Job Advert
As we move into the next phase of the COVID-19 response, a "test, trace, isolate, support" approach is being introduced. Public Health Scotland (PHS) has experience and expertise in delivering contact tracing for a range of infectious diseases, including coronavirus (COVID-19). PHS is currently seeking to increase our COVID-19 contact tracing capacity across Scotland.
This key service will significantly help disrupt community transmission of the virus by breaking the chain of transmission between individuals through contacting people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and identifying those people with whom they have had contact. Once these contacts have been identified, they can also be contacted and provided with health protection advice including the need to self isolate.
In order to deliver the COVID-19 contact tracing service across Scotland, we now have opportunities to recruit into the key roles in the contact tracing call handling team: Contact Tracers & Contact Team Leaders.
These roles are all working from home and we’ll provide you with the training, equipment, development and support you need to work from home. You’ll need Wi-Fi and a room to set up your workstation and be able to hold confidential telephone conversations. To find out more about these opportunities click on the links above.
Read the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19):Test, Trace,Isolate, Support Strategy - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-test-trace-isolate-support/
Do you want to support our NHS Scotland from your home by joining the ‘virtual online’?
You will work as part of a remote team of Contact Tracers who will provide the first point of contact with cases of COVID-19 – people who have just received a positive test result to identify their recent contacts. You will undertake case interviews (approx. 45 – 60 minutes) and perform an initial risk assessment with the aid of the Case Management System and in line with agreed procedures and protocols. You will ensure the timely and accurate recording of information from those interviews using systems provided and additional you will provide advice to cases and their contacts as directed by protocols and procedures.
You will work independently, with guidance and support available from the Team Leader when needed and you will be expected to follow agreed procedure and protocols whilst always putting the person at the centre of your calls.
You will show initiative in prioritising workload and dealing with queries or issues, whilst also recognising when it is appropriate to refer these to the Team Leader.
You will ensure accurate, up to date records of contacts/actions by completing the relevant records. You will manage your own workload and within your own competence, seeking advice from the Team Leader as and when appropriate.
As part of this role, you will be provided with appropriate training, on-boarding and induction materials. You will be working as part of a wider team, liaising with contact tracers in your team and escalating any complex cases to the Team Leader.
We are looking for people with excellent communication skills including a great telephone manner and the ability to work under pressure. Due to the home-working and online nature of this role, you must be proficient in the use of the Microsoft products, electronic systems and databases.
Further details about the activities of this role and the skills and experience required are contained in the attached job description and person specification form.
The post will be remunerated in line with Agenda for Change Band 3 with a starting salary of £20,700 per annum for full-time staff (37.5 hours per week) and pro rata for part-time staff.
The operating hours for the delivery of the contact tracing service are Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm and a range of shifts are available within these timeframes, as well as other flexible working options.