at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) Section of Patient Administration Service at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. The Assistant Chief of Health Information Management (ACHIM) performs or supervises work concerned with the management of a health record program or the provision of services related to medical record administration/health information services. Responsibilities The Assistant Chief of Health Information Management (ACHIM) monitors and manages HIM workflow to ensure the program objectives are met, assists with planning, developing, directing, and evaluating health information and other functions. They ensure quality and efficiency for all areas and processes of the HIM department. 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, records management, release of information, file room/scanning, transcription and medical speech recognition, as well as the overall management of health information and Veterans’ health records. Assists the CHIM in identifying and setting short and long range goals, program objectives and tasks to meet the mission and vision of the medical center. Assists with planning, developing, directing and evaluating health information and other functions. Oversee implementation and adherence to HIM industry standards, policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and accrediting bodies. Serves as the Assistant Chief of Health Information Management (ACHIM) in a medical facility of high complexity (level 1), with responsibility for the supervision of all HIM functions. Provides expertise, guidance and direction and has responsibilities relative to providing supervision, administrative support, coordination, and technical assistance in the planning, development and maintenance of an effective, comprehensive, and integrated HIM Program at this Medical Center. Collecting and processing data for various reports, surveys, and research projects; for preparing reports and recommendations for review and consideration by the Chief, Patient Administration Service and upper management concerning the immediate needs as well as the long range goals of the department; for recommending equipment and staffing needs; and for preparing and keeping current procedures and operation manuals. Responsible for assisting physicians and other health professionals in obtaining health record information to be used in research projects. Advises on what material is available, how it may be obtained and the uses that can be made of the information while protecting the confidentiality of the record. Assists in selected miscellaneous retrospective health record review/data abstraction projects to support medical center Quality Management data collection activities. 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. Provides administrative support to other HIM Supervisors/Leads by aiding in the selection, training and evaluation of section employees. Provides technical guidance to the unit supervisors and lead clerks while providing support to each unit in the absence of the section supervisor. Provides expertise in the area of subpoenas, court orders, advance directives, and general release of information, as well as other medico-legal issues. prepares training materials and participates in orientation and instructional activities as required. Advises management and hospital staff members on policies, procedures, and adequacy of record content, and on training and teaching of clerical personnel in health record functions. Assists in coordinating/completing timely routine and non-routine reports. Assists physicians and other health care professionals with research projects and education in regards to VA HIM requirements/procedures. Demonstrates skill in budgeting, contracting, procurement and property management. Perform other assigned duties. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Telework: Ad hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. 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. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications Basic Requirements: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for this position at the entry level at the GS-5 grade. English Language Proficiency Experience: At least one (3) 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. Transcripts Required. 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. Transcripts Required. Certification Requirement: Persons hired or reassigned to MRA positions at the GS-12 grade level requires certification as a Health Information Management (HIM) Certification through AHIMA: Certification titles may change and certifications that meet the definition of HIM certification may be added/removed by the AHIMA; however current HIM certifications include Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). Copy of certification required. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements above the following is the amount of experience and certification required to qualify for the Medical Record Administrator (Assistant Chief Health Information Management (ACHIM)) position at the GS-12 grade level. Experience: At least one full year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) that demonstrates all of the following professional KSAs. (1) Skill in managing various projects and processes, which incl
