Cancer Data & Education Specialist

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Cancer Data & Education Specialist supports the Tampa General Cancer Institute and its affiliates by promoting the accuracy, quality, and consistency of cancer registry data. Under the direction of the Cancer Registry Coordinator, the position conducts quality reviews of cancer registry abstracts completed by existing team members, new hires, and contracted staff. The Cancer Data & Education Specialist performs related quality-assurance activities and maintains current registry manuals and reference materials. This role also develops and delivers monthly education to registry staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts quality-control reviews of cancer registry abstracts in accordance with facility standards, Commission on Cancer requirements, Florida Cancer Data System requirements, and other applicable cancer registry standards.
• Reviews registry data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance, including primary site and tumor characteristics, Site-Specific Data Items, AJCC and SEER Summary Stage, narrative documentation, treatment information, follow-up information, and other required data elements.
• Applies current official references and coding standards, including Commission on Cancer standards and STORE, the Florida Cancer Data System Data Acquisition Manual, the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, SEER manuals and resources, and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries standards.
• Serves as a subject-matter resource and mentor to new and developing abstractors, including providing individual case-review guidance.
• Develops and delivers group and individual education based on quality-review findings, regulatory updates, and identified training needs.
• Maintains current knowledge of cancer registry standards and practices by completing applicable National Cancer Registrars Association–approved education. Communicates relevant updates and key information to registry staff.
• Prepares accurate and timely routine and special cancer registry reports for medical staff, oncology programs, facility leadership, regulatory and accrediting organizations, and other authorized requestors.
• Completes required data submissions to the Florida Cancer Data System, National Cancer Database, and Rapid Cancer Reporting System.
• Supports Cancer Registry activities necessary to maintain compliance with applicable Commission on Cancer standards.

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts or Science  
• Five years of cancer registry abstraction experience in a Commission on Cancer (CoC) accredited facility 

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSE OR REGISTRATION

• Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) Abstractor Code required or obtained within one month of hire.
• Oncology Data Specialist Certified (ODS-C)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

• Experience using cancer registry software, FCDS IDEA, electronic medical records, Microsoft Excel, and related applications to resolve edits, submit data, and produce reports.
• Experience with Commission on Cancer coding requirements, regulatory compliance, and accreditation standards.
• Experience developing or delivering education and training.
• Advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, cancer characteristics, disease progression, prognosis, and standards of care.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable cancer registry standards and resources, including CoC, FCDS, NAACCR, AJCC, ICD-O, SEER, and STORE.
• Skill in interpreting operative, pathology, radiology, laboratory, autopsy, and other medical record documentation.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and process-improvement skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for working with physicians, staff, and external agencies.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, time-management, and independent-work skills, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Commitment to maintaining current knowledge of cancer registry standards, coding requirements, and abstracting guidelines.