Statewide SANE & Forensic Nurse Coordinator

Job Title: Statewide SANE & Forensic Nurse Coordinator
Reports To: Coalition Executive Director / COO
Classification: Part-time, Exempt (Remote with periodic in-person meetings)

Position Summary

The Statewide SANE & Forensic Nursing Coordinator provides statewide coordination, training, and technical assistance to support high-quality sexual assault medical-forensic care across Tennessee, while also supporting the thoughtful development of forensic nursing initiatives related to intimate partner violence (IPV) and other forms of interpersonal violence.

This position centers Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) practice as a distinct, specialized discipline requiring specific training, certification, and competency, while recognizing forensic nursing as a broader field that encompasses emerging models of care, including IPV forensic nursing. The Coordinator works at a systems level to promote consistent standards, evidence-based practice, and trauma-informed approaches, and does not provide direct patient care.

The Coordinator strengthens statewide collaboration among hospitals, forensic nursing programs, advocacy organizations, and relevant state agencies; supports SANE certification and workforce development; and facilitates information-sharing and best practice alignment. As appropriate, the role also supports coordination and capacity-building related to IPV forensic nursing initiatives, recognizing that such programs are currently limited in number and scope within Tennessee.

This position requires a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with current SANE training, certification as SANE-A preferred. Training or certification in IPV forensic nursing is preferred but not required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Protocol Development and Oversight

• Maintain, update, and coordinate periodic review of Tennessee’s statewide SANE protocols, including adult and pediatric considerations, evidence collection procedures, documentation standards, and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Facilitate stakeholder input and alignment with current clinical standards, best practices, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Support consistent implementation of protocols across diverse healthcare settings.

Certification, Competency, and Workforce Support

• Provide coordination and technical assistance related to SANE certification and recertification processes, including application requirements, competency documentation, and continuing education tracking.
• Support professional development and mentorship opportunities for SANEs statewide.
• Promote quality assurance and continuous improvement in forensic nursing practice.

Statewide Coordination and Collaboration

• Organize and facilitate regular statewide SANE meetings, communications, and resource-sharing platforms, including newsletters, listservs, and virtual convenings.
• Serve as a liaison among hospitals, emergency departments, sexual assault centers, child advocacy centers, advocacy organizations, and relevant state partners to strengthen coordinated sexual assault response systems.
• Support multidisciplinary collaboration consistent with trauma-informed, victim-centered principles.

TeleSANE and Remote Support Initiatives

• Support the coordination and implementation of teleSANE and remote consultation models, including guidance on mentorship, preceptorship, and workforce sustainability strategies.
• Promote equitable access to forensic nursing expertise in rural and underserved communities.

Data Coordination and Reporting

• Maintain and manage a secure, statewide registry of SANE workforce information, consistent with confidentiality and data security requirements.
• Track aggregate workforce and capacity data to inform planning, training, and technical assistance needs.
• Support reporting requirements related to program activities and outcomes, as applicable.

Required Education and Experience

Education

• Current Tennessee Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in good standing.
• Current SANE certification (SANE-A, or dual certification with SANE-P).

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of forensic nursing experience, including sexual assault medical-forensic care. Qualifying experience may include Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) practice, forensic nursing program development, training or education, protocol implementation, quality improvement, or systems-level coordination.
• Demonstrated experience in sexual assault forensic nursing and trauma-informed care.
• Experience with protocol development, program coordination, or systems-level support.
• Experience providing training, mentorship, or technical assistance is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Tennessee laws, regulations, and standards related to sexual assault medical-forensic care.

Preferred Qualifications

• IPV forensic nursing training or certificate.
• Experience supporting SANE programs in rural or under-resourced communities.
• Experience working with statewide or multidisciplinary initiatives.
• Experience providing training, mentorship, technical assistance, or leadership support to other forensic nurses or SANEs is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of sexual assault forensic nursing standards and best practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across diverse systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear guidance.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and project management skills.
• Ability to build and sustain positive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches.

Performance Measures / Key Outcomes

• Timely review and update of statewide SANE protocols.
• Number of SANEs engaged through meetings, communications, or technical assistance.
• Participation rates in statewide convenings and coordination activities.
• Number of healthcare facilities receiving technical assistance or support.
• Timely coordination of certification and recertification support activities.

All Staff Expectations

• Support and advance the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
• Uphold organizational values, including trauma-informed and survivor-centered principles.
• Participate in staff meetings, coalition events, and organizational activities, as appropriate.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or COO.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Remote work environment with periodic in-person meetings, trainings, or site visits.
• Expected travel: approximately four in-person meetings per year.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform light physical activity.
• Ability to lift or carry up to 20 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within Tennessee required.

This position is considered light physical work.

The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence is an equal opportunity employer.