Navigating the Defense Health Agency Medical Records Technician Position in Bremerton, WA
The federal healthcare system relies heavily on meticulous administrative and technical support to keep medical facilities running efficiently. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) has announced an opening for a Medical Records Technician (GS-0675-05) within the Directorate for Public Health, Occupational Health at Naval Hospital Bremerton – detachment Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.
This position provides a unique entry point into federal service for individuals with administrative health backgrounds, military veteran backgrounds, or post-secondary education in health information management. Offering a salary range of $45,785 to $59,521 annually, this role is open to the general public, providing a gateway to federal healthcare management benefits and security.
About the Agency: Defense Health Agency (DHA)
As a cornerstone of the Department of Defense, the Defense Health Agency functions as an integrated health care delivery system. DHA administers medical care to more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, military retirees, and their families worldwide.
Naval Hospital Bremerton & Puget Sound Detachment
Located in Kitsap County, Washington, Naval Hospital Bremerton serves as a primary healthcare provider for active duty personnel, dependents, and veterans in the Pacific Northwest. The detachment at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard specifically focuses on occupational health and public health oversight for military personnel and civilian workers supporting naval fleet maintenance. Joining this team puts you at the front lines of operational medical readiness.
Core Job Responsibilities
As a Medical Records Technician at the GS-05 level, your daily tasks combine patient-facing administrative interactions with rigorous data auditing and compliance enforcement. Essential duties include:
- Patient Registration and Evaluation: Performing technical evaluations of incoming patient health records, establishing formal files, and completing registration processes in automated military health databases.
- Quality Control Auditing: Performing weekly quality screening reviews to ensure medical entries, test results, and clinical documentation are properly sequenced, organized, and filed accurately.
- File Accessibility & Readiness: Ensuring medical records are readily retrievable for routine clinical care, administrative quality assurance reviews, legal inquiries, and formal facility audits.
- Information Release Compliance: Handling requests for release of health information in strict accordance with federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and Department of Defense protocols.
- Data Compilation: Gathering, formatting, and summarizing health records statistics to support local medical facility audits and operational health tracking.
Qualification Requirements & Eligibility
Applicants can meet the basic qualification standards for the GS-05 grade level through qualifying work experience, formal higher education, or a combination of both.
Specialized Experience Requirements
To qualify based on work experience alone, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in federal service. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate competency in:
- Operating automated medical management and patient registration systems.
- Reviewing medical record documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Processing requests for records release under statutory privacy guidelines.
- Compiling records data to assist in quality control or health audits.
Education Substitution
Applicants who lack specialized work experience may qualify based on education. You must have completed four years of education beyond high school (120 semester hours or equivalent) at an accredited business, technical, junior college, or university.
Qualification Matrix: Experience vs. Education
| Qualification Pathway | Minimum Requirement | Key Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized Experience | 1 year equivalent to GS-04 level | Detailed resume with hours per week |
| Education Only | 4 years (120 semester hours) post-high school | Official or unofficial college transcripts |
| Combination | Percentage of experience + percentage of education = 100% | Resume and transcript documentation |
Salary Overview & Financial Considerations
The annual pay scale for this position ranges from $45,785 to $59,521 per year, corresponding to Grade 5 of the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. The exact starting step within the GS-05 grade depends on prior federal service or approved salary negotiations for individuals entering federal employment for the first time.
- Locality Pay Included: The base salary figure incorporates the applicable local market supplement for the Bremerton-Seattle area.
- Incentives: While Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are not reimbursed, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified selectees.
- Pay Method: Direct Deposit is mandatory for all federal employees.
Federal Benefits & Perks
Federal employment with the Defense Health Agency offers a robust benefits program designed to provide short-term stability and long-term security:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Care: Comprehensive insurance coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Retirement System: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuity combined with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which includes government matching contributions up to 5%.
- Leave Policies: Earned annual (vacation) leave, dedicated sick leave, and paid observance of 11 federal holidays annually. Advanced leave may also be authorized under specific circumstances.
- Career Mobility: Access to structured federal healthcare career ladders and internal advancement opportunities within the Department of Defense network.
Step-by-Step Application Guide & Tips
Applying for a federal vacancy requires attention to detail. Missing documentation or formatting errors will result in immediate disqualification.
CRITICAL: The Two-Page Resume Limitation
WARNING: Your resume must be two pages or less. Resumes that exceed two pages will be automatically removed from consideration without evaluation.
Ensure your resume includes:
- Complete employer details (Name, City, State).
- Official job titles.
- Precise start and end dates (Month/Year format).
- Full-time or part-time status, including exact hours worked per week.
- Concise duty descriptions utilizing plain language rather than obscure internal jargon.
Required Document Checklist
- Resume: No longer than 2 pages.
- Transcripts: Mandatory if you are qualifying using education or a combination of education and experience.
- Performance Appraisals: Submit your most recent evaluation (if applicable for current/former federal employees).
- Proof of Eligibility/Preference: Relevant military or civil service preference documents, if applicable.
Online Submission Steps
- Log into your USAJOBS account and navigate to the job posting.
- Click the Apply button to transfer to the USA Staffing portal.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire thoroughly.
- Upload your 2-page resume and supporting documents.
- Review your application package and submit before November 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who can apply for this job?
This vacancy is open to all U.S. Citizens under direct-hire authority. Veterans and military spouses receive consideration alongside all other applicants.
Q: Does this position support telework or remote work?
No. This position requires on-site duty at the detachment in Bremerton, WA, and does not offer remote or telework options.
Q: What level of background investigation is required?
Candidates must be capable of securing a Secret security clearance with a Moderate Risk/Noncritical-Sensitive sensitivity designation.
Q: Is there a probation period?
Yes, new appointees must complete a mandatory one-year probationary period during which performance and conduct are formally evaluated.
If you possess healthcare administration experience or relevant academic credentials, the Medical Records Technician opening at Naval Hospital Bremerton offers an incredible opportunity to establish a federal career within the Defense Health Agency. Make sure to tailor your resume, keep it strictly under the two-page threshold, and submit your full application package before the deadline on November 4, 2026.
Why This Medical Records Technician Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency as a Medical Records Technician in Bremerton, WA, supporting vital healthcare services for active-duty military and veterans.
Medical Records Technician Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a qualified Medical Records Technician (GS-0675-05) to join the Directorate for Public Health, Occupational Health team at Naval Hospital Bremerton - detachment Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. This direct-hire position offers a competitive starting salary of $45,785 to $59,521 per year, with potential recruitment or relocation incentives for exceptional candidates. In this role, you will evaluate medical records, perform patient registrations, ensure record accuracy, and maintain strict data privacy compliance to support military healthcare operations.
Requirements for Medical Records Technician
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance (Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk).
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period upon appointment.
- Resume MUST be strictly two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically disqualified.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
- Direct Deposit of pay is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Records Technician
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in federal service, including registering patients, maintaining automated records systems, auditing medical files for completeness, releasing medical records per privacy laws, and compiling audit data.
- OR four years of post-secondary education from an accredited business, technical, junior college, or university.
- OR a qualifying combination of post-high school education and specialized experience totaling at least 100%.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive GS-05 federal pay scale with locality adjustments.
- ✓Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Advanced leave authorization potential.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health benefits, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching.
- ✓Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
💡 How to Apply Medical Records Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Records Technician Job
- Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
- Review your resume to ensure it strictly complies with the two-page length limit.
- Navigate to the online application system and complete the vacancy questionnaire.
- Attach all required supporting documentation, including transcripts (if qualifying via education) or performance reviews.
- Review your completed package and submit prior to the closing deadline of November 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
💡 General Tips
- STRICT 2-PAGE RESUME RULE: Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages under any circumstances. Overly lengthy resumes will be removed from consideration without evaluation.
- Detailed Work History: State employer names, job titles, exact start/end dates (month and year), and hours worked per week for every position.
- Educational Transcripts: If using education to meet qualifications, submit official or unofficial transcripts showing completed hours; missing transcripts will lead to disqualification.
- Sanitize Documents: Remove sensitive personal details of third parties (e.g., spouse info on marriage certificates or orders) before uploading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the resume page limit for this announcement?
Resumes must be two pages or less. Any resume exceeding two pages will be immediately removed from consideration.
Is telework or remote work available for this role?
No, telework and remote work are not authorized for this position.
Are relocation expenses paid by the government?
No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are not authorized. However, recruitment or relocation incentives may be offered to exceptional candidates.
What security clearance is required for this position?
The position requires a Secret security clearance with a Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk background adjudication.