Communicable Disease Assistant

The Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Division, is currently accepting applications for the assignment of *extra-help Communicable Disease Assistant. Communicable Disease Assistants perform a variety of tasks supporting Public Health’s Communicable Disease, Immunization, and/or Epidemiology programs.  The position may be assigned to perform contact tracing for COVID-19 or other communicable diseases, participate in vaccination efforts for COVID-19 and other immunizations, and/or support the epidemiology team with communicable disease and immunization data entry, tracking, and reporting. The assigned tasks will vary depending on the current need within the Health and Human Services Department, Public Health Division.  Individuals in this assignment may be required to work weekdays, weekends, and/or evening hours. 

*Temporary/Extra-help assignments are limited to 28 hours per week with a cap of 999 hours (or 960 hours for CalPERS retired annuitants) in a fiscal year and are not eligible for benefits.  

Upon successful completion of a foreign language proficiency exam, an additional 5% bilingual pay will be paid to employees who use a second language on a regular basis in the normal course of business.

(Unclassified)

Under supervision, performs a variety of tasks contacting members of the public by telephone to index communicable disease cases; trace information received from telephone contact including dates of exposure, exposure setting, and demographics; obtaining information of a confidential and sensitive nature; performs other work as required.

 Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Make telephone calls to elicit information in response to exposure, exposure setting and demographics; document conversations and information obtained during telephone interviews; review and verify information received.
• Provide follow-up instructions to cases and contacts related to isolation/quarantine.
• Respond to public inquiries by telephone or email.
• Perform clerical tasks including filing, sorting, and writing.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.  
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment and controlled temperature conditions. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Assignment may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Training:  Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to communicate, read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.

Knowledge of:

• Interview techniques for communicable disease cases and contacts.
• Methods and practices to receive information from public regarding communicable diseases.
• English usage, spelling, and punctuation.
• Basic office methods and equipment.
• Computer use and software applications.
• Basic mathematical calculations.
• Customer service principles and practices.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers; understand and explain related policies and procedures and observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist and reach while retrieving and/or returning files; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means, review information and enter/retrieve data; see and read characters on computer screen; hear and speak to communicate with clients and/or the public; and lift light weight.
• Work independently on assignments.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Listen and gather information and be courteous to the public; maintain privacy.
• Verify and check data.
• Use general office equipment such as a computer, telephone, calculator, photocopy machine, etc.
• Understand and apply federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Learn software applications related to contact tracing activities.
• Understand and carry out both oral and written directions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.