Forensic Nurse - Disposition Unit

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and trauma-informed Registered Nurse (RN) for a full-time position within the Post-Disposition Unit. The position may be located in Wilmington, Dover, or Georgetown.

This position plays a critical role in supporting attorneys and forensic social specialists representing individuals seeking sentence modification under Title 11, § 4217 of the Delaware Code.

The Forensic Nurse will evaluate and make assessments from medical records to support compassionate release petitions based on serious chronic or life-threatening illness, age-related infirmity, or rehabilitation needs, ensuring that advocacy is both clinically accurate and ethically grounded. 

The Forensic Nurse serves as a key medical liaison between the defense team, correctional healthcare providers, and community medical resources, ensuring that each compassionate release motion includes accurate, comprehensive clinical evidence.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

• Conducts clinical assessments and medical record reviews to summarize  chronic illness, terminal conditions, functional decline, or disability relevant to compassionate release eligibility.
• Prepares summaries including treatment history, disease progression, and current functional status.
• Summarize complex medical findings into concise, legally useful reports and declarations for inclusion in § 4217 motions.
• Collaborates with defense attorneys and forensic social specialists to integrate medical information with psychosocial mitigation narratives.
• Identifies and explains clinical benchmarks (e.g., prognosis, mobility limitations, palliative needs) that demonstrate extraordinary medical or rehabilitative circumstances.

.

• Communicates with community-based medical and hospice providers to find possible agencies willing to assist with discharge.
• Assists in arranging independent medical evaluations or second opinions when necessary to support a motion for modification.
• Educates the legal team on relevant clinical conditions, terminology, and standards of care within correctional environments.
• Provides written and verbal testimony or affidavits as needed to clarify medical facts during hearings or negotiations.
• Maintains client confidentiality and adheres to all HIPAA and ODS privacy standards in handling sensitive medical records.
• Participates in policy review and data collection to improve statewide compassionate release processes.

The candidate must possess:

• An active nonrestricted or encumbered Delaware nursing license or active multistate license from another compact state, including applicable continuing education requirements.
• A BSN required, MSN preferred.
• A minimum of eight years in a clinical and / or supervisory healthcare setting.
• Experience in a variety of nursing environments working with adult patients.  Experience in long term care, community health, older patients or forensics a plus. 
• Strong nursing assessment and clinical skills required.
• Good writing, speaking, interpersonal skills are required.
• Patient interviewing experience and knowledge of applicable interviewing techniques.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-driven environment
• Skill and ability in managing multiple projects at once.

• This posting may close on or before 11/17/2025 upon filling the vacant position.
• Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.
• This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System. 

Conditions of Hire

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
• Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Benefits

• Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
• 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
• Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.