Program Specialist IV - 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 Manager, serves to assist in managing and coordinating Cancer Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch (CESB) activities. Performs administrative, advanced consultative services, and technical assistance work required in directing and facilitating cancer data reporting and cancer data dissemination in the CESB and Health Service Regions.  Performs casefinding, abstracting, coding, resolving edits, and evaluating linkage results.  Performs and recommends techniques, standards, policies, and procedures in directing the CESB cancer incidence reporting activities. Assists with hiring, training, managing, 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%) Assists in managing regional CESB activities. Provides administrative, advanced consultative and technical direction for the formulation of standards and techniques for evaluating and obtaining cancer registry followback and data linkages to program staff and reporting facilities. Assists with hiring, orienting, training, managing, evaluating, reviewing and providing 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. Ensures program staff are following all administrative and program requirements. Addresses administrative issues and assists the Texas Registry Operations Group Manager and Regional Operations Manager in resolving problems and providing input on employee performance evaluations and making recommendations regarding disciplinary or reward actions. Monitors and reports on regional cancer reporting compliance and recommends action to ensure complete and timely reporting. Conducts the initial review of staff travel request forms for consistency and accuracy prior to Manager review.

(30%) Participates in coordinating cancer registry activities of the CESB. Oversees the quality assurance (QA) activities of TCR regional staff. In conjunction with the manager and Program Specialist V, reviews cancer reports and casefinding information for quality, accuracy, and completeness using computerized and visual procedures. Participates in evaluating changes for casefinding follow back and data linkage processes. 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 resources. Performs casefinding, abstracting, coding,resolving edits and data quality audits. Provides technical guidance to staff with cancer reporting coding, casefinding studies, and documentation of casefinding reports by reviewing their work and providing direction on discrepancies.

(15%) 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. Plans and recommends techniques, standards, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance to the Texas Cancer Incidence Reporting Law and Rules and improve regional cancer reporting.

(10%) 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, Program Specialist V, QA staff, and data management staff to discuss recommendations for changes in software. Monitors all levels of testing until projects are complete. Assists with updating 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: 
Knowledge of oncology, anatomy, medical terminology, database management, data collection and retrieval procedures, and TCR edit criteria.
Technical knowledge of cancer registration, including state, national, and international standards and guidelines for cancer registration.
Knowledge of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and ICD-10), multiple versions of ICD-O, SEER, NPCR, NAACCR, and ACoS cancer registration guidelines and standards.
Knowledge of multiple disease staging and treatment scheme criteria of NAACCR/NPCR record and inter-record edits.
Knowledge of principles and practices in management and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

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 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 actively participate and plan team meetings. 
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 abide by DSHS Universal Expectations for Personal Responsibility. 
Ability to travel on short notice.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

None

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) or Oncology Data Specialist – Certified (ODS-C) required 
Experience with cancer registration

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