Assistant Chief - Health Information Management

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A government health service agency in Salisbury is seeking an Assistant Chief of Health Information Management to supervise all functions within the HIM department. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with health information regulations, conducting audits, and assisting health professionals with research-related tasks. The ideal candidate should have a background in health information management and the ability to guide teams effectively. This role is not virtual and offers a Monday to Friday work schedule.

Qualifications

• Experience in health information management or medical record administration.
• Ability to supervise HIM functions in a complex medical facility.
• Knowledge of regulations and standards applicable to health information.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all HIM functions and manage the department's daily operations.
• Oversee health record activities and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Assist with data collection and guide researchers on health records.

Job description

Overview

This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) Section of Health Administration Service (HAS) at the Salisbury VA Health Care System. 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Assistant Chief of Health Information Management (ACHIM) in a medical facility of high complexity (level 1), supervising all HIM functions and responsible for daily operation of the HIM department.
• Oversee all functions of health record activities related to medical coding, clinical documentation integrity, health record documentation analysis, transcription/speech recognition, release of information, file room, scanning and indexing, and health information exchange.
• Share responsibility with the CHIM for collecting and processing data for various reports, surveys, and research projects; prepare reports and make recommendations for review by the Chief, HAS and upper management concerning immediate needs, long‑term goals, equipment and staffing needs, policies, standard operating procedures, and training guides.
• Assist physicians and other health professionals in obtaining health record information for research projects, advising on data availability, methods, and confidentiality; screen, abstract, and tally data from health records and computer‑generated reports; provide guidance to researchers.
• Conduct audits and monitor all areas of responsibility, ensuring accurate and timely data processing by employees; review completed work and assess quality, quantity, accuracy, and timeliness; develop performance improvement plans and recommend personnel actions.
• Apply new information and knowledge in the health information field and allied health fields to the hospital operations.
• Assist the CHIM in the effective administration and planning of the HIM program, ensuring compliance with VA/VHA Regulations, Medical Center Memoranda, accreditation requirements such as The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards.
• Participate in various facility, VISN and national committees requiring HIM subject matter expertise; prepare reports and present data; develop and update policies on committee functions, health record reviews, and HIM activities; ensure compliance with VHA handbooks, program guides, fact sheets, and directives.
• Advise committees, management, and staff on health record documentation, health information services, and EHR practices based on current policies, regulations, and industry standards.
• Coordinate medical/health record committee meetings and complete routine and non‑routine reports.
• Assist physicians and other health care professionals with research projects and education related to VHA HIM processes/procedures.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm
• Telework: Not Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized