Oncology Data Specialist (ODS)

Aptive Resources is seeking an experienced Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 Cancer Registry program. The ODS will be responsible for maintaining the Cancer Registry database services in accordance with 100% of the current American College of Surgeons (ACOS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) Standards Registry standards and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Cancer Registry requirements. This is a remote position with potential onsite visits required at VISN 20 facilities. Successful candidates must have current experience managing a Cancer Registry program and recent experience with the ACOS CoC Standards.

Remote position with potential onsite visits required at 20 facilities:

• Alaska VA Healthcare System and Regional Office
• Boise VA Medical Center
• Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center at Walla Walla
• Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center at Spokane
• VA Portland Healthcare System
• VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
• VA Roseburg Healthcare System

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Case Finding: Electronically screen and accept all cases into the Cancer Registry database, ensuring all “suspense” cases are flagged with demographics and primary site coded following standard setter rules, VA Central Registry rules, and VISN 20 specific rules. Conduct monthly reviews of disease indices, pathology reports, radiology reports, treatment logs, and other sources to identify reportable cancer cases.
• Case Abstracting and Coding: Accurately code and enter patient and disease-specific information into the VA’s VistA Oncotrax Cancer Registry database. Ensure all cases meet the standards of NAACCR, SEER, WHO, AJCC, VACCR, and ACOS/CoC. Abstract cases within 4-6 months of diagnosis and ensure all data passes VA and ACOS/CoC required edits.
• Follow-up: Maintain ongoing follow-up for all cancer cases, ensuring compliance with Commission on Cancer Registry standards and VHA requirements. Track care received by cancer survivors and maintain a minimum follow-up rate of 90%.
• Consultation: Provide consultative services, including supporting the Cancer Committee and Cancer Program Administrator to ensure compliance with ACOS and related Cancer Registry standards. Assist in survey readiness and preparation for facilities pursuing ACOS accreditation.
• Quality Assurance: Implement a comprehensive Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to evaluate the quality of Cancer Registry data and activities. Perform 100% quality assurance reviews on newly abstracted cases and report findings monthly.
• Education and Certification Maintenance: Maintain Oncology Data Specialist certification through the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA). Participate in ongoing cancer-related education to stay current with Cancer Registry updates and standards.
• Policy and Procedure Manual: Maintain and update Cancer Registry policies and procedures in compliance with CoC, NCDB, and VACCR standards. Ensure all policies are current and tailored to VISN 20 VAMC requirements.
• Outcome Studies and Special Studies: Provide Cancer Registry data for outcome studies and assist with the preparation of reports comparing local data to national benchmarks.
• Data Reporting and Corrections: Ensure timely and accurate submission of data to VACR and NCDB. Correct any data errors identified and ensure compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.
• Security and System Access: Complete necessary background checks and VA systems training to access the VA’s VistA Oncotrax system. Maintain system access by logging in at least once every 90 days.
• Certification and Reporting: Submit monthly certificates of work completion, including details of cases processed, to the VISN 20 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and facility Points of Contact (POC).

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Current certification as a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)/Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) by the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a Cancer Registry program, with recent experience managing a program in compliance with ACOS/CoC Standards.
• Proficiency with various cancer registry software systems, including VistA Oncotrax.
• Strong knowledge of NAACCR, SEER, AJCC, ICD-O-3, and VACCR standards.
• Ability to conduct quality assurance reviews and manage a comprehensive QASP.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Cancer Registries.
• Proficiency with the Rapid Cancer Reporting System (RCRS).
• Previous experience supporting ACOS/CoC accreditation processes.

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We’re advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge. Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.