Quality Management Specialist/Oncology Data Specialist (ODS-C)

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Social Research Specialist II (S)

Position Number

60041471

Grade

NC15

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Oncology Data Specialist ensures the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of cancer data reported to the Central Cancer Registry by monitoring hospital reporting practices and verifying compliance with state, national, and federal standards. The position conducts data‑quality activities such as case consolidation, visual editing, case‑finding audits, and quality‑control reviews to maintain high‑quality registry data.

This role provides technical support, training, and guidance to data reporters and Registry staff on reporting requirements, data standards, and complex case abstracting. The position researches data‑quality issues, develops responses, coordinates quality‑control activities, and identifies opportunities for process improvement. Work is performed with minimal supervision as part of a team dedicated to maintaining the integrity of statewide cancer surveillance data.


Key Duties Include:
– Reviewing cancer case reports to ensure data quality, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with state, national, and federal reporting standards.

– Conducting case consolidation, visual editing, case‑finding audits, and other quality‑control activities to validate and improve registry data.

– Monitoring hospital reporting practices to verify adherence to reporting requirements and identify areas requiring corrective action.

– Designing and running database queries to detect data discrepancies, evaluate reporting accuracy, and support ongoing quality‑assurance activities.

– Providing training and technical guidance to data reporters and Registry staff on data‑quality issues, reporting standards, data‑item definitions, and complex case abstracting.

– Researching reporting questions, developing clear responses, and communicating updates related to changes in data standards and reporting expectations.

– Preparing written reports that summarize common errors, recurring data‑quality issues, and results of audits or quality‑control reviews.

– Coordinating quality‑control processes, identifying training needs, and recommending improvements to enhance compliance with reporting standards.

– Supporting physician reporting and resolving data‑quality concerns in collaboration with hospitals and other reporting entities.

– Performing professional and technical work that supports the overall cancer‑surveillance mission of the Central Cancer Registry as part of a collaborative team.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $55,221.00 - $96,639.00

Recruitment Range: $55,221.00 - $63,285.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Certified Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) with demonstrated expertise applying state and national cancer‑data abstracting principles, reporting requirements, and complex coding rules to ensure accurate and compliant cancer‑registry data.

• Three years of experience performing cancer‑data analysis or abstracting in a Central Cancer Registry or in a Commission on Cancer–accredited facility, including reviewing medical records, validating data elements, and assessing data quality.

• Proficiency using cancer‑registry data‑management applications, including the CCR’s RegPlus software, to visually edit, link, and consolidate cancer cases as part of quality‑control and assurance workflows.

• Experience conducting case‑finding and recoding audits, interpreting audit results, and preparing reports or presentations that document data‑quality issues, completeness concerns, and opportunities for improvement.

• Demonstrated success consulting, mentoring, and providing instruction on cancer‑registry management practices, data‑abstracting principles, reporting methods, and training materials for staff and data reporters, supported by strong written and oral communication skills and proficiency with MS Office tools.
  
  
  
  
  

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is Funded In Part Through Federal Funds

This Position Is Eligible For A Fully Remote Work Option

Certified Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) Credentials Must Be Attached

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH):

The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the State Center for Health Statistics (SCHS):

The North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics is a part of the Division of Public Health and is responsible for data collection, health-related research, and production of reports and maintenance of a comprehensive collection of health statistics. We provide high quality health information to ensure more informed decision-making and effective health policies. Our goal is to improve the health of all North Carolinians and their communities.

About the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry (CCR):

The North Carolina Central Cancer Registry (CCR) is a population-based reporting system that serves as the sole repository of complete cancer incidence data for the State of North Carolina. The CCR collects, processes and analyzes data on all cancer cases diagnosed among North Carolina residents. This information furthers our understanding of cancer and is used to develop strategies and policies for its prevention, treatment, and control. The CCR is recognized as one of the leading cancer registries in the U.S. and has been the cornerstone of a substantial amount of research on cancer in the North Carolina population.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Visit the website for State Benefits. 

Supplemental Contact Information: 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS:  https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. 

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. 

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. 

Application Process 

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. 
• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers. 
• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date. 
• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. 
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks. 
• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. 
• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. 

Degree/College Credit Verification 

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. 

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference 

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. 
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.  
• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the field assigned to the position from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of related experience

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Tresha Walker

Contact:

DHHS Workday Support Form