Medical Records Administrator (Section Chief (CHIM))

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Medical Records Administrator must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Experience and Education: (1) 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, (2) 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. OR, (3) 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. Certification. Persons hired or reassigned to MRA positions in the GS-0669 series in VHA must meet one of the following: (1) Coding Certification through AHIMA or AAPC. OR, (2) HIM Certification through AHIMA. OR, (3) Health Data Analyst Certification through AHIMA. NOTE: HIMs Certification is required for all positions above the full performance level. (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)). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Medical Records Administrator (Section Chief (CHIM)), GS-13 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates all the KSAs described at that level. AND Certification. Employees at this level must have a HIM Certification Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: i. Ability to determine and evaluate compliance with legal, ethical [and regulatory guidelines and accrediting bodies, as they apply to health information management. ii. Ability to provide sound, technical guidance to staff at various levels about major program, legal, or procedural changes related to health information management. iii. 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. iv. Skill in analyzing complex data, interpreting and trending results for effective management of the HIM program. v. Skill in management/administration, which includes program planning, coordination, interpretation, supervision, consultation, negotiation, problem solving, and monitoring of HIM processes. vi. Ability to delegate authority, evaluate and oversee people and programs, accomplish program goals, and adapt to changing priorities. Preferred Experience: Prior experience serving as a Chief or Assistant Chief of Health Information Management Services (HIMS). Professional credentials such as RHIA, CCS, CPC, or RHIT are highly preferred. References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G33. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS13 Physical Requirements: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.