MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The battle to fight COVID-19 is leading to more than 100 new jobs, as the Shelby County Health Department announced they’ll begin hiring immediately.
The expansion at the Shelby County Health Department started well before the coronavirus, but the director announced Tuesday she’s looking for more space to grow. They are hiring 141 new employees.
“Our primary focus in expansion is to focus on contract tracing, as well as enforcement and education of the community,” health department director Dr. Alisa Haushalter said.
The new hires come as a result of the federal CARES Act and $6.4 million from Shelby County government, and another $2.7 million is being considered by Memphis City Council.
The health department posted the jobs Tuesday, will start interviews next week and hopes to have the new employees onboard in June: the month Shelby County is hoping to move into Phase 3 of the back-to-business plan.
“Those particular positions range everywhere from clerical positions to contact investigators or tracers to enforcement individuals, as well as epidemiologists,” Dr. Haushalter said.
Haushalter urged people furloughed or laid off to apply. They’re looking for a diverse group of applicants.
“This is an opportunity for those who may be retired and want to work for another year or so and something different and still contribute back to the community,” Haushalter said. “It’s also a great opportunity for new graduates.”
These are local jobs to help fight the pandemic in the community, and the preference is to hire from Shelby County.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for us to train a workforce and prepare people for public health practice, so we’re really looking forward to be able to recruit and retain those individuals,” Haushalter said.
The salary for a contact tracer with three years of experience is listed as a grade 45. The salary is commensurate with education and experience. WREG found clerical positions paying about $2,600 a month.
To apply for any of the new health department jobs, click here.
