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

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