Description

Temporary Positions Through May 2023 in Greensboro and High Point

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
This position will be responsible for working with case investigators for COVID-19 and coordinating with school personnel to identify individuals with positive cases of COVID-19; determine how other individuals in the school building may have been impacted by a COVID-19 exposure. The position is responsible for notifying people that have been determined to have been exposed to an individual with a laboratory-confirmed, probable, and suspected diagnosis of COVID-19 and providing health education and guidance to interrupt ongoing disease transmission; collaborating with the case investigator to conduct interviews with individuals to gather information including symptom history, source of illness, list of close contacts, and activity history while infectious. This position will provide individuals with instructions for quarantine and make appropriate referrals to testing, clinical services, and other essential support services as indicated.

Examples of Duties

• Work in assigned school to perform COVID-19 testing specimen collection, inform patients of the testing protocol, gather the specimens for testing, wear appropriate PPE required for COVID-19 testing and inform patients tested of the process and action steps to be taken after testing is complete.
• Check on patient on all times throughout the testing process, disinfect the testing space in between patients, communicate any/all issues, complaints, unusual situations to supervisor and ensure supplies are stoked by communicating shortages and stocking additional items in the proper place when delivered.
• Employ dynamic communication and interpersonal skills, cultural competency/sensitivity, tactful language, and empathetic interviewing skills to build rapport and maintain trust with individuals of varied backgrounds.
• Verify individual’s identity during initial communications and prior to disclosing confidential information. Assure confidentiality and carry out efforts to locate and communicate with clients in a manner that preserve the confidentiality and privacy of all involved.
• Work with school administration to identify individuals with positive COVID-19 cases and gather information on the case student or staff to determine the individuals that have been exposed during the infectious period for the individual with COVID-19.
• Notify the identified contacts of their exposure to COVID-19 following guidance to provide COVID-19 health education per local health department protocols.
• Obtain and document detailed information regarding contact demographics, COVID-19 symptoms, and their onset date(s) if present, and other risk factors.
• Review clinically documented and individual’s self-reported COVID-19 symptom history to determine the time frame when the individual was infectious and not under isolation (contact elicitation window). Work with the individual to identify close contacts during the contact elicitation window, including students, staff, and other who might have been exposed. Document date, duration, and location of exposure along with name, locating information (e.g., home, phone, email, work), preexisting conditions, and risk factors (if known) for each close contact, as defined by CDC or local jurisdiction protocols.
• Provide approved information and guidance on quarantine procedures, including what to do if symptoms develop. Coordinate any needed referrals for testing or health care per local protocols.
• Evaluate contact’s ability to quarantine at home safely and effectively, with adequate water, food, prescription medicines, and other necessities. Identify barriers to necessary interventions and facilitate appropriate referrals per local protocols.
• Help to support and coordinate COVID-19 testing efforts in the schools as planned by Guilford County School administration. This initiative sponsored by NCDHHS will provide vendors and staffing for the testing. The School Health COVID-19 Coordinator will work with the team to ensure appropriate follow up of testing results is provided.
• Supplement other School Health activities as directed by Registered Nurse assigned to school, such as vision screening, review of immunization records.
• Use a computer, tablet, and or/cell phone with appropriate access to require applications, databases, and/or web-based platforms daily. Document pertinent information in COVID-19 contact tracing forms and conduct data entry into health department data/surveillance systems while adhering to protocols for completeness, timeless, and frequency. Provide frequent updates to Public Health Supervisor and Guilford County School administration.
• Inform the team and Supervisor when communication attempts with identified contacts are unsuccessful, and practice problem solving to find alternate methods for outreach. Elevate complex situations to supervisor for further guidance.
• As needed and relevant, refer selected individuals (e.g., clinically complex, living or working in congregate settings) to appropriate health department infection control or clinical personnel for further investigation or case management.
• Participate in requisite trainings, regular program meetings, and quality monitoring improvement activities to ensure and enhance the quality of contact tracing activities and program outcomes.
• Maintain patient and confidentiality and ensure that all information is collected in concordance with local data privacy and confidentiality standards.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, emotional intelligence.
• Ability to interact in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner with culturally diverse populations and persons experiencing a wide range of social conditions.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to use sound judgement in responding to client issues and concerns.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and receive constructive feedback.
• Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and practice ethical conduct.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships.
• Strong time management skills (organization, prioritization, multitasking).
• Proficiency with use of computers (desktop, laptop, tablet)
• Proficiency with use of mobile devices (smartphones, mobile apps).

Typical Qualifications

• 
  Experience conducting telephone-based or in-person interviews and collecting and entering data
• Experience with health education, community outreach, linkage to care, social services.
• Experience in healthcare or Public Health.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

Work Conditions