Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

Job Description

Employment Opportunity: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) – Casual on-call positions available

About Avalon

Avalon Sexual Assault Centre provides a continuum of supports and services to individuals of all genders affected by sexualized violence in Halifax and across Nova Scotia. Since 1983, we have advocated for survivors and worked to provide a safe space through a variety of services. We are deeply committed to trauma-informed, feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive practices that centre equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.

About the Role

The Avalon SANE Program is a community-based model, operating within the Halifax Regional Municipality. Accountable to the SANE Program Manager, the on-call SANE is responsible for providing medical/forensic examinations to victims of an immediate sexual assault of all genders, identities, and ages. The on-call SANE works as an independent contractor for the Avalon SANE Program, providing care that is consistent with the mission, vision and philosophy/principals of Avalon Sexual Assault Centre. The on-call SANE's role may include but is not limited to: medical/forensic assessment, medication administration, evidence collection, documentation, education and training, crisis intervention, collection of statistical data/information, and provision of court testimony as required.

Responsibilities

• Commitment of eight (8), 12-hour shifts per month or four hour shifts or combination adding up to 96 hours per month
• Successful completion and proof of Criminal Record, Vulnerable Sector, and Child Abuse Registry checks upon hiring
• Current and valid registration with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing and in good standing.
• Current certification in BCLS is required
• Attendance and successful completion of provincially led SANE certification training (offered bi-annually): 1 day orientation (Avalon's HRM office) + 6-day in classroom (Truro, NS) + 2-day skills lab (Dalhousie University) + self-directed e-learning (8 hours)
• Attendance to annual 1-day skills training (within HRM)
• Attendance to regularly scheduled monthly meetings (hybrid of in-person & virtual)
• Provide response to the QEII, Dartmouth General, IWK, Cobequid Community Health Centre, and any additional sites subsequently added within the Avalon SANE catchment zone, within one (1) hour of service request
• Must have reliable access to own vehicular transportation

The right person will bring:

• Registered Nurse with a minimum of two (2) years of experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered
• Demonstrate advanced practice skills and competence in interpersonal relations; problem solving, communication, patient education, crisis intervention, and dealing with sensitive issues are required
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative team, often in difficult and stressful situations.
• Experience and an understanding of sexualized violence, including societal myths, stereotypes, ethnic-racial differences, and acute trauma impacts, stemming from recent assault, an asset
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a client-centered environment in which diversity and confidentiality is respected
• Experience in emergency, women's health, mental health, sexual health and/or forensic nursing an asset
• Knowledge and experience working in a community-based organization an asset
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system an asset
• Understanding of sexualized violence and sexual assault trauma
• Knowledge of the cultural and social contexts that contribute to sexualized violence and its impacts on individuals and communities and experience working with diverse populations

Rate of pay

Fee for service. Nurses are paid a flat fee for each on-call shift ($5.50/hour), plus an hourly rate of pay for time spent providing services ($51-$53/hour). Mileage reimbursement for case response and provincial education ($0.61/km).

To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter in one file to Program Manager at

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. We thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Avalon Centre is committed to building a diverse staff team and encourages applications from candidates from Equity-Seeking groups who bring important perspectives to the work. Members of Equity-Seeking groups face collective barriers to participating in society due to historic, social, attitudinal, and environmental marginalization based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, and other challenges to equal access, opportunities, and resources. We support leadership and employment opportunities for women, trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people.

Job Type: Casual

Pay: $51.00-$53.00 per hour

Application question(s):

• Do you have unlimited access to a vehicle?
• Do you live close enough to respond to all four response sites within 1 hour as required?

Licence/Certification:

• Nova Scotia Driver's License (required)
• License with the Nova Scotia College of Nurses (required)
• BCLS Certification (required)

Work Location: In person