Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief (ACHIM)

The Charleston VA Healthcare System is seeking a Medical Records Administrator,(Assistant Chief (ACHIM))! This position is in the Health Information Management (HIM) Section of Health Administration Service at the Charleston VA Medical Center. Medical Records Administrators (MRAs) in VHA perform or supervise work concerned with the management of a health record program or the provision of services related to medical record administration/health information services.

This assignment serves as the Assistant Chief of Health Information Management (ACHIM) in VA Medical Centers designated as complexity level 1a as designated in the VHA Facility Complexity Model Listing. The ACHIM assists the Chief HIM (CHIM) in establishing policies, responsibilities, and requirements for health information management (HIM) related matters, such as health record documentation, coding and clinical documentation improvement, release of information, and file room/scanning, as well as the overall management of health information and Veterans health records. Major duties may include, but are not limited to: The incumbent serves as the Assistant Chief of Health Information Management (ACHIM) in a medical facility of complexity level 1a, with responsibility for the supervision of all HIM functions. Is a full assistant to the Chief of Health Information Management (CHIM). Keeps current on emerging issues and trends in the HIM field, including process improvement initiatives for HIM, the electronic health record, coding, health record documentation analysis, transcription/speech recognition, release of information, file room/scanning programs, and health information exchange. Keeps the CHIM, management and clinical staff abreast of changing technology in electronic systems used to collect, process, code, protect and store health information. Provides effective audits and monitors for all areas of responsibility, assuring that accurate and timely data is processed by all employees. Reviews work accomplished and assesses quality, quantity, accuracy and timeliness of work produced by each employee. Ascertains problems encountered and takes corrective action. Develops performance standards and conducts performance evaluations. Develops and conducts competency assessments. Responsible for carrying out established personnel functions and practices. Keeps employees informed about important aspects of personnel management programs. Formulates and initiates performance standards. Interviews prospective employees, recommends selection, and carries out training and development of assignments, awards or disciplinary action. Approves leave and establishes work schedules. Implement provisions of EEO programs to ensure fair and equal treatment for all employees. Assists the CHIM with the development, evaluation and updating of office procedures, manuals, policies and directives. May be required to develop training materials and continuing education programs. Training programs developed and conducted by employees may include medical terminology, health record documentation requirements, coding, transcription, records management, release of information, Privacy Act and HIPAA. Incumbent in this position provides consultation and management support to the above units to ensure smooth operation of a customer-focused, forward-thinking and efficiently managed department. In the absence of the CHIM, incumbent functions as Acting Chief of the Section and is responsible for overall management of the Sections' program and function. Incumbent aids with the overall effective administration and planning of the HIM program throughout all areas of the facility in order to give maximum support to the staff in the treatment of patients. Performs audits and analyses, preparing and presenting findings and recommendations to the CHIM, Service Line Leaders and designees. Designs and perform quality improvement projects regarding HIM issues. Analyzes, interprets, and trends findings of quality improvement monitors (Health Record Review for Clinical Pertinence, Resident Supervision Monitor, etc.). Prepares monthly/quarterly reports for presentation to the medical staff and medical center management. Based on these findings, ACHIM makes recommendations and persuades physicians/service chiefs to adopt proposals that result in necessary policy or procedural changes. The incumbent aids in a variety of projects and is responsible for screening, abstracting and tallying data from records and computer-generated reports. Assists in selected miscellaneous retrospective medical record review/data abstraction projects to support medical center Quality Management data collection activities. Advises staff in problem areas about quantitative and qualitative analysis of health records and determines acceptability of content. Consults with physicians and other clinicians regarding health record deficiencies as appropriate. Assists with the retrieval, review, analysis and reporting of HIM performance monitors and other medical record review topics. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 60513F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Relocation/Retention Incentive at 10% for a 2 year commitment. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. 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. 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.