Become a Chief of Health Information Management at the Hudson Valley VA
Are you a dedicated health information professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System is currently hiring a Medical Records Administrator to lead as the Chief of Health Information Management (CHIM) at our Montrose, New York location. This position is a unique opportunity to shape the administrative landscape of veteran healthcare.
Job Responsibilities
As the Chief of CHIM, you will be the cornerstone of our health information operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Oversight: Managing and directing the health information program in alignment with federal laws and VHA policy.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensuring all documentation meets The Joint Commission (TJC) and CARF standards.
- Leadership: Supervising a diverse team of HIM professionals, overseeing coding, transcription, and record release operations.
- Performance Improvement: Analyzing clinical data to identify trends and implementing solutions to enhance care documentation.
- Education & Outreach: Providing technical expertise to clinical staff and serving as a liaison for university-affiliated HIM programs.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a blend of education, certification, and leadership experience. Below is a quick comparison of the foundational requirements:
| Requirement Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Bachelor's Degree in HIM or related field |
| Certification | AHIMA or AAPC Coding/HIM/Health Data Analyst Cert |
| Experience | 3 years of creditable medical records experience |
| Proficiency | Strong written and verbal English |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $105,481 to $137,128 per year, commensurate with experience and organizational guidelines.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs are entitled to a robust suite of federal benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous retirement planning, and significant opportunities for long-term career advancement.
Application Tips
To stand out, your application must be precise and thorough. Emphasize your leadership in managing health records systems and detail your experience in navigating complex regulatory environments. Ensure that your long-form resume clearly articulates how your previous work matches the responsibilities of a GS-12 Chief position.
If you are an experienced HIM leader with a passion for serving Veterans, we invite you to apply. This role offers the chance to elevate your career while ensuring that our nation's heroes receive the care they deserve supported by accurate, efficient health information management.
Why This Medical Records Administrator (Chief (Chim)) Job Matters
Lead the future of health information management at the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our nation.
Medical Records Administrator (Chief (Chim)) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and experienced Medical Records Administrator to serve as the Chief of Health Information Management (CHIM) at the Montrose, New York facility. This pivotal role involves overseeing complex health record programs, ensuring rigorous compliance with federal and accrediting standards, and managing the lifecycle of vital patient health information. As a leader in the Health Administrative Service, you will direct administrative operations, optimize data integrity for patient care, and mentor a multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest standards of clinical documentation.
Requirements for Medical Records Administrator (Chief (Chim))
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per 38 U.S.C. 7407(a)).
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Health Information Management, or related field with at least 24 semester hours in HIM/HIT.
- Three years of creditable medical records experience, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
- Must hold a valid Coding, HIM, or Health Data Analyst Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Must undergo a successful background and security investigation.
- Participation in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Records Administrator (Chief (Chim))
- Extensive experience in managing health information systems within a large-scale clinical environment.
- Proven track record of success in supervisory roles, including performance management and staff development.
- Deep knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) standards and CARF accreditation requirements.
- Ability to analyze trends in clinical data to drive performance improvement and resource optimization.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to bridge technical HIM requirements with clinical and administrative leadership needs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Competitive federal retirement plans (FERS).
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the VHA system.
- ✓Access to federal career stability and diverse health facility environments.
💡 How to Apply Medical Records Administrator (Chief (Chim)) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Records Administrator (Chief (Chim)) Job
- Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV highlighting your relevant HIM experience.
- Gather supporting documents: transcripts, professional certifications, and SF-50 (if currently a federal employee).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of October 28, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) listed in the job requirements.
- Do not assume the hiring panel knows your background; describe your specific accomplishments and volume of work.
- Verify that all credentials and certifications are active and properly documented.
- Check for confirmation emails after submission and monitor your USAJOBS account for status updates.
- Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certification is required for this position?
You must possess a current Coding, HIM, or Health Data Analyst certification from AHIMA or AAPC.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for ad-hoc telework, though it is not a fully remote role.
What happens if I don't maintain my certification?
Maintenance of required credentials through continuing education is mandatory. Failure to maintain these certifications may result in removal from the position or potential termination.
What does the trial period entail?
All new hires must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to assess their fitness for the position and contribution to agency goals.
Is this a virtual position?
No, this is an onsite role at our Montrose facility with options for ad-hoc telework.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to providing compassionate, world-class healthcare to those who have served in our nation’s military. By joining our team, you become part of an organization dedicated to the holistic well-being of America's Veterans and their families. Our work is driven by integrity, excellence, and the honor of serving our nation's heroes.