Sam Houston State University Case Investigator

Specialist I - Case Investigator (Temporary, part-time, hourly, 70-84 positions to be filled)

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FLSA status Non-Exempt

Hiring Salary $15.00 per hour (This is a temporary, part-time, hourly, non-benefits eligible position working 19 hours or less per week. Position is expected to end on or before 8/31/2021. This is a grant funded position. Continuation of the position is contingent upon continued funding.)

Occupational Category Technical/Para-Professional

Department Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP)

Open Until Filled Yes

Educational and Experience Requirement

High School Graduate or G.E.D. equivalent. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred. Experience in the field of public health, epidemiology, communicable disease control, or a related field preferred. Experience working in a health, human service, or community-based organization or institutional setting is helpful. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Nature & Purpose of Position

Under the supervision of a Contact Tracing Supervisor, the Case Investigator will use the Texas Health Trace web-based data management platform to call individuals (cases) with a positive diagnostic test for COVID-19, gather information about their contacts, and provide them with connection to resources as needed. Information gathered by Case Investigators will be used by Contact Tracers to notify contacts of potential exposure. The Case Investigator will be part of a team of managers, epidemiology leads, contact tracers, community resource coordinators, and other case investigators.

Primary Responsibilities

Acts as primary point person to call people with a positive diagnostic test for COVID-19 (cases). Provides support and information about the disease, and gathers information including contacts. Communicates with cases in a professional and empathetic manner. Triage and coordinates next steps for support for cases, including referral to social services. Collects and records information about each case’s contacts in Texas Health Trace. Provides contacts with approved information about Texas’ quarantine/isolation procedures, and if appropriate, refers them to testing according to protocol and/or to a COVID-19 social resources. Escalates issues to epidemiology lead. Maintains daily contact with supervisor. Performs contact tracing duties for team as necessary based on contact tracer workloads. Follows all scripts, policies and procedures provided by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and complies with DSHS training regarding confidential information related to personal information. Must complete the following as part of onboarding: “Making Contact: A Training for COVID-19 Contact Tracers” offered by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Texas Health and Human Services HIPAA training or approved equivalent, Texas Health and Human Services Cybersecurity training or approved equivalent, Texas Health Trace data system training, and Texas Health and Human Services Acceptable Use Agreement. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Specifications

Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently. Fluency in second or multiple languages is a plus. Ability to work remotely. Must exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic. Excellent interpersonal skills required and ability to show empathy and interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Critical thinking and sound judgment required. Ability to manage and adapt to change. Must handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Ability to work through conflict. Proficiency with computers and data entry into electronic tracking systems. Requires ownership of or ability to acquire a personal computer and broadband internet access. Must meet minimum requirements for personal computer hardware and software. A headset is preferred. Texas resident and familiarity with Texas’ geography preferred. The contact tracing call center will operate 7 days a week between the hours of 8am and 8pm Central Standard Time. Evening and/or weekend work may be required, as well as some Holidays.

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code 51.215.

Applicant Requirements

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts 
• 5 Screening Questions