Program Specialist V - ODS

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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JOB DESCRIPTION:

Under the supervision of the Registry Operations Group Manager, serves as the lead in assisting and coordinating SEER-related Cancer Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch (CESB) activities. Performs administrative, advanced (senior level) consultative services, and technical assistance work required in directing and facilitating cancer data reporting and cancer data dissemination in the CESB complying with Texas Law and Rules. Leads, plans, and recommends techniques, standards, policies, and procedures in directing the CESB cancer incidence reporting activities. Provides guidance to other team members on monitoring, evaluating, and implementing national edit sets necessary to meet national data quality measures. Assists with hiring, training, monitoring, and evaluating CESB staff. Supports Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) mission and objectives. Work is performed under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and action.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. 

(40%) Leads and prioritizes the workload of the Registry Operations CESB staff. Provides administrative, advanced (senior-level) consultative, and technical direction for the formulation of standards and techniques for evaluating and obtaining SEER-related cancer registry follow back and data linkages to program staff and reporting facilities. Evaluates new NAACCR edit sets and metafiles to identify edits needed to ensure complete data quality. Assists with hiring, orienting, training, overseeing, evaluating, and providing team lead support to program staff. Ensures acquisition of necessary resources (personnel, equipment, supplies, etc.). Produces and submits required and requested reports to the CESB administration and for SEER reporting. Ensures program staff are following administrative and program requirements. Monitors and reports on cancer reporting compliance and recommends action plan to ensure complete and timely reporting.

(35%) Facilitates, meets, corresponds, and communicates with medical providers and potential reporting sources to initiate and sustain reporting, to assess training needs of reporters and to promote computerized cancer reporting. Leads, plans and recommends techniques, standards, policies and procedures to ensure compliance to the Texas Cancer Incidence Reporting Law and Rules and improve SEER required data fields reporting. Identifies additional reporting sources for cancer data and secures reporting from these sources. In conjunction with the Registry Operations manager, reviews cancer reports and casefinding information for quality, accuracy, and completeness using computerized and visual procedures. Checks for correct application of quality control standards and procedures by utilizing multiple versions of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) coding schemes, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), American College of Surgeons (ACoS), North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and the TCR reporting handbooks. Provides technical guidance to staff with cancer reporting coding, casefinding studies, data acquisition, death clearance & follow-up, and data quality audits and requirements.

(20%) Leads and assists with coordination and overseeing testing of CESB facility reporting software, internal facility profile, and management reports and edits software. Assigns staff for testing, monitors testing progress, evaluates and compiles testing results with recommendations for manager. Meets with Registry Operations Group Manager, QA staff, and IT staff to discuss recommendations for changes in software. Oversees and evaluates all levels of testing until projects are complete. Assists with updating and developing appropriate User Manuals for distribution to staff and cancer reporters.

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.  

REGISTRATIONS, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS:

Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) or Oncology Data Specialist – Certified (ODS-C)

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES:

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position: 

Advance knowledge of cancer reporting techniques and cancer registration policy and procedures; oncology, medical terminology, anatomy, multiple versions of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) coding schemes (ICD-O-3); database management, data collection and retrieval procedures, and cancer registration edit criteria. Advance knowledge of SEER reporting data fields. Advance knowledge of cancer registration, including a thorough knowledge of multiple versions of SEER, ACoS, and NAACCR cancer registration guidelines and standards; and of multiple versions and multiple disease staging and treatment scheme criteria of NAACCR record and inter-record edits. Knowledge of principles and practices in management, supervision, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Knowledge of organizational structure, administrative process, and program expectations. Knowledge and experience in maintaining confidential medical information and documentation.

Skills in the use of Microsoft Office, Windows, cancer registry software, and edits software.
Skill in clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication with a variety of professional and lay audiences. 

Ability to lead, plan and participate in meetings and provide technical direction to staff.
Ability to analyze and interpret information and problem solve. 
Ability to handle multiple assignments/projects with varying deadlines. 
Ability to analyze and interpret coded data, and to monitor and identify problems in coding and case ascertainment.
Ability to read and interpret laws, policies, and procedures governing cancer reporting. 
Ability to work well and effectively with others in a cooperative and productive manner. 
Ability to create a work environment that encourages productive discussion and problem-solving regarding cancer reporting issues. 
Ability to adapt and modify behavior in response to changes in situations and/or priorities.
Ability to abide by DSHS Guiding Principles, Code of Ethics and Standard of Conduct. 
Ability to exercise good judgement in evaluating situations and making recommendations. Ability to plan, organize, lead, and manage the efforts of others. 
Ability to understand, explain, implement, and adhere to the Texas Incidence Reporting Law and Rules, public health law and departmental policies. 
Ability to travel on short notice.

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) or Oncology Data Specialist – Certified (ODS-C) required
Experience in Registry Operations
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applicant will be required to complete a skills assessment exercise at the conclusion of the oral interview.  

Prior to beginning employment, employees/applicants who indicate they hold a degree from an institution of higher education must provide an original college transcript indicating they earned a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree from a U.S. college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form