The Contact Tracer is an entry level public health professional responsible for identifying and contacting individuals who may have come in contact with persons recently diagnosed with an infectious disease associated with an outbreak or pandemic.
The incumbent is responsible for gathering details about each contact of an ill individual (case) identified during the course of a public health case investigation. Information collected for each contact includes, but is not limited to: basic demographics, potential exposures to known case(s), current health status (including an assessment for current symptoms consistent with illness), and screening for membership in a high risk group (e.g., healthcare workers, residents of congregate care settings).
Contact tracers provide education about the disease, deliver guidance on minimizing the risk of potential transmission from the contact to others in the event the contact become ill, and explain the necessity for the contact to quarantine responsibly in order to reduce the risk of transmission of illness to others. The contact tracer also details specific processes for contacts to conduct health monitoring, and refers contacts for testing according to established protocols.
Contact tracers collaborate with Epidemiologists and Health Educators by providing up to date data from contact tracing calls. The employee follows established policies and procedures for all contact tracing functions and activities.
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An understanding of patient confidentiality, including the ability to conduct interviews without violating confidentiality (e.g., to those who might overhear their conversations).
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Excellent and sensitive interpersonal, cultural sensitivity, and interviewing skills such that they can build and maintain trust with patients and contacts.
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Resourcefulness in locating patients and contacts who may be difficult to reach or reluctant to engage in conversation.
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Understanding of when to refer individuals or situations to medical, social, or supervisory resources.
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Cultural competency appropriate to the local community.
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Understanding of the medical terms and principles of exposure, infection, infectious period, potentially infectious interactions, symptoms of disease, pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic infection.
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Basic skills of crisis counseling, and the ability to confidently refer patients and contacts for further care if needed.
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Knowledge of or coursework in medical terminology.
Apply at: https://www.gatewayhealthpros.com/
