COVID-19 Corps M- Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Coordinator
Case investigation and contact tracing is the process of working with a patient who has been diagnosed with an infectious disease to identify and provide support to people (contacts) who have been exposed through close contact with the patient. This process is a core disease control measure that has been employed by health department personnel for decades and is a key strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The Case Investigator and Contact Tracing Coordinator provides direction, support, and coordination for a diverse team including staff, volunteers, and contractors who conduct disease intervention activities with people (patients) with probable, suspected and laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19, AND people (contacts), who may have been exposed to the virus, through close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19. The Case Investigator and Contact Tracing Coordinator provides direction, support, and coordination to the team in the use of MAVEN. "MAVEN" is the Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network - a PHIN (Public Health Information Network) compliant, secure web-based surveillance and case management system for infectious diseases that enables rapid, efficient communication among local and state health departments and laboratories. There is no software to download or purchase because MAVEN is a web-based application. MAVEN can be accessed from anywhere there is Internet connectivity.

Position Summary:
The Coordinator is an experienced public health professional providing support to the Worcester Division of Public Health and local boards of health in the fight against COVID-19. The Coordinator is responsible for the coordination, direction, training, and continuous assessment of a case investigation and contact tracing team serving multiple towns in the Worcester Division of Public Health jurisdiction. It is preferred that the Coordinator possesses an advanced understanding of the principles of case investigation and contact tracing, and the use of MAVEN and can guide the team regarding messaging, creative problem solving and other interventions for patients and contacts to interrupt ongoing disease transmission. The Coordinator supports the performance of day-to-day disease intervention activities, ensuring that the quality and timeliness of work is performed according to established state guidelines. In collaboration with the Chief of Nursing they instruct and monitor team activities, ensuring that team members’ efforts are aligned with standard operating procedures for collection of epidemiological data, instructions for quarantine and isolation, and linking clients to clinical and social support services. The Coordinator ensures compliance with policies and procedures of the Worcester Division of Public Health regarding confidentiality and data security for the handling of sensitive client information and protected health information. They collaborate with Worcester Division of Public Health staff and other key partners to evaluate COVID 19 activities, identify best practices and lessons learned and facilitate enhancements.

Essential Functions, include but are not limited to:

• Collaborates with state and local surveillance, epidemiology and clinical staff and other health officials in establishing priorities for case investigation and contact tracing, appropriate response protocols for incoming MAVEN case reports, and evaluation and monitoring of case investigation and contact tracing activities and outcomes.
• Directs the assignment of disease intervention activities, collaborating with the Chief of Nursing to ensure the equitable assignment of priority cases and contacts for investigation to the team. Monitors progress to ensure investigations are completed in a timely manner. Conducts workload assessments and adjusts work assignments as necessary. Facilitates inter-jurisdictional coordination of information to ensure the continuity of case investigation and contact tracing using MAVEN.
• Coordinates orientation and training of new hires/contractors/volunteers and existing case investigation and contact tracing team members. Ensures completion of role-specific knowledge and skill-based training courses, familiarity and proficiency with Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance and scripts for interactions with patients and contacts, as well as MAVEN surveillance and data management system. Provides modeling and coaching of effective interview techniques and provides timely feedback to questions. Provides guidance on expectations for thorough investigation and documentation procedures and criteria for closure of case and contact follow-up activities.
• Provides ongoing coaching, mentorship and facilitates training for case investigation and contact tracing team to enhance performance. Supports Chief of Nursing with creative problem solving around complex and atypical cases, clarifying proper procedure for documentation and closure, resolving challenges in locating patients and contacts or persuading clients to comply with recommendations for medical evaluation, testing, quarantine or isolation. Coordinates collaborative learning opportunities such as facilitating meetings to discuss lessons learned with both successful and poor outcomes of case investigations, notification of exposure and isolation/quarantine compliance and monitoring.
• Supports Chief of Nursing in reviewing case reports prepared by team to ensure completeness and appropriateness of investigations and actions taken. Promptly discusses findings with Chief of Nursing and team and offers constructive feedback to improve or maximize levels of performance.
• Confers with Worcester Division of Public Health management team regarding significant events that could impact COVID 19 response (i.e., potential outbreak situations, personnel issues, changes in health care facility’s policies/infrastructure, or other special circumstances).
• Collaborates in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of process and outcome measures related to case investigation and contact tracing activities and related COVID 19 activities. Conducts routine report generation and review of performance measures. Identifies new and revised work procedures with potential for improving operating efficiency. Collaborates with state and local health jurisdictions and other relevant partners to discuss barriers, facilitators, making recommendations for improvement, jointly develop a plan of action to resolve systems issues and improve overall program effectiveness. Monitors quality improvement activities, providing feedback and training to redirect or realign priorities or resources as deemed necessary to achieve objectives.
• Maintains open communication and works collaboratively with staff and contractors within the Worcester Division of Public Health and its relevant partner organizations to maximize opportunities for disease intervention and to further other mutual goals. Provides documentation in standard reports and participates in regular COVID 19 meetings and other forums, providing updates on program activities, challenges and successes. Collaborates in initiatives to enhance the quality of contact tracing activities and program outcomes.
• Establishes protocols and procedures for routine administrative functions within assignment areas (e.g., coordinating schedules, tracking time, proper use of MAVEN). Employs best practices in the management of virtual workforces and implements appropriate telework policies/procedures, including provisions for patient confidentiality and data security.
• Ensures adherence with all requisite trainings and requirements for maintenance of patient confidentiality and collection of information using MAVEN in concordance with local data privacy and confidentiality standards.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
This job involves viewing a CRT or VDT screen 50 to 75 percent of the time. The position may require some travel and occasional participation in off-site meetings as the COVID 19 situation develops. The position requires responding to public health emergencies and at times requires communicating on short notice. The position will require daily use of a computer, telephone or cell phone, and access to a secure internet connection. The position may require working non-standard hours (evenings and weekends).

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• Associate degree, with three years of direct work experience conducting case investigation, contact tracing and other communicable disease investigation activities.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with two years of direct work experience conducting case investigation, contact tracing and other communicable disease investigation activities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, emotional intelligence
• Ability to interact in a 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 judgment in responding to client issues and concerns
• Ability to compile, analyze and present data for various audiences
• Ability to read and write in English
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and give and receive constructive feedback
• Ability to identify performance challenges and appropriate solutions
• Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct
•  Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships
• Strong time management skills (e.g., organization, prioritization, multitasking)
•  Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Proficiency with use of computers (desktop, laptop, tablet) and mobile devices (smartphones, mobile apps)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in supervising or leading personnel conducting communicable disease investigation, case investigation/contact tracing or carrying out health education, community outreach, linkage to care, or other public health efforts
• Experience in training, mentoring and coaching
• Bilingual skills (e.g., Spanish)
• Experience using MAVEN

To Apply: https://www.cdcfoundation.org/jobs

Project Director Position for a Major CTN study at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School
The McLean Hospital Division of Alcohol, Drugs, and Addiction is a highly productive clinical research environment that has led and participated in landmark studies in the field. Under the direction of Roger Weiss, M.D., a PI of the New England Consortium Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network (CTN), we are currently leading a major multi-site CTN trial focused on treatment of opioid use disorder. We are looking for someone to help direct this and other projects at sites in our area.  The candidate would also work with other investigators here on other clinical research trials in the area of addiction.

Learn more and apply directly: https://cpdd.org/job/project-director-position-for-a-major-ctn-study-at-mclean-hospital-harvard-medical-school

The Research Coordinator I is responsible for carrying out multiple complex research protocols.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collaborate with investigators in the design, development, and documentation of data forms, questionnaires, and other survey materials. Responsible for aspects of the development of research recommendations and the design of research projects. Participate in the grant, manuscript, and Institutional Review Board process. Develop overall research plan for conducting surveys in the community. Conduct in-person or telephonic field research. Monitor selection and randomization process of study participants. Coordinate data collection of study participants, complete case report forms, and develop and maintain spreadsheets. Collect and maintain questionnaires and other data forms from study participants. Perform literature searches and write detailed written summaries of the findings.Collaborate with other project leaders on data presentation, interpretation and writing of scientific reports

Develop and maintain computerized data files for all data to be collected. May assist with budget /operational aspect of grant and contract proposals. Prepare summary reports and ongoing project evaluations for investigators. May help recruit, select, supervise and direct the activities of data collection employees and Research Technicians Conduct quality control check on field data collection system. Collaborate with other research sites to insure consistency between research sites and accuracy of documentation

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in the sciences, health care, or equivalent experience
1 year of related experience
Experience in using computer-based tools (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
Oral and written communication skills
Excellent organization, analytical, and interpersonal skills required
Ability to travel to off-site locations

Contact Tracer for State of Maryland

Are you a self-motivated, people person looking to make meaningful contributions through work that impacts the nation? NORC is hiring interviewers to serve as Contact Tracers for the Maryland COVID Link initiative. These Contact Tracers will play a key role in the state’s effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This opportunity will allow interviewers to contribute to the fight against the disease while working from home as part of the Contact Tracing Call Team.
Maryland residents are especially encouraged to apply.

TIMING AND HOURS:

Members of the Contact Tracing Call Team will complete a remote training during the week ending May 23, 2020. They will begin calling people referred to NORC as soon as they have completed training.
We believe that we will continue our contact tracing efforts for at least six months. However, the amount of work available and the length of the effort will vary with the course of the pandemic. We will be placing calls seven days a week from 9:00 AM Eastern through 8:00 PM Eastern.Schedules will be set 1-2 weeks in advance but may be altered pending on the number of new COVID-19 diagnoses.

Contact Tracers will work scheduled shifts, with each shift lasting 4-6 hours. We anticipate that most members of the team will work 4-5 shifts during a typical week. Each team member should be prepared to work a mix of morning, midday,  and evening shifts and to work on both weekdays and weekends.Assignments are temporary. The number of hours each Contact Tracer will vary with the number cases available and with each person’s on the job performance.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FIELD INTERVIEWERS:

Present evidence of identity and authorization to work in the United States (I-9 documentation).
Have a working home phone number and broadband internet access at home.

To apply: https://apphired.com/us/job-opening-contact-tracer-norc-at-the-university-of-chicago-2c9e81c3456ced53/