Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl III - ODS/ODS-Eligible

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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Functional Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl III - ODS/ODS-Eligible 
Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Cancer Epidemiology & Surveill 
Posting Number: 18141 
Closing Date: 08/05/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $4,857.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel:  
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT) 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12 
 
 
 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Performs complex technical and analytical duties for the collection, reporting and analysis of cancer registry data for the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR), Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance (CES) Branch. Coordinates in the planning, monitoring and implementation of quality assurance policies and procedures in the CES. Monitors, evaluates and implements national edits necessary to national data quality measures. Conducts data quality review and analysis to ensure reliability, completeness, consistency, and comparability of cancer data. Consolidates according to national and TCR guidelines and standards. Assists with staff and new employee development. Work is performed under general direction of the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager and Team Lead with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

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

(35%) Researches and resolves conflicting and aberrant data findings and records for CES cancer incidence studies and other special cancer projects. Uses highly technical knowledge in problem solving data discrepancies using the EDITS software. Duties include visual review of analytic records, identifying trends in aberrant data; appropriately applies multiple versions of CES guidelines to resolve data discrepancies and identifying trends in reporting facilities procedures, using tumor registry software and edits. Evaluates new NAACCR edit sets and metafiles and identifies edits needed to ensure complete data quality.

(20%) Performs cancer record consolidation. Uses highly technical knowledge in resolving consolidation discrepancies and in developing cancer record edit logic by researching SEER, ACoS and NAACCR cancer registration guidelines and standards. Contacts reporting facilities by telephone and/or written correspondence for clarification of cancer reports. Duties include resolution of quality assurance queries, edits and duplicate cancer records.

(20%) Provides technical assistance in cancer data collection, reporting and coding. Reviews and evaluates the CES reporting procedures. Serves as backup technical expert for regional CES staff in addressing cancer reporting and coding issues for specific cancer case diagnostic years utilizing appropriate CES guidelines. Technical assistance is provided by telephone and by written correspondence.

(20%) Researches, evaluates and implements national edit sets as appropriate to meet national and state standards as set out by the National Program of Central Cancer Registries, the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, SEER, and ACoS. Assists with monitoring and identifying national coding guidelines, and changes to the CES policies and procedures at the state and national level. Duties include review of cancer related sites on the Internet, monitor changes in SEER, ACoS and NAACCR manuals, and review of cancer related publications.

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties 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 assignment and /or location.

REGISTRATIONS, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS:

Oncology Data Specialist certification is preferred

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES:

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

Knowledge of multiple versions of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-0), coding schemes; oncology; anatomy; medical terminology; data collection; and cancer registry edit criteria.

Knowledge of cancer control laws, rules, regulations, and policy guidelines.

Knowledge of maintaining confidential medical information and documentation.

Knowledge of cancer consolidation according to national guidelines and standards.

Technical knowledge of cancer registration including multiple versions of SEER, ACoS, and NAACCR standards; and of multiple versions of disease staging, and treatment criteria.

Knowledge of record and inter-record edits.

Ability to plan and manage multiple projects with varying deadlines.

Skill in the use of personal computers, local area network, and software including Microsoft, and Tumor Registry Software.

Ability to identify and apply appropriate cancer coding guidelines to cases.

Ability to work independently and within a team setting.

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

Successful completion of any associate degree or the equivalent (60 college credits)

Oncology Data Specialist certification is generally preferred.

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