Medical records technician

Duties

The Medical Records Technician (Cancer Registrar) supports the cancer conferences of Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (BPVAHCS), coordinating or providing backup for cancer conferences and reporting cancer conference activity to the Cancer Committee. The CR Technician organizes and maintains the cancer registry data system, reviews lifetime follow-up on patients including cancer status and vital status, oversees tumor board documentation ensuring documentation meets the requirements and standards set forth by American College of Surgeons (ACoS) and/or facility standards. Duties and responsibilities of the Medical Records Technician (CR) include, but are not limited to:

• Knowledge and application of reference manuals including but not limited to: The International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual, Extent of Disease Manual, The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program (SEER) Summary Staging Manual, The Site Specific Date Items Manual, The Grade Coding Manual, The Multiple Primary Histology Coding Rules, Solid Tumor Rules, Hematopoietic Database, STORE Manual, FCDS Data Acquisition Manual.
• Utilizes CPRS and VISTA to access patient information for case finding, abstracting and follow-up.
• Applies knowledge of human anatomy and cancer staging in case abstraction.
• Maintains a level of Quality as defined in the Cancer Registry Quality Control plan.
• Knowledge and application of Commission on Cancer (COC) standards as they pertain to the Cancer Registry.
• Maintains CTR certification with oncology specific continuing education, with a minimum of 10 CE's annually.
• Collaborates with Cancer Registry team members in discussions regarding the overall function of and processes within the Cancer Registry.
• Participates in Process Improvement projects directly related to the Cancer Registry.
• Provides coverage for Cancer Conferences, either coordinating conference activity or providing back up for Cancer Conferences, monitors compliance of the Cancer Conferences to CoC standards and reports on Cancer Conference activity to the Cancer Committee.

Work Schedule : Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible : Not Available Telework : 100% Remote Functional Statement # :20287F EDRP Authorized: For for questions/assistance, please contact: V8_EDRP_BAYPINES@va.gov Note: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Fi nancial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. BASIC REQUIREMENTS United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Medical Records Technician must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Experience and Education:

• Experience: One year of experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of the health record. Six months of the required one year of experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform MRT work. OR,
• Education: Two years above high school with a minimum of 12 semester hours directly related to MRT work (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and introduction to health records). OR,
• Experience / Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. The following educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and experience:
  • Six months of experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of the health record and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health information technology courses.
  • Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision. Training may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to six months of experience, provided the training program included courses in anatomy, physiology, and medical record techniques and procedures. The position requires six additional months of experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of the health record.

Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). GRADE REQUIREMENTS Medical Records Technician (Cancer Registrar), GS-08 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower level (GS-07) (Must be demonstrated on resume). KSAs at the GS-07 grade level are:

• Knowledge of pathophysiology to understand the spread of the cancer disease process.
• Ability to analyze the electronic health record and enter appropriate data into the OncoTrax cancer registry software abstract.
• Knowledge of American College of Surgeons (ACoS) standards regarding tumor boards, including clinical staging, prognostic indicators, clinical guidelines, and clinical trials availability.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate (ON RESUME) all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of professional registry operations.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, staging of cancer, and requirements of internal and external approving organizations.
• Knowledge of the cancer committee processes and procedures to improve patient care and verify compliance with American College of Surgeons (ACoS) and/or facility standards.
• Ability to serve as a subject matter expert on cancer programs for the medical center.
• Skill in utilizing electronic health records and cancer registry software.

Preferred Experience:

• Possess and maintain Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to complete the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items such as patient records supplies and letter mail. References: VA Handbook 5005/128, Part II, Appendix G35, dated March 5, 2020 Reminder: Resume should state 35 to 40 hours per week for full-time. Assumptions will not be made unless it is stated.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: 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:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.

• Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  • Resume*
  • Resume - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: 1. - Job title 2. - Current grade level & step 3. - Duties (be as detailed as possible...we will NOT make assumptions of your qualifications) 4. - Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) 5. - Full-time (35-40 hrs/week) or part-time status (include hours worked/week)
  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
  • Certification/CTR Credential - If Possess*
  • Transcript **
  • SF-50 - If current federal employee
  • DD-214 - If claiming Veterans Preference***
  • VA-Disability Letter - If claiming Veterans Preference***
  * Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) ** Transcripts: If you are basing your qualification on education, you must submit transcript with application. *** 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.

  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 05/01/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click
  • 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, 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.VHA uses E-verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

  Agency contact information

  Edit Sedgwick

  Phone

  407-631-7503 X17503

  Email

  Edit.Sedgwick@va.gov

  Address

  CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard Bay Pines, FL 33744 US

  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.
• Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume*

• Resume - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: 1. - Job title 2. - Current grade level & step 3. - Duties (be as detailed as possible...we will NOT make assumptions of your qualifications) 4. - Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) 5. - Full-time (35-40 hrs/week) or part-time status (include hours worked/week)

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
• Certification/CTR Credential - If Possess*
• Transcript **
• SF-50 - If current federal employee
• DD-214 - If claiming Veterans Preference***
• VA-Disability Letter - If claiming Veterans Preference***

* Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) ** Transcripts: If you are basing your qualification on education, you must submit transcript with application. *** 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.

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. Help

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to all United States Citizens.