Disease Investigator - Somali Speaker

Disease Investigator - Somali Speaker

Location: Remote 

This is a part-time, short-term, contract position working remotely. Project assignment contract duration is dependent on public health needs. 

Job Overview

Scene Health supports public health departments with their efforts to contain the spread of infectious diseases. In this role, you will conduct case and contact interviews or further identify individuals who may have come in contact with an infected person and then collect further information to isolate and quarantine individuals as necessary. Disease investigation efforts are primarily focused on COVID-19 and Enteric Disease cases, subject to change based on the public health needs of the communities we serve. Disease investigators conduct interviews to gather information and provide community-, state-, and CDC isolation and quarantine recommendations. 

Responsibilities: 

• Call cases or contacts of newly diagnosed patients, following interview scripts where applicable. 
• Communicate with cases and contacts in a professional and empathetic manner while discussing sensitive information.

• Conduct interviews by phone with individuals who have tested positive for a reportable disease and individuals who have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for a reportable disease.
• Educate residents on public health guidance for current CDC quarantine and isolation recommendations, and answer any questions in our purview.
• Obtain and document detailed information regarding patient diagnosis, demographics, symptoms and their onset date(s), clinical course, underlying medical conditions,  other risk factors,  and additional relevant information. 
• Complete detailed documentation regarding information gathered during the interview in various web-based disease reporting and surveillance platforms e.g. REDCap, state disease reporting or surveillance systems.
• Utilize a call center platform to make outbound calls and receive inbound calls
• Coordinate and collaborate with team members and team leads, and participate in team building and training activities.
• Leverage data tools to quickly and accurately update records and run reports.
• Adhere to confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines.
• Employ strong communication via remote work platforms (e.g. Slack) to provide visibility on workload and current tasks to team members and leads.

• Coordinate with the Program Manager to fulfill documentation and notification requests (e.g. letters of isolation, quarantine letters).
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Knowledgeable of public health practices and disease investigation
• Capacity to quickly learn and/or adapt to new procedures in response to evolving public health needs and priorities 
• Proficient with web-based software programs such as Adobe, Google Suite, and Slack
• Experience with REDCap and/or a state-notifiable disease surveillance systems preferred
• Communicates effectively and professionally both orally and in writing
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required and ability to interact empathetically and professionally with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress
• High attention to detail
• Able to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic
• Critical thinker with sound judgment 
• Ability to work well under pressure and be a self-starter
• Able to handle information with discretion and professionalism, to maintain confidentiality, and to comply with HIPAA requirements
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent license/certification in a health-science field preferred
• Previous experience in public health or as a case investigator and/or contact tracer strongly preferred
• Previous experience working remotely
• Able to speak, read, and write English
• Able to speak Somali with native or heritage-level fluency
• Must have a registered LLC or similar legal corporate entity

Requirements:

• Available at least 20 hours per week with interest and flexibility to go up to 40 hours per week in the future

Technology requirements: 

• Access to strong wifi and cellular connectivity (laptop will be provided)
• Bonus points: Experience with customer support software

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Computer laptop provided