DSHS ESH Health Records Technician 2

State of Washington; Medical Lake, Washington (WA, District of Columbia); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a detail-oriented Health Records Technician 2 to manage medical records at a state psychiatric hospital. This role is crucial for ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while supporting high-quality patient care. You will be responsible for responding to records requests, training staff, and leading daily operations related to medical records management. If you are passionate about health information management and committed to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of health information management practices and privacy regulations.
• Ability to train and mentor staff on compliance and quality standards.
• Strong communication skills for interaction with medical professionals.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain medical records in compliance with regulations.
• Respond to medical records requests while ensuring privacy laws are followed.
• Lead daily operations and provide training to staff.

Skills

Health information management practices

Medical terminology

ICD-10-CM coding guidelines

Privacy regulations (HIPAA)

Strong communication skills

Data accuracy and compliance

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in health information management

Three years of experience in medical records office

Certification from AHIMA (RHIT/RHIA)

Tools

Adobe Pro

Excel

Access

Outlook

Job description

DSHS ESH – Health Records Technician 2
Eastern State Hospital is seeking a detail-orientedHealth Records Technician 2 to manage and maintain medical records in compliance with state and federal regulations. In this role, you will respond to records requests, ensure accurate documentation, and lead daily operations related to medical records management, including training staff and providing expert guidance.

Located in the peaceful setting of Medical Lake, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is a state psychiatric hospital with an operating capacity of 368 beds, situated on a beautiful, wooded campus. ESH provides essential mental health services to individuals in the region. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring the integrity of patient records, maintaining legal compliance, and supporting high-quality care in a healthcare environment committed to confidentiality and professionalism. Employees who work on-site at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay on top of the advertised salary.



Some of what you'll do:

• Respond to medical records requests from patients, providers, attorneys, government agencies, and others—making sure all privacy laws and regulations are followed.
  
• Review patient charts and medical records for accuracy and completeness, apply correct medical codes (ICD-10-CM), and help ensure proper billing and reimbursement.
  
• Lead and support daily operations related to medical records by identifying staff training needs, reviewing performance, and helping improve procedures.
  
• Work as a subject matter expert and problem-solver for hospital staff and outside agencies, providing guidance on complex records issues and helping shape policy.
  
• Coordinate with both internal teams and outside organizations to manage the flow of medical information, support audits, and ensure smooth communication.
• Create, update, and manage policies and schedules for storing, keeping, and properly disposing of medical records based on state and federal rules.
  
• Develop and deliver training to medical staff, students, and support personnel on best practices, documentation standards, and compliance requirements.
  

What we're looking for:

• Knowledge of health information management practices, including medical terminology, records retention laws, privacy regulations (such as HIPAA), ICD-10-CM and CPT
• coding guidelines, and agency policies.
  
• Familiarity with state, federal, and hospital policies regarding the release of confidential patient information, as well as office and records management systems and procedures.
  
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with medical and legal professionals, patients, staff, and the public, both verbally and in writing.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work professionally and respectfully with individuals at all levels, resolve conflicts calmly, and contribute positively as a team member.
  
• Proficiency in reviewing data and documentation for accuracy and compliance, identifying trends, supporting standardized reporting, and using systems like Adobe Pro,Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Ability to train, supervise, and mentor technical and professional staff to ensure compliance with policies, quality standards, and consistent performance.
  

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• A Bachelor’s degree in health information management, business administration, or a closely related field.
  
• Three years of experience working in a medical records office, office management, healthcare privacy, compliance, or a related area.
  
• Current and ongoing certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
  

Interested?Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
  
• Three professional references with contact information
  

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna [e-mail] and reference job number #03196.


The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.



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