What are the responsibilities and job description for the Oncology Data Specialist position at Texas Department of State Health Services?
Date: Nov 25, 2025
Location:
HARLINGEN, TX
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.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: Oncology Data Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist III
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Cancer Epidemiology & Surveill
Posting Number: 10209
Closing Date: 12/09/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $5,178.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: HARLINGEN
Job Location Address: 601 W SESAME DR
Other Locations: Austin
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Registry Operations Group Manager and Lead, serves as lead worker and assists in managing and coordinating Texas Cancer Registry (TCR), Cancer Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch (CESB) activities. Performs administrative, advanced consultative services, and technical assistance work required in directing and facilitating cancer data reporting and cancer data dissemination in the CESB and the Health Service Regions. Performs complex technical work in the area of quality control review and serves as the technical expert for incoming cancer reports and/or medical records submitted by reporting institutions and/or coded by staff. Assists with planning and recommending techniques, standards, policies, and procedures in directing the CESB cancer incidence reporting activities. Assists with training, managing, and evaluating CESB staff. Supports TCR mission and objectives. Work is performed under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and action.
Essential Job Functions
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(40%) Participates in managing, overseeing, and coordinating all administrative, advanced consultative, and technical direction for the formulation of standards and techniques for evaluating and obtaining cancer registry follow back and data linkages to program staff and reporting facilities. Serves as a technical expert in activities related to compliance, casefinding, abstracting, coding, reviewing and follow back activities. Duties include identifying reportable cancers, abstracting all relevant cancer information from all available reporting sources, coding all first course cancer, staging and treatment information, and evaluating cancer information from data linkages. Provides consultative and highly technical direction in evaluating registry reporting software and analyzing registry data via the EDITs software to ensure cancer registration standards are met. Prepares reports of the findings and makes recommendations for efficiencies. Manages, coordinates, and participates in analyzing cancer registry operations impacting follow back and cancer reporting quality and prepares and evaluates recommendations and justifications for changes in CESB policies, procedures, or program guidelines for data quality improvement. Participates in evaluating changes in national cancer quality assurance follow back and data linkage processes and procedures and assures the CESB systems and procedures are modified as needed to comply. Monitors studies and analysis of registry operations, initiated both internally and by external national organizations, such as NAACCR and the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), and prepares detailed, comprehensive reports of findings.
(35%) Coordinates and oversees cancer registry activities of the CESB. Oversees and implements procedures for improvement or initiation of new national requirements. Participates in monitoring and providing guidance to TCR staff in the development and integration of new quality assurance methods, cancer registration guidelines and procedures, both overall for registry operations and those quality control standards associated with the TCR's database system. Assists with performing CESB cancer reporting and casefinding follow back activities by utilizing multiple versions of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) coding schemes, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), American College of Surgeons (ACoS), North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and the TCR reporting handbooks. Oversees and participates in the development of Registry Operations policy and procedure manuals and cancer reporting materials. Provides technical guidance to regional staff with cancer reporting coding, casefinding studies, and the documentation of casefinding reports. Reviews and visually edits cancer records using highly technical knowledge. Contacts reporting facilities regarding data discrepancies by telephone and by written correspondence.
(20%) Coordinates and participates in providing the Registry Operations Manager and Team Lead with proposed work plans for team members dealing with data linkages, casefinding, follow back activities, internal facility profile and cancer software testing. Assists with training, reviewing TCR staff's work and providing feedback to the Registry Operations Manager and Team Lead. Serves as back-up for Manager and Team Lead in monitoring the completeness and timeliness of cancer data reporting and updates to the Reporter Plus application.
(5%) Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned 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 pattern assignment and/or location.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications
Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
Knowledge Skills Abilities
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:
Knowledge of data utilization, data collection, data retrieval and data quality assurance procedures.
Knowledge of multiple versions of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) coding schemes (ICD-O-2 and ICD-O-3, 3.2), oncology; anatomy; medical terminology; data collection and retrieval procedures and cancer registry edit criteria.
Knowledge of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and 10).
Technical knowledge of cancer registration, including knowledge of multiple SEER, ACoS, and NAACCR guidelines and standards; and of multiple versions and multiple disease staging and treatment scheme criteria of NAACCR cancer registry edits criteria.
Knowledge of principles and practices of management and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Knowledge of organizational structure, administrative structure and program expectations.
Knowledge of maintaining confidential medical information and documentation.
Skills in the use of Microsoft Office, Windows, cancer registry software, and edits software.
Skill in clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication with a variety of professional and lay audiences.
Ability to analyze and interpret information and problem solve.
Ability to handle multiple assignments/projects with varying deadlines.
Ability to analyze and interpret coded data, and to monitor and identify problems in coding and case ascertainment.
Ability to read and interpret laws, policies, and procedures governing cancer reporting.
Ability to work well and effectively with others in a cooperative and productive manner.
Ability to create a work environment that encourages productive discussion and problem solving regarding cancer reporting issues.
Ability to actively participate and plan team meetings.
Ability to adapt and modify behavior in response to changes in situations and/or priorities.
Ability to abide by DSHS Guiding Principles, Code of Ethics and Standard of Conduct.
Ability to exercise good judgement in evaluating situations and making recommendations. Ability to plan, organize, lead and manage the efforts of others.
Ability to understand, explain, implement and adhere to the Texas Incidence reporting Law and Rules, public health law and departmental policies.
Ability to abide by DSHS Universal Expectations for Personal Responsibility.
Ability to travel on short notice.
Initial Screening Criteria
Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
Experience with cancer registration
Additional Information
Applicant will be required to complete a skills assessment exercise at the conclusion of the oral interview.
Prior to beginning employment, employees/applicants who indicate they hold a degree from an institution of higher education must provide an original college transcript indicating they earned a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree from a U.S. college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.
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
Location:
HARLINGEN, TX
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.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: Oncology Data Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist III
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Cancer Epidemiology & Surveill
Posting Number: 10209
Closing Date: 12/09/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $5,178.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: HARLINGEN
Job Location Address: 601 W SESAME DR
Other Locations: Austin
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Registry Operations Group Manager and Lead, serves as lead worker and assists in managing and coordinating Texas Cancer Registry (TCR), Cancer Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch (CESB) activities. Performs administrative, advanced consultative services, and technical assistance work required in directing and facilitating cancer data reporting and cancer data dissemination in the CESB and the Health Service Regions. Performs complex technical work in the area of quality control review and serves as the technical expert for incoming cancer reports and/or medical records submitted by reporting institutions and/or coded by staff. Assists with planning and recommending techniques, standards, policies, and procedures in directing the CESB cancer incidence reporting activities. Assists with training, managing, and evaluating CESB staff. Supports TCR mission and objectives. Work is performed under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and action.
Essential Job Functions
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(40%) Participates in managing, overseeing, and coordinating all administrative, advanced consultative, and technical direction for the formulation of standards and techniques for evaluating and obtaining cancer registry follow back and data linkages to program staff and reporting facilities. Serves as a technical expert in activities related to compliance, casefinding, abstracting, coding, reviewing and follow back activities. Duties include identifying reportable cancers, abstracting all relevant cancer information from all available reporting sources, coding all first course cancer, staging and treatment information, and evaluating cancer information from data linkages. Provides consultative and highly technical direction in evaluating registry reporting software and analyzing registry data via the EDITs software to ensure cancer registration standards are met. Prepares reports of the findings and makes recommendations for efficiencies. Manages, coordinates, and participates in analyzing cancer registry operations impacting follow back and cancer reporting quality and prepares and evaluates recommendations and justifications for changes in CESB policies, procedures, or program guidelines for data quality improvement. Participates in evaluating changes in national cancer quality assurance follow back and data linkage processes and procedures and assures the CESB systems and procedures are modified as needed to comply. Monitors studies and analysis of registry operations, initiated both internally and by external national organizations, such as NAACCR and the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), and prepares detailed, comprehensive reports of findings.
(35%) Coordinates and oversees cancer registry activities of the CESB. Oversees and implements procedures for improvement or initiation of new national requirements. Participates in monitoring and providing guidance to TCR staff in the development and integration of new quality assurance methods, cancer registration guidelines and procedures, both overall for registry operations and those quality control standards associated with the TCR's database system. Assists with performing CESB cancer reporting and casefinding follow back activities by utilizing multiple versions of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) coding schemes, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), American College of Surgeons (ACoS), North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and the TCR reporting handbooks. Oversees and participates in the development of Registry Operations policy and procedure manuals and cancer reporting materials. Provides technical guidance to regional staff with cancer reporting coding, casefinding studies, and the documentation of casefinding reports. Reviews and visually edits cancer records using highly technical knowledge. Contacts reporting facilities regarding data discrepancies by telephone and by written correspondence.
(20%) Coordinates and participates in providing the Registry Operations Manager and Team Lead with proposed work plans for team members dealing with data linkages, casefinding, follow back activities, internal facility profile and cancer software testing. Assists with training, reviewing TCR staff's work and providing feedback to the Registry Operations Manager and Team Lead. Serves as back-up for Manager and Team Lead in monitoring the completeness and timeliness of cancer data reporting and updates to the Reporter Plus application.
(5%) Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned 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 pattern assignment and/or location.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications
Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
Knowledge Skills Abilities
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:
Knowledge of data utilization, data collection, data retrieval and data quality assurance procedures.
Knowledge of multiple versions of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) coding schemes (ICD-O-2 and ICD-O-3, 3.2), oncology; anatomy; medical terminology; data collection and retrieval procedures and cancer registry edit criteria.
Knowledge of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and 10).
Technical knowledge of cancer registration, including knowledge of multiple SEER, ACoS, and NAACCR guidelines and standards; and of multiple versions and multiple disease staging and treatment scheme criteria of NAACCR cancer registry edits criteria.
Knowledge of principles and practices of management and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Knowledge of organizational structure, administrative structure and program expectations.
Knowledge of maintaining confidential medical information and documentation.
Skills in the use of Microsoft Office, Windows, cancer registry software, and edits software.
Skill in clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication with a variety of professional and lay audiences.
Ability to analyze and interpret information and problem solve.
Ability to handle multiple assignments/projects with varying deadlines.
Ability to analyze and interpret coded data, and to monitor and identify problems in coding and case ascertainment.
Ability to read and interpret laws, policies, and procedures governing cancer reporting.
Ability to work well and effectively with others in a cooperative and productive manner.
Ability to create a work environment that encourages productive discussion and problem solving regarding cancer reporting issues.
Ability to actively participate and plan team meetings.
Ability to adapt and modify behavior in response to changes in situations and/or priorities.
Ability to abide by DSHS Guiding Principles, Code of Ethics and Standard of Conduct.
Ability to exercise good judgement in evaluating situations and making recommendations. Ability to plan, organize, lead and manage the efforts of others.
Ability to understand, explain, implement and adhere to the Texas Incidence reporting Law and Rules, public health law and departmental policies.
Ability to abide by DSHS Universal Expectations for Personal Responsibility.
Ability to travel on short notice.
Initial Screening Criteria
Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
Experience with cancer registration
Additional Information
Applicant will be required to complete a skills assessment exercise at the conclusion of the oral interview.
Prior to beginning employment, employees/applicants who indicate they hold a degree from an institution of higher education must provide an original college transcript indicating they earned a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree from a U.S. college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.
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
Salary : $4,020 - $5,178
