Havens Speciality Doctor/ Sexual Offences Examiner in London inLondon PUBLISHED THU 20 FEB 2025 Jump to job information section

Applicants are invited for the role of Specialty Dr and Sexual Offence Examiner at the Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) service in London. We are recruiting for Sexual Offence Examiners (Specialty Dr grade) and the posts are advertised for between 2 days (4 PAs) and 5 days (10 PAs)/week.The post-holder will be based at a primary Havens site, Camberwell, Whitechapel or St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove, however all employees are 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 needs and management of complex clients. No prior experience in forensic medicine is required as full training for the role of sexual offence examiner will be offered.The post holder will also be required to participate in the out of hours on-call rota to support the delivery of 24/7 cover. Overnight shifts are included as part of a monthly rotational shift pattern.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.

The major responsibility of the post-holder will be to contribute to daily case review, 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 and administering 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.

About us

Clinical Responsibilities

• Contribute to the daytime and 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 for example.
• Following 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, screening for STIs, prophylaxis and management of sexually transmitted infections and advice to complainants. Training in this area will be provided, where necessary.
• 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 examination
• To 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 guidelines