State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Oncology Data Specialist Trainee (5634CL)

$27.80-$36.36 Hourly / $2,223.99-$2,908.28 BiWeekly /
$58,046.00-$75,906.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Public Health, Tumor Registry section this class is accountable for receiving on the job training in classifying and coding cancer and demographic data for the Tumor Registry data management system.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Initially works under the close supervision of a Lead Oncology Data Specialist; works independently with acquired experience.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Receives generalized training in abstracting and coding cancer records submitted to the Tumor Registry from state and federal veterans’ hospitals, state operated hospitals and private hospitals in Connecticut, and participating hospitals in Rhode Island and Massachusetts;
  • Reviews and interprets patient histories and diagnostic reports, x-ray reports, lab findings, pathology reports, discharge summaries and autopsy reports;
  • Codes demographic information and enters data into the Tumor Registry data management system;
  • Prepares Inquiry Requests to be sent to hospitals for incomplete information on specific cases;
  • Reviews cancer follow up records and adjusts permanent coding sheets as necessary for such items as extent of disease and additional therapy;
  • In the event of patient death requests official death certificate in order to correctly identify and code cause of death and autopsy information;
  • Attends monthly in-house coding conferences to discuss difficult cases and coding problems and to receive ongoing training in coding procedures;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • medical terminology and human anatomy;
    • coding principles and techniques;
    • medical abstracting practices and procedures;
  • Skills
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to
    • read and interpret medical records;
    • utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of experience performing cancer coding duties or two (2) years of experience in a Tumor Registry section of a general hospital.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

APPOINTMENT

  • This class is intended to permit the hiring and training of candidates for the Oncology Data Specialist job class.
  • An Oncology Data Specialist Trainee who obtains the Oncology Data Specialist certification in accordance with the standards defined by the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) Council on Certification and after completing six (6) months of satisfactory work performance shall be promoted to the Oncology Data Specialist effective the first pay period following the date they obtained their occupational trade license.
  • An Oncology Data Specialist Trainee who obtains the Oncology Data Specialist certification before completing six (6) months of satisfactory work performance must complete their initial six (6) month working test period prior to being promoted to the Oncology Data Specialist.  The promotion shall be effective the first day of the pay period following the date they completed their initial six (6) month working test period.
  • An employee may be appointed to this class for a period not to exceed three (3) years, in accordance with Connecticut General Statute § 5-234.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Non-Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(34)-Statistics/Research/Planning

BARGAINING UNIT

(07)-ADMN CLERICAL (NP-3)

EEO

(3)-Technician

SALARY INFORMATION

CL 16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

New job class. Item No. 25-072

EFFECTIVE DATE

06/27/2025
CLASS: 5634CL; EST: 6/27/2025; REV: 9/29/2026;