This position serves as the Supervisory Medical Record Administrator (MRA) and is the Chief, Health Information Management (HIM) Section of the Health Administrative Service (HAS) at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center (JMWMVAMC). The Supervisory Medical Record Administrator (Chief HIM) is delegated full program management and direct supervisory responsibility for Medical Records Technicians Coders, Release of Information (ROI) professionals, and File Clerks.
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U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. The area of consideration will be referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies 2. Preference eligible Veterans 3. U.S. Citizens
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for the administrative management of health records, which includes planning, managing, advising, and directing the health information program in accordance with applicable Federal laws, facility by-laws, VHA policy, Joint Commission standards, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and other regulatory and accrediting agencies.
- Monitors systems to ensure accurate, timely, and complete health records.
- Measures ongoing intradepartmental performance by establishing priorities, collecting data, monitoring and reporting outcomes, using valid and reliable techniques to analyze trends and variation, and taking appropriate action based on findings.
- Responsible for auditing of all HIM functions and ensuring appropriate compliance.
- Responsible for all facets of health records management for the facility ensuring maintenance of complete, accurate, timely, clinically-pertinent, and readily-accessible patient health records.
- Develops policies, processes, and procedures that address all VA, Federal, regulatory, and accrediting requirements for HIM.
- Develops recommendations and solutions for program improvement.
- Provides technical expertise in health records science and other very technical aspects of health information.
- Maintains all health information input into the local database and assures timely transmission of that data into all VA centralized databases.
Clinical support role:
- Recommends improvements in documentation used to provide patient care, to optimize VERA workload, third party reimbursement and to manage resources.
- Completes internal quality assurance reviews and audits to ensure employee performance meets quality and quantity standards.
- Establishes monitors to ensure the timeliness of hard-copy and/or electronic health record entries and reports findings with subsequent trending of data.
- Maintains and reports delinquent records by number, type of deficiencies and responsible provider.
- Serves as a resource for patient data on both patient-specific and aggregate databases.
- Represents HAS and the Associate Director and acts as subject matter expert at the facility-wide Health Records Committee.
- Key member of the Quality Improvement (QI) team, works closely with QI personnel, and is responsible for assuring that the facility is following all The Joint Commission and CARF standards regarding health information.
- Responsible for assuring that all patients have a complete, accurate, and timely record of their medical care at the facility.
- Responsible for leading the automation of all health information systems.
- Must support the information security program and manage much of the patient information database.
- Conducts training programs in health information management, medical terminology, health record documentation, and medico-legal matters.
- Responsible for establishing formal affiliation with university programs in health information and precepting students from such programs, if available.
- Responsible for coordinating health information training for medical school students and residents to achieve conformance with prescribed standards, if available.
- Provides direct support to Regional Counsel.
- Expected to actively participate at VA national and VISN levels as a resource person on local health information matters.
- At this level has the full complement of HIM supervisory responsibility including coding, file room, scanning, release of information, and transcription.
- Responsible for directing the operations of all personnel working within the Health Information Management program and is regularly involved in labor relations and budget management.
- Observes workers' performance; demonstrates and conducts work performance critiques and auditing.
- Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance in VA established timelines.
- Responsible for developing emergency management service level preparedness plan for the HIM section and coordinate with VA Emergency Manager.
- Responsible for maintenance and evaluation of health records, and assuring legal requirements for care are met.
- Plays a central role in developing and coordinating internal review systems and audits to assure that both clinical and administrative activities are in compliance with agency and accrediting and regulatory requirements.
Work Schedule: 8AM - 4:30PM, Monday - Friday
Telework: Available (Ad-hoc only)
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: May be authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
- 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.
- 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 identification 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).
- 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.
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: MRAs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
- 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. 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.
- 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. OR,
- HIM Certification through AHIMA. OR,
- Health Data Analyst Certification through AHIMA
- NOTE. HIMs Certification is required for all positions above the full performance level.
Grade Determinations:
Medical Records Administrator (Chief (CHIM)), GS-12
Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the KSAs described at that level.
AND
Certification. Employees at this level must have a HIM Certification. Current HIM certifications include Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) through AHIMA.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Ability to determine and evaluate compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines and accrediting bodies, as they apply to health information management.
- Skill in evaluating, developing and implementing new policies, procedures, and programs.
- Ability to provide program oversight, including advisory and technical expertise on a range of health information management practices and guidelines to staff at various levels.
- Ability to develop and conduct training on health information management programs, policies, procedures, and performance improvement activities.
- Ability to effectively procure and manage HIM resources (i.e. space, staffing, education, budget, etc.).
- 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.
- Customer service skills necessary to effectively communicate (written and verbal) and interact with all levels of hospital personnel, physicians, patients, and outside agencies.
- Ability to deal effectively with sensitive and/or complex situations.
For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: There are no physical requirements for this occupation per OCHCO Communications email to VA Handbook 5019, updated on 4/17/2026.
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/.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- HIM certification (RHIT or RHIA) through AHIMA
-
Resume
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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.
- Cover Letter
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DD-214/ Statement of Service
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Disability Letter (VA)
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License
-
Resume/CV with no page limit
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HIM certification (RHIT or RHIA) through AHIMA
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Professional Certification
-
Resume
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SF-15
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SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
-
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
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.
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 07/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12999610.
- 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.
Gabriel Johnson
Phone
(503) 220-8262 X53014
Email
Address
Jonathan M Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center
77 Wainwright Drive
Walla Walla, WA 99362
US
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.
Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 07/16/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 16, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Walla Walla, WA
1 vacancy
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Ad-hoc only
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$89,508 - $116,362 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
- 0669 Medical Records Administration
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBSV-12999610-26-GEJ
