COVID-19 Case Worker/Contact Tracer

Result of Service 1. Spread of COVID-19 infection in the workplace is limited and contained. 2. Health and safety of UN staff are maintained, allowing them to carry out their duties in order to achieve the goals of the Organization.

Work Location UN ESCAP

Expected duration Start Date: ASAP or within March 2022 End Date: Duration will be two (2) months initially. Further extension of contract duration will be discussed individually with the selected candidate.

Duties and Responsibilities BACKGROUND

A Contact Tracer is a non-licensed professional providing support to a medical facility in the fight against COVID-19. The contact tracer is responsible for reaching out to people (contacts) who have been exposed to COVID-19 and providing health education and guidance to interrupt ongoing disease transmission. Dialogue with contacts will be guided by standard protocols to obtain any symptom history and other relevant health information, provide instructions for self-quarantine, and make appropriate referrals to testing, clinical services, and other essential support services. This position will require prioritization, prompt action, and attention to detail in documentation and data management as multiple investigations may be conducted simultaneously. Contract tracers are required to follow all designated scripts and comply with policies and procedures provided by the medical facility regarding confidentiality and data security for the handling of sensitive client information and protected health information.

This position is located in the Medical Service, Human Resource Management Section, in the Division of Administration. The Medical Service serves as an occupational health service and on-site clinic for United Nations staff and others at the UN complex in Bangkok. The Service comprises one Medical Officer, one Nurse and one support staff. The contact tracer will support the UN Medical Service Team in carrying out contact tracing in the workplace services. The individual contractor would typically work the same number of hours as the rest of the medical team and reports directly to the Medical Officer, however, working hours may differ according to need.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Medical Officer, and in the context of the workplace setting, the contact tracer will:

1. Notify the contact of their exposure to COVID-19, following a script or guidance to provide COVID-19 health education. Conduct notification of exposure in a manner that maintains the confidentiality of the patient (or person who was diagnosed with COVID-19) and ensure that the identity of the patient is not disclosed. 2. Initiate prompt communication with people exposed to COVID-19 (contacts) through email, phone calls, text, and other communication platforms, as necessary. Medical Service normally employs communication through email at the first instance, however, in instances where the person cannot be reached by email, follow-up through phone calls or Teams chat is expected to be initiated. 3. Obtain and document relevant information, primarily the level of exposure with the positive case to determine whether the person is a high or low risk contact, as well as other contact demographics. 4. Employ dynamic communication and interpersonal skills, cultural competency/sensitivity, tactful language, and empathetic interviewing skills to build rapport and maintain trust with patients of varied backgrounds. 5. Assure confidentiality and carry out efforts to locate and communicate with clients in a manner that preserves the confidentiality and privacy of all involved. The contact tracer will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement in this regard. 6. Provide Medical Service approved information and guidance on quarantine procedures and what to do if symptoms develop. Coordinate referrals for testing, healthcare, and other supportive services, as needed, per local protocols. Facilitate referrals for testing and medical evaluation for clients who become symptomatic, as appropriate. 7. Document pertinent information according to UN Medical Service contact tracing in the workplace protocols. 8. Elevate complex situations to supervisor for further guidance in a timely manner. 9. Perform other related duties as required.

LOCAL ENGAGEMENT

Engagement of the selected individual contractor is on a local basis. Candidates shall be engaged within commuting distance of the UNESCAP office, irrespective of nationality. The selected candidate is responsible for any expenses incurred to participate in the assessment process, and any costs related to travelling and relocating to the duty station in the event of an offer of employment.

Qualifications/special skills Skills: Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and independent work ethic. Strong time management skills. Excellent interpersonal skills required and ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Experience using other electronic tools and databases is highly desirable. Academic Qualifications: Minimum high school diploma or equivalent. Associate degree or equivalent with up to one year of applicable community experience. Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with or without experience Experience: Dealing with confidential and sensitive data and appropriate maintenance and storage of records. Contact tracing experience desirable but not required. Experience working in a highly diverse multi-cultural, multilingual organization is desirable Language: Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Thai language skills a distinct advantage.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.