Chief Medical Records Administrator

As the Chief Health Information Management (CHIM), GS-13, you will lead and manage the comprehensive Health Information Management (HIM) program at a VA Medical Center, overseeing all aspects of health record management, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. This is a high-level professional and supervisory position responsible for directing HIM operations and staff.

• *Key Responsibilities:**
• Direct and manage comprehensive HIM operations, including health record documentation, coding, clinical documentation improvement, release of information, scanning, records management, and transcription.
• Establish and implement facility HIM policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with HIM industry standards, federal laws, regulations, and accrediting body requirements through audits and reports.
• Provide expert technical guidance and oversight to staff on HIM practices, legal changes, and procedural updates.
• Evaluate and implement new HIM policies, procedures, and programs to enhance services and meet regulatory needs.
• Manage HIM program resources, including staffing, budgeting, and training development.
• Supervise and develop professional Medical Records Administrators (MRAs) and technical staff, including performance evaluations and staffing decisions.
• Analyze complex data, interpret trends, and develop statistical reports for effective HIM program management.
• Participate in strategic facility and HIM Department goal setting, budgeting, and performance monitoring.
• Communicate effectively with hospital personnel, physicians, patients, and external agencies on sensitive HIM matters.
• *Qualifications:**
• *Basic Requirements:**
• **Citizenship:** U.S. Citizenship is required.
• **English Language:** Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• **Education & Experience (One of the following):**

* **Experience:** Three years of creditable experience in medical records management, including preparation, maintenance, and oversight of health records and information systems. This must demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, medical coding, procedures, and legal requirements in healthcare delivery. * **Education:** A Bachelor's degree or higher in Health Information Management (HIM) or a related field, with at least 24 semester hours in HIM/Health Information Technology (HIT). * **Combination:** An equivalent combination of creditable experience and education.

• *Grade-Specific Requirements (GS-13 Chief CHIM):**
• **Experience:** At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level, demonstrating advanced knowledge of HIM compliance, policy development, program oversight, resource management, and full supervisory duties.
• **Certification:** **Required** HIM Certification through AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association).
• **Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):**

* Ability to evaluate and ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines in HIM. * Skill in providing sound, technical guidance on major program, legal, or procedural changes. * Ability to revise and adapt facility HIM policies and procedures to improve services and meet regulatory requirements. * Proficiency in analyzing complex HIM data and interpreting trends for effective program management. * Strong management and administration skills, including program planning, supervision, consultation, problem-solving, and monitoring. * Ability to delegate authority, oversee programs and personnel, and adapt to changing priorities.

• *Physical Requirements:**
• As per VA Directive and Handbook 5019.