Duties
Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Develop policies and procedures and provide advice on the use of health records and health information management.
- Manage, preserve, analyze, and supervise the use of diagnostic and therapeutic health records/health information management.
- Responsible for complex, multi-disciplinary processes and functions, which may include multiple contacts, academic affiliations, and highly sophisticated regulatory requirements.
- Must ensure the HIM program complies with national HIM policies and procedures and meets or exceeds national HIM performance metrics.
- Responsible for the administrative management of health records, which includes planning, managing, advising, and directing the HIM program in accordance with applicable Federal laws, facility by-laws, VHA policy (which includes directives, handbooks, program guides, fact sheets and practice briefs), The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and other regulatory and accrediting agency standards.
- Creates and monitors systems to ensure accurate, timely, and complete health records, in accordance with VHA policy and TJC health information protocols. Performs evaluation and analysis of programs and services for the purpose of strategic planning.
- Measures ongoing intradepartmental performance by establishing priorities, collecting data, monitoring, and reporting outcomes using valid and reliable techniques to analyze trends and variations, and taking appropriate action based on findings.
- Applies the knowledge and skills of qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to analyze complex data, interpret results, and trend data for effective program management.
- Responsible for all aspects of health records management for the facility ensuring maintenance of complete, accurate, timely, clinically pertinent, and readily accessible patient health records, which contain sufficient recorded information to serve as a basis to plan patient care, support diagnoses, warrant treatment, measure outcomes, support education, research, and facilitate performance improvement processes and legal requirements
- Develops policies, processes, and procedures that address all VHA, Federal, regulatory, and accrediting requirements for HIM. Evaluates health records programs and independently determines the nature and extent of problem areas.
- Makes recommendations and develops solutions for program improvement.
- Provides detailed technical expertise in health records science and other very technical aspects of HIM.
- Recommends improvements in health record documentation used to provide patient care, to optimize VERA workload capture in accordance with correct coding, documentation, and encounter completion requirements, third party reimbursement, and to manage resources.
- Consistently conducts internal quality assurance reviews to monitor employee performance and ensure work meets quality and quantity standards.
- Monitors and reports delinquent records by number, type of deficiencies and responsible provider. Serves to guide and assist on research projects and is a resource for patient data on both patient-specific and aggregate databases.
- Responsible for leading the automation of all health information systems, as the acknowledged facility authority.
- Working closely with Office of Information Technology OI&T) and Clinical Informatics, the incumbent must guide the automation of health Page 4 of 8 record documentation, health record tracking, and physician incomplete record tracking, including provision and use of interfaces and other functional technology for health record documentation.
- Conducts training on various topics related to HIM, such as medical terminology, health record documentation, release of information, medico-legal matters, speech recognition/transcription, scanning and indexing, medical coding, clinical documentation integrity, and health information exchange.
- Responsible for establishing formal affiliation agreements with university programs in health information and precepting students from such programs.
- Provides full support to accomplish VHA Central Office HIM Program Office strategic goals and objectives.
- Assists with writing practice briefs, fact sheets, standard operating procedures, and other types of guidance documents as requested.
- Performs administrative and personnel management functions relative to staff supervised.
- Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff, which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system, after meeting required bargaining unit obligations.
Work Schedule: To Be Determine
Telework: Adhoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:07984F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- 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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Citizenship: US Citizen
Education or Experience:
- Experience. Three years of creditable experience in the field of medical records that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems demonstrating a knowledge of medical terminology, medical records procedures, medical coding, or medical, administrative, and legal requirements of health care delivery systems. OR,
- Education. Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information management or health information technology. A copy of transcript must be submitted. OR,
- Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education that equals 100 percent may be used to meet basic requirements. For example, two years above high school from an accredited college or university, with 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management, plus one year and six months of creditable experience that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems meets an equivalent combination. A copy of transcript must be submitted.
Certification. Persons hired or reassigned to MRA positions in the GS-0669 series in VHA must meet one of the following:
- Coding Certification through AHIMA or AAPC. Coding Certification is Mastery certification obtained through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC). To be acceptable for qualification, the specific certification must represent a comprehensive competency in the occupation. Stand-alone specialty certifications do not meet the definition of mastery level coding certification and are not acceptable for qualifications. Certification titles may change and certifications that meet the definition of mastery level coding certification may be added/removed by the above certifying bodies; however, current mastery level coding certifications include: Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) - Physician-based (CCS-P), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), and Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC). OR,
- HIM Certification through AHIMA. Health Information Management (HIM) Certification is higher-level health information management certification is limited to certification obtained through AHIMA. To be acceptable for qualifications, the specific certification must represent a comprehensive competency in the occupation. Certification titles may change and certifications that meet the definition of HIM certification may be added/removed by the above certifying body; however, current HIM certifications include Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). OR,
- Health Data Analyst Certification through AHIMA. Health Data Analyst Certification is limited to certification obtained through AHIMA. To be acceptable for qualifications, the specific certification must certify mastery in health data analysis. Certification titles may change and certifications that meet the definition of health data analyst certification may be added/removed by the above certifying body; however, current health data analyst certification includes Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA).
Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as an MRA are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education, and registration and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:
- (1 )Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to, and including, the full performance (Journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the Journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
- (2)Employees who [were] appointed on a temporary basis, prior to the effective date of the qualification standard, may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
- (3)Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/registration certification, and meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
- (4) MRAs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation [lose] protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry, as a medical records administrator.
GRADE REQUIREMENTS
Medical Records Administrator (Chief (CHIM)), GS-13
Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 that demonstrates the KSAs described at that level.
- i. Skill in managing various projects and processes], which includes the ability to develop new or improved solutions to complex technical problems in health information management.
- ii. Ability to advise management and staff on a wide range of] health information management practices based on current industry standards, policies, statutes, laws, and regulations.
- iii. Ability to plan, justify, develop, evaluate, assess, monitor, and/or advise on current health information management processes, and recommend changes in policies or procedures.
- Ability to determine and evaluate compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines, and accrediting bodies as they apply to health information management.
- v. Ability to successfully apply principles and techniques of sound resource management (i.e., staffing, space, contracts, equipment).
- vi. Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties to include assignment of work, completing performance evaluations, selection of staff, and recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions.
Certification. Employees at this level must have a HIM Certification.
Health Information Management (HIM) Certification is higher-level health information management certification is limited to certification obtained through AHIMA. To be acceptable for qualifications, the specific certification must represent a comprehensive competency in the occupation. Certification titles may change and certifications that meet the definition of HIM certification may be added/removed by the above certifying body; however, current HIM certifications include Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to determine and evaluate compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory guidelines and accrediting bodies, as they apply to health information management.
- Ability to provide sound, technical guidance to staff at various levels about major program, legal, or procedural changes related to health information management.
- Skill in revising facility policies and procedures to improve health information management services and to evaluate, modify, and/or adapt new methods to meet regulatory requirements.
- Skill in analyzing complex data, interpreting and trending results for effective management of the HIM program.
More qualifications continues in Education,
Education
5.Skill in management/administration, which includes program planning, coordination, interpretation, supervision, consultation, negotiation, problem solving, and monitoring of HIM processes.
6.Ability to delegate authority, evaluate and oversee people and programs, accomplish program goals, and adapt to changing priorities.
References: VA Handbook 5005/130 PART II APPENDIX G33. MEDICAL RECORDS ADMINISTRATOR/MEDICAL RECORDS ADMINISTRATION SPECIALIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS- 0669, May 28, 2020The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13.
Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 lbs, moderate carrying, 15-44 lbs, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, standing 4-6 hours; hearing, aid permitted. Duties require extensive use of fingers to perform keyboarding and the ability to hear requests by phone and in person. Vision must be adequate to read and prepare documents
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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
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.
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 06/13/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12743515.
- 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.
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.