The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is looking to fill the positions of Mortality Data Coders (APS4) in the Health and Vital Statistics Section of the ABS. The Health and Vital Statistics Section is responsible for the compilation of national births, deaths, causes of death, and marriages and divorces datasets.
About the area
The team provides statistical insights into key mortality indicators in Australia, including leading causes of death, excess mortality and external causes.
The section consists of 25-30 people all located in Brisbane.
The team works with many stakeholders including international partners such as the World Health Organization, data suppliers such as the Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages and many data users in government, non-government organisations and academia. Data is used extensively for public health research, policy and planning.
The key duties of the position include
About the role
Mortality data coders are responsible for reviewing and interpreting cause of death information certified by doctors and coroners on death certificates. Mortality coders must assign the relevant International Classification of Diseases codes and rules to each cause of death record, adhering to international best practice. The goal of mortality coding is to standardise text into codes to create nationally and internationally consistent tabulation of cause of death statistics.
The role involves exposure to sensitive information and potentially distressing content. Other aspects of the role involve quality assurance of mortality coding outputs, assisting with queries related to the International Classification of Diseases, and processing related tasks such as file loading and demographic editing. Training in mortality coding is provided on the job.
What we are looking for (selection criteria)
To be suitable you should have most or all of the following skills, qualities and experience:
- Knowledge of medical terminology, experience with International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding or public health data or an ability to develop these skills is highly desirable.
- Ability to maintain focus and resilience when undertaking recurrent tasks involving sensitive and potentially distressing content whilst working to key deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a diverse team and contribute to a positive team culture that promotes wellbeing and mutual support.
- Demonstrated ability to actively listen and respond constructively to feedback, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
- Solid oral and written communication skills.