Carla Grant-Sharpe

Led care initiatives for numerous families as a newborn care specialist for over a decade. Cultivated strong communication channels with parents and healthcare professionals to enhance care delivery. Fostered a nurturing environment by proactively identifying and meeting the diverse needs of infants. Partnered with parents to implement best practices based on extensive experience. Established efficient organizational systems for record-keeping and safety protocols to support child development.

• To whom this may concern
• It is with great pleasure that I submit my application to the Contact Tracer I position. This opportunity allows me to serve my community by aiding in New York City's public health intervention initiatives regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Kings County has the highest coronavirus prevalence rate in New York. It would be a privilege to join efforts in surveillance of COVID-19 to reduce the spread and mortality rate in the community I have been a part of for the last 20 years and my experience will be a strong addition to this city-wide, community-based effort.
• The position announcement requested an individual with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. My ability to tactfully relay and translate information comes from eleven years of experience working as a nanny. Communicating concerns effectively to parents, educators and healthcare providers of the children under my care was crucial to properly nurturing and supporting children through various stages of development. My experience using trauma-informed approaches will allow me to communicate professionally and empathetically during case management situations over the phone. I efficiently anticipated the varying needs of children in diverse stages of development individually while I simultaneously provided the needs of a bustling household. My effective problem solving and ability to work as a team alongside parents ensured the effective stability that was needed while caring for children. This allowed me to develop a keen sense of attention to detail, organization and record keeping and the ability to not only lead but also work excellently as part of a team while honing my skills as an excellent communicator both verbally and written.
• As a black woman and an immigrant, I have a strong understanding of how structural and institutional racism makes communities like Kings County more susceptible to the contraction and fatality of COVID. I see contact tracing as vital intervention I hope to support. I understand the concerns of residents in Kings County from various backgrounds and can skillfully rely pertinent guidance such as recommendations for care, locations for testing, and grocery service referrals when applicable, all while validating the experiences of disruption and struggle in their lives. I will communicate the importance of complying with guidelines and convey the reality of prevalence of coronavirus within the community so we work together in keeping everyone safe by being vigilant. My perspective contributes to successful contact tracing by considering an individual’s wellbeing as critical in the promotion of individual and community health.
• The skills gained through my work experiences, lived experiences, and community interactions, will translate to me being an effective Contact Tracer support in flattening the curve. I look forward to speaking with you all more about how my experience would make me an effective Contact Tracer for Solomon Page.
• Thank you for your time and consideration.
• Sincerely
• Carla Grant-Sharpe