[Hiring] Oncology Data Specialist @Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Role Description

Responsible for assuring integrity and quality of cancer clinical research data is maintained and that data is collected in accordance with national and state agencies, cancer program accreditation agency, VUMC Cancer Committee. Knowledge of guidelines for determining case eligibility; responsible for complete summary of patient history, diagnosis, treatment and status for cancer patients for monitoring patient outcomes and evaluation of results of treatment. Under national reporting standards, maintains accurate and timely documentation, manages data entry for case completeness and demonstrates knowledge on data retrieval. Participates in department wide quality assurance of cancer data and other studies as assigned. Represents program and department at major tumor boards.

Key Responsibilities

• Knowledge and understanding of policies, procedures, and regulations governing cancer reporting, staging of disease and coding of cancer.
• Possesses a basic awareness of the National/State regulations, National Cancer Reporting Act and TN Cancer Reporting Act; Commission on Cancer (CoC), Cancer Program Standards, NAACCR, AJCC, SEER, FORDS, Collaborative Stage, ICD-0, CAP, WHO, CDC and HIPAA regulations.
• Possesses knowledge of COC standards in the collection of cancer data to aid and assist cancer committee and cancer program, identify and address deficiencies in areas of patient care as a critical component of cancer patient care.
• Knowledge and understanding of rules and regulations for analyzing specific cancer data into the oncology database.
• Prepares/processes and completes each abstract identified in accordance with federal/state regulations, accreditation, institutional and departmental policies and procedures.
• Identifies patients involved in clinical trials at VUMC and documents pertinent clinical data into patient abstract.
• Digests complex clinical information to determine if data entered into Metriq is accurate, complete and valid data / CS, AJCC, FORDS, SEER.
• Utilizes all available resources/online tools for input of accurate information (e.g. CA Forum, Multiple Primary & Histology coding, Hematopoietic Coding Manual, COC, SEER), seeks guidance from manager as needed.
• Identify individual data errors/edits and provide case validation for 100% error-free data submission to National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) and to Tennessee Cancer Registry.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives, assist with department quality assurance and improvement plan as directed by manager.
• Knowledge of basic spreadsheet application for data presentation.
• Prepares spreadsheet reports (e.g. CSR, Special studies) as requested by manager.
• Possesses knowledge of computer basics for healthcare with use of the internet, software application of Word, Excel and online tools, webinars, etc.
• Basic awareness of epidemiology, disease frequency, prevalence, incidence rates.
• Actively identifies and participates in training, education, and development activities to improve own knowledge and performance to sustain and enhance professional development.
• Maintains required certification to meet national accreditation standards. Must obtain CTR certification from National Cancer Registrar's Assoc. within 3 years of start of employment.
• Assumes responsibility for continuous learning, engaging in a minimum of at least 15 hours of continuing education activities annually.
• Attends in-services of professional associations (e.g. NCRA, ONS (Oncology Nursing Society), NCCN, TN CA Coalition (TCC)).
• Demonstrates initiative in self-directed learning, as evidenced by attendance of professional development opportunities.
• Represents department and accredited cancer program at tumor boards.
• Attends major multidisciplinary tumor board as assigned by manager and contributes information as needed in a collaborative environment for correct cancer staging.
• Provides education regarding cancer staging guidelines for legislative and accreditation agencies as needed.
• Serves as resource for cancer program for special projects and data requests.

Technical Capabilities

• Our professional administrative functions include critical supporting roles in information technology and informatics, finance, administration, legal and community affairs, human resources, communications and marketing, development, facilities, and many more.
• At our growing health system, we support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce.

Core Accountabilities

• Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance.
• Problem Solving/Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems.
• Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedures that apply to your own job.
• Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.

Core Capabilities

• Supporting Colleagues: Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.
• Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.
• Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner.
• Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.
• Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner.
• Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support.
• Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards.
• Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department.
• Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service.
• Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources.
• Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error.
• Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them.
• Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action.
• Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

Position Qualifications

• Certifications: Certified Tumor Registrar - National Cancer Registry Assoc., Oncology Data Specialist - National Cancer Registry Assoc.
• Work Experience: Relevant Work Experience
• Experience Level: 5 years
• Education: High School Diploma or GED

Benefits

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.