Identifying Critical Psychological Characteristics Related to Successful Performance as a Contact Tracer: A Job Analysis

Dev K. Dalal, University at Albany, State University of New YorkFollow
Jason Randall, University at Albany, State University of New YorkFollow
Gabrielle C. Danna, University at Albany, State University of New YorkFollow
Josh Ash, University at Albany, State University of New YorkFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8968-7790

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/pad.2023.01.005

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a massive workforce of contact tracers to help end the global pandemic. Rapidly accelerating the recruitment, selection, and training of contact tracers proved to be difficult, though, due in part to the lack of a valid, structured, and systematic approach to hiring and training contact tracers. This demonstration presents the results of the first steps in developing a systematic selection and training program: a combined (worker- and task-oriented) job analysis of the contact tracer job. Using archival records and structured interviews with 15 subject matter experts, we identified 25 unique characteristics related to successful performance as a contact tracer. We also identify which KSAOs are needed as part of selection versus those that can be trained and develop predictive hypotheses for each. Results jump-start the process of developing a systematic approach to selecting and training contact tracers to help navigate current and future public health emergencies.

Recommended Citation

Dalal, Dev K.; Randall, Jason; Danna, Gabrielle C.; and Ash, Josh (2023) "Identifying Critical Psychological Characteristics Related to Successful Performance as a Contact Tracer: A Job Analysis," Personnel Assessment and Decisions: Number 9 : Iss. 1 , Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/pad.2023.01.005
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/pad/vol9/iss1/5