Colorado’s COVID Containment Response Corps (CCRC) engages local public health authorities, non-profit organizations and business leaders to contain the spread of COVID-19. At the heart of this effort are national service members who have provided disaster relief assistance to the CCRC’s efforts since June 2020. CRC and the host site will provide a virtual three week member orientation and training. The host site training will cover all the duties of the role as well as expand members’ knowledge of public health, contact tracing and other COVID containment duties. The training period will include daily online training modules which members will need to complete before being cleared to start COVID containment work.
AmeriCorps members will serve remotely under the direct supervision of public health officials at CDPHE or with a Local Public Health Agency. A computer will be provided and must be used for service, a stable and secure internet connection is preferred, internet support will be provided on a case-by-case basis. Service will require using a computer, sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods of time, making calls using a computer softphone, and attending video conference meetings.
Service Activities
CRC will have 75 AmeriCorps members to support the COVID-19 response efforts in Colorado. AmeriCorps members may serve in multiple roles as needed, including contact tracer, case investigator, resource coordinator and may assist with other COVID containment response efforts as outbreaks and demands for containment efforts fluctuate. Member duties include: 1.) Calling people with positive or negative test results, 2.) Calling newly diagnosed cases to collect contacts, 3.) Providing contacts with approved information about isolation and quarantine procedures and if appropriate, referring them to testing according to protocol, following up with individuals after 14 days of quarantine, 4.) Communicate with contacts in a professional and empathetic manner maintaining emotional and cultural awareness. Establish a good rapport with cases, contacts, and all clients 5.) Other COVID containment response duties as assigned by your CDPHE Supervisor.
Community Need Addressed
Colorado’s Public Health agencies are leading COVID containment efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, keep our communities healthy and our economy running. When outbreaks occur, Local Public Health Agencies (LPHAs) need immediate surge capacity to efficiently notify and support the increased number of cases in their community. In collaboration with our statewide partners, Community Resource Center and Conservation Legacy designed this national service opportunity for AmeriCorps members to serve within the Colorado COVID Containment Response Corps (CCRC) Team, led by CDPHE, and provide the surge capacity communities need to support case investigation, contact tracing, resource coordination, test result notification, isolation and quarantine monitoring, and other activities to contain the spread of COVID-19 within Colorado.
Position Outcomes
Members will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Colorado by providing surge capacity to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Training
Access to the AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program
Education Benefits
Johns Hopkins Contact Tracing Certificate, General Public Health Education, FEMA Certification
Skills you will gain
Motivational Interviewing, Confidentiality, Building Rapport, Google Platforms, Database Management, Data Entry, Resilience, Public Health, Interpersonal Communication, Disaster Response
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment