining Forensic Science Regulator accreditation.Be involved in the clinical review and audit of cases as part of quality assurance activities. Keep up to date about current developments and research about sexual assault and related areas. Participate in research in relation to the work of the Havens, where possible. Attend Havens CPD activities, departmental meetings and other relevant postgraduate meetings, where possible. Attend Havens peer review meetings and undertake any further training required by the Havens training matrix (a document setting out initial and continuing training for all Havens clinical staff). Engage with clinical supervision as provided by the service. Undertake annual appraisal and remain compliant with mandatory training.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesClinical responsibilitiesContribute to the out-of-hours rota of the Haven, providing forensic medical examinations for complainants of sexual assault.Provide an immediate response to police or self-referrals requiring a forensic medical examination. The examinations will usually be undertaken at the Havens, but may, in certain circumstances, be conducted elsewhere such as in hospital or a care home forexampleFollowing appropriate training, undertake joint paediatric examination of children where acute sexual assault is suspected. The forensic medical examination will be under the supervision of a Consultant Paediatrician.
Ensure forensic activities are conducted to the standards required by Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice.Provide appropriate medical aftercare, emergency contraception, post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and Hepatitis B, and advice to complainants. To undertake forensic examinations on an on-call basis as part of the out-of-hours rota and to attend for the appointment start within 90 minutes of the call-out.To identify safeguarding needs and complete referrals to social care at the time of forensic medical examinationTo make referrals to other support agencies (e.g. GP, mental health team, MARAC) as required.To adhere to Havens clinical and administrative aftercare protocols and guidelinesAdministrative ResponsibilitiesAccurately record details of examinations and provide written reports/advice to police and Havens staff. Provide reports/witness statements within 15 working days from the request date for police and Court use. To attend Court and give objective unbiased evidence. Prepare medical reports for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, or others, as and when required Adhere to all Havens procedures and protocols and contribute to updating them as and when necessary, through a consultative process.
Education and Training The post holder will be expected to: Attend a compulsory specialist training course in the medical investigation and care of adult victims of sexual assault. This is provided free of charge and should be undertaken, where possible, before the post-holder is included in the forensic rota.
The post-holder will shadow an experienced Sexual Offences Examiner before being mentored during their initial examinations of complainants of rape and sexual assault until they have gained sufficient experience in these assessments to undertake them on their own.
Attend additional training, which is provided free of charge, covering relevant topics including the forensic assessment of child complainants of sexual abuse and court training. Participate in validation, verification and audit processes as part requirement for achieving and maintaining Forensic Science Regulator accreditation.Be involved in the clinical review and audit of cases as part of quality assurance activities. Keep up to date about current developments and research about sexual assault and related areas. Participate in research in relation to the work of the Havens, where possible. Attend Havens CPD activities, departmental meetings and other relevant postgraduate meetings, where possible. Attend Havens peer review meetings and undertake any further training required by the Havens training matrix (a document setting out initial and continuing training for all Havens clinical staff). Engage with clinical supervision as provided by the service. Undertake annual appraisal and remain compliant with mandatory training.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- GMC registration with a license to practice
- Full Registration with GMC
Desirable
- Other higher degree or diploma (e.g., MRCGP, DFSRH/MFSRH, DFFP/MFFP, MRCOG, Dip GUM, DMJ, DFCASA, MFFLM etc.)
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- At least three years training in a relevant speciality in an approved practice setting following satisfactory completion of foundation training (FY1 and FY2)
- Clinical experience of working in the NHS
- Knowledge of and compliance with child and vulnerable adult safeguarding procedures
- Knowledge and compliance with evidence-based practice
- Experience & competency in gynaecological examination, including speculum examination
Desirable
- Attendance at the Haven Training Courses.
- Experience in the clinical & forensic management of those who have been sexually assaulted.
- Experience in the following areas: gynaecology, sexual and reproductive health, clinical forensic medicine, psychiatry, accident and emergency, general practice
- Familiar with current structure of Health Service and conversant with recent initiatives and changes. Familiar with the Home Office work in the development of SARCs
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Able to deal with the sensitive nature of the work in a SARC: non-judgemental and empathetic approach.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Effective communicator with patients, many of whom have coexisting vulnerabilities
- Able to work collaboratively and flexibly within a close-knit multidisciplinary team
- Familiarity with information technology and general computer skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strong team player
- Enthusiastic and motivated
- Willingness to work at different Haven sites
- Understanding of the need for change and service development and a degree of flexibility in working patterns.
- Awareness of own limitations
- Commitment to uphold Kings Values
- Thorough understanding of principles of medical audit. Must have undertaken and completed audit projects.
Desirable
- Experience in clinical research
- Publication of relevant review articles or case reports
- Experience of undergraduate and post-graduate teaching
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- GMC registration with a license to practice
- Full Registration with GMC
Desirable
- Other higher degree or diploma (e.g., MRCGP, DFSRH/MFSRH, DFFP/MFFP, MRCOG, Dip GUM, DMJ, DFCASA, MFFLM etc.)
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- At least three years training in a relevant speciality in an approved practice setting following satisfactory completion of foundation training (FY1 and FY2)
- Clinical experience of working in the NHS
- Knowledge of and compliance with child and vulnerable adult safeguarding procedures
- Knowledge and compliance with evidence-based practice
- Experience & competency in gynaecological examination, including speculum examination
Desirable
- Attendance at the Haven Training Courses.
- Experience in the clinical & forensic management of those who have been sexually assaulted.
- Experience in the following areas: gynaecology, sexual and reproductive health, clinical forensic medicine, psychiatry, accident and emergency, general practice
- Familiar with current structure of Health Service and conversant with recent initiatives and changes. Familiar with the Home Office work in the development of SARCs
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Able to deal with the sensitive nature of the work in a SARC: non-judgemental and empathetic approach.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Effective communicator with patients, many of whom have coexisting vulnerabilities
- Able to work collaboratively and flexibly within a close-knit multidisciplinary team
- Familiarity with information technology and general computer skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strong team player
- Enthusiastic and motivated
- Willingness to work at different Haven sites
- Understanding of the need for change and service development and a degree of flexibility in working patterns.
- Awareness of own limitations
- Commitment to uphold Kings Values
- Thorough understanding of principles of medical audit. Must have undertaken and completed audit projects.
Desirable
- Experience in clinical research
- Publication of relevant review articles or case reports
- Experience of undergraduate and post-graduate teaching
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
The Havens - Pan London - Camberwell, Ladbroke Grove, Whitechapel
London
SE5 9RS
Employer's website
https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
