Duties
Duties included, but are not limited to:
According to the requirements of the Commission on Cancer, the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System's Cancer Committee, the National VA Oncology Program and the NCI SEER Programs, incumbent identifies required reportable diseases in this facility's patients through the use of the VISTA Oncology Program.
Thoroughly searches the medical record to identify and code all information pertinent to the patient's diagnosis. This includes demographics, diagnosis, site and histology, diagnostic procedures, extent of disease, and treatment.
Coding assignments may involve highly technical, complex diagnoses/procedures. The incumbent utilizes coding references to ensure that complete and accurate data is collected. In addition, uses specific codes required in a cancer registry, stage of disease, morphology and topography using International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, AJCC Staging Manual, and the FORDS manual.
Independently codes a wide variety of medical diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures. These include:
- 1) Codes stages of disease using American Joint Commission on Cancer staging requirements.
- 2) Analyzes the consistency of coding of registry data, cancer diagnosis, histology, treatment, (including surgical procedures, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiation therapy).
- 3) Identifies coding discrepancies.
- 4) Facilitates resolution of coding discrepancies by discussion with providers.
- 5) Codes complicated medical records having diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic procedures that are identified as difficult to classify.
- 6) Reviews records to obtain data.
- 7) Enters data obtained from the record into the registry software.
- 8) Analyzes data retrieved and provides the results to health care staff for research, patient care, protocol studies and trends in cancer.
The incumbent submits data monthly to the VA:. Central Cancer Registry, per directives and to the American College of Surgeon's National Cancer Database annually. Data includes codes for diagnosis and procedures, topography, morphology, and stag of disease, provider information and coded data for the treatment of cancer. The incumbent ensures that data is reported accurately and in correct format.
Performs research and periodic statistical repo sand prepares correspondence by retrieving and releasing data following a standardized approach that meets the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act regulations. The incumbent maintains health record indexes and compiles administrative and health statistics for physicians as well as all other health care staff at this facility and throughout the VA System.
Organizes and maintains a data system which conforms to the standards of an Approved Cancer Program and meets the needs of the users of the registry data. The incumbent must follow these patients until their death, entering the progression of their disease into the computer program. Each patient abstract is updated as recurrences develop and annual follow-up is completed.
Independently maintains a registry that is continuously prepared for a Commission on Cancer survey, to include the necessary documentation needed for the surveyor's review. This includes but is not limited to Tumor Board/Cancer Conference documentation, Cancer Committee 1minutes, and the registry procedure manual.
Coordinates, oversees, and facilitates the Cancer Committee meetings to monitor compliance with ACoC standards to ensure certification of the Cancer Program. The incumbent is obliged to verify updates to maintain compliance with Regulatory Organizations. Develops and Monitors Quality Management and Improvement, Performance Projects and Special Studies to Enhance Cancer Patient Care and to meet Requirements of the Commission on Cancer Monitors cancer committee processes and procedures implemented to improve patient care and to verify compliance of plans and requirements.
Provides administrative guidance and advice to staff regarding methods of proper use of AJCC Staging forms and other medical record documentation concerning the cancer patient. Performs the quantitative and qualitative analysis on medical records to ensure that all component parts are present, accurate, complete, timely, and will meet the established requirements and standards of JCAHO and the American College of Surgeons.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Telework: This is a Remote position.
Functional Statement #: 93094A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this
checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
- Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
- An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
- Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
- Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
- Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
- Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
- SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit
Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/22/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12610038.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account,
https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.