Summary
This position is in the Hematology/Oncology Section of the Specialty Service Line at Amarillo VA Healthcare Systems (AVAHCS). The incumbent serves an expert cancer registrar in a large, complex VA Medical Center with a Medical/Surgical Oncology program. The work of the position supports the care and treatment given to patients with malignant conditions. Abstracts codes and maintains registrar records.
Duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Medical Records Technician (Cancer Registrar Coordinator) thoroughly searches medical records 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. Utilizes coding references to ensure that complete and accurate data is collected. Codes information contained on several forms and documents that make up an entire record. Codes diseases, surgical procedures, and causes of injury. In addition, uses specific codes required in a cancer registry such as stage of disease, morphology, and topography, using International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, AJCC Staging Manual, and the Registry Operations and Data Standards (ROADS) Manual. Independently codes a wide variety of medical diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures. Codes diseases and causes of injury. Analyzes the consistency of coding of registry data, cancer diagnosis, histology, and treatment (including surgical procedures, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation therapy). Identifies coding discrepancies. Collects core data from patients' records, including demographic characteristics, diagnostic procedures, diagnoses, stage, and extent of disease. Ensures that data is reported accurately and in correct format. Devises format for some information to meet requirements established by requestor. Prepares correspondence and summaries of medical records in response to a variety of requests. Performs research and 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 employee validates data gathered from various sources. 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. Monitors cancer committee processes and procedures implemented to improve patient care and to verify compliance of plans and requirements. Provides technical advice to the clinical staff relative to the best method of recording AJCC staging, the use of staging forms, and the correct documentation of diagnoses/procedures. Consults with the appropriate physician or other clinician(s) for clarification when conflicting information appears in the medical record. Performs analysis of work processes or service delivery practices to identify reasonable and efficient measurement of the quality of the work or the activity and to identify areas of possible improvement. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30 (central standard time) Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Remote: This is position 100% Remote Outside of the local commuting area of parent station. Functional Statement #: 56160F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized "The remote status of this offer is contingent upon final approval from the VA COO. Until remote status for this position is officially authorized, you may work remotely or in the workspace provided to you by a nearby federal facility, as arranged by the hosting and hiring facility leadership."
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
How you will be evaluated
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. Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement. 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.