Contact Tracer

PROGRAM SUMMARY The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is responding to the emergency presented by COVID-19.

During the period of community transmission, CDPH is working continuously to detect new cases, identify sources of transmission, protect vulnerable populations and control spread.

These efforts are essential to keeping the numbers of affected individuals low enough that our healthcare community can provide all needed services.

The Chicago Department of Public Health selected the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership to serve as the Lead Coordinating Organization to implement the Chicago COVID Contact Tracing Corps program.

Ada S.

McKinley has partnered with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership to carry out this initiative.

POSITION DESCRIPTION Contact Tracers will play a key role in Chicago’s effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

This opportunity will allow individuals to contribute to the fight against the disease while working as part of the Chicago COVID Contact Tracing Corps.

Contact Tracers are responsible for communicating with persons who have had sustained close contact with a COVID-19 infected individual and providing them with information and guidance to interrupt/reduce ongoing transmission of the disease.

Tracers will use a web-based platform to communicate with assigned contacts; obtain symptom information; refer contacts for testing and/or supportive services; provide instructions for self-quarantine; and obtain information about the contacted individual’s contact with others.

Contact Tracers must comply with all Chicago Department of Public Health and Chicago COVID Contact Tracing Corps training regarding confidentiality and the handling of personally identifiable information; and follow all scripts, policies and procedures established for the program.

This position offers full-time and part time work, with shifts available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends.

The position is grant funded for a minimum of 10 months, with a possible extension for up to an additional 12 months (for a possible total of 22 months).

Continuation of the position is dependent upon sustained grant funding and public health need.

NOTE: Learn-as-you-earn training opportunities to prepare for permanent, full-time placement in public health and related fields following completion of the Contact Tracing Corps are under development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Contact Tracer will: Conduct outreach to individuals to discuss their potential exposure and provide approved information on self-quarantine procedures, what to do if symptoms develop, and if appropriate, make referrals for testing or other resources.

Communicate with colleagues, supervisors and the public in a professional and empathetic manner.

Systematically collect and record information in a centralized database.

Collaborate with his/her supervisor in identifying and meeting project goals.

Participate in ongoing professional development and related trainings as well as weekly team meetings.

Maintain regular, frequent contact with supervisor.

Conduct other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally, appropriately and effectively with a wide range of culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress.

Excellent ability to think critically and communicate both verbally and in writing in a professional and empathetic manner.

Computer skills are necessary and should include the ability to access and navigate various databases and software programs following training.

Equally comfortable working individually and within a team environment that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration.

Must be 18 years of age or older.

A background check is required.

However, the circumstances of prior justice-involvement will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily disqualify a candidate.

Present evidence of identity and authorization to work in the United States (I-9 documentation).

Applicants must reside, or have extensive work/lived experience, in the high economic hardship communities identified by the Chicago Department of Public Health for the purposes of this grant program (see attached list).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience conducting telephone or in-person interviews.

Experience in clinical medicine and/or public health.

Customer service experience.

Contact tracing experience.

Fluency in Spanish, Polish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or additional languages highly valuable.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The position consists mostly of remote work but may occasionally require in-person duties.

The position requires responding to public health emergencies and at times requires rapid turnaround of communications on short notice.

EEO STATEMENT The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, its partners, and subcontractors are committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation; and to making all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment opportunity.

SALARY AND BENEFITS Contact Tracers will earn $20 per hour with benefits.

This description documents the general contents and requirements of the job.

It is not to be construed as an exhausted statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

The principal duties and responsibilities shown are all essential job functions except for those indicated with an asterisk ().

The requirements listed above are representative if the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions