Summary

Plays a key role in the strategy for preventing further spread of the infectious disease SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred to as COVID-19. Contacts newly diagnosed patients and obtains information regarding demographics, symptoms and onset, risk factors, close contacts and other related information. Leads the daily activities of Contact Tracers engaged in contacting individuals exposed to COVID-19 and assists with difficult calls or overflow. Ensures prescribed protocols for data collection and patient confidentiality under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are maintained. Operates under the day-to-day guidance of the New Mexico Department of Health (NM DOH).

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Leads a team of Contact Tracers to include assistance with hiring and performance management; provides guidance, work allocation, and training to personnel.
2. Interviews patients with advanced or complex cases for the infectious disease COVID-19, to obtain information regarding symptom history and onset, basic demographics, underlying health conditions, treatments received, recent activities, and potential exposure to other individuals in close contact to the patient.
3. Provides information regarding self-isolation, daily symptom monitoring, and access to testing; connects individuals to community resources and up-to-date public health information regarding disease control and prevention.
4. Actively listens to individuals and addresses concerns regarding health and safety with empathy and sensitivity; communicates effectively with individuals across varying backgrounds and cultures.
5. Coordinates with local, regional, and state social support services and agencies to provide quick access to services that support necessary isolation measures, such as accessing shelter, food, phone, thermometer, cleaning supplies, transportation services, testing, legal aid, childcare and/or temporary care for elderly or disabled family members.
6. Tracks daily and weekly progress for the team against target goals including cases contacted successfully, contacts tracked and referred, and patients and contacts referred to social support systems; reviews Contact Tracer documentation for accuracy and completeness.
7. Enters data and maintains records and statistical information, utilizing proprietary databases in compliance with all University, local, state, and federal regulations.
8. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 4 years of experience related to health or medical services.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to functionally lead, train and motivate staff and student employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively in a team environment.
• Team building and strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to interact and communicate with people over the telephone, often in stressful situations.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral options for people in crisis.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to understand and interpret questions and provide appropriate responses.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a diverse range of constituencies.
• Interviewing and data collection skills.
• Ability to gather data, compile information and maintain confidentiality of records and patient information.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention.
• Skill in the use of computers and databases.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• May be required to perform work outside standard business hours and/or work week.
• Work is typically performed remotely. Basic supplies and laptop provided.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/08/2020