Volunteers Needed for Contact Tracing
Help your community and learn a new skill that is in high demand. Join the fight against COVID-19
Contact tracers – known as “disease detectives” – are a powerful workforce that can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases. To combat COVID-19 in Texas, we need thousands of contact tracers. If you are interested in helping during this pandemic, UTHealth School of Public Health will train you to conduct high-quality contact tracing.
To be considered for a contact tracing volunteer position, please complete the application form.
What does a contact tracer do?
- Contract tracers work remotely, usually from home, to contact patients who have been infected with COVID-19. They work with a patient to help them recall everyone with whom they have had close contact during the timeframe while they may have been infectious.
- Tracers then warn these individuals (contacts) of their potential exposure as rapidly and sensitively as possible.
- Tracers provide contacts with education, information, and support to understand their risk, what they should do to separate themselves from others who are not exposed, monitor themselves for illness, and the possibility that they could spread the infection to others even if they themselves do not feel ill.
- Tracers work in conjunction with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and county health departments.
What skills are required to be a contact tracer?
- Good communication skills.
- Attention to detail and organization.
- The ability to work flexibly in a changing environment.
- An understanding of cultural competencies when working with diverse communities.
- Being comfortable using a computer, internet, and other applications.
- The ability to maintain confidentiality and complete HIPAA training requirement.
Want more information?
If you would like to receive more information, please contact [email protected].