Become a Medical Records Administrator at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cornerstone of American healthcare, dedicated to those who have served our country. We are currently looking for a talented and experienced Medical Records Administrator to step into the role of Assistant Chief of Health Information Management (ACHIM) at the Albuquerque VA Medical Center. If you are passionate about data integrity, regulatory compliance, and leading teams to provide better patient outcomes, we want to hear from you.
Job Responsibilities
As the ACHIM, you will serve as the primary assistant to the Chief of HIM. Your responsibilities include:
- Overseeing daily health information operations including coding, scanning, transcription, and release of information.
- Supervising staff, conducting performance evaluations, and managing training and development.
- Advising clinical staff on medical record content, privacy laws, and documentation standards.
- Monitoring audit activities to ensure compliance with TJC, CARF, and OIG guidelines.
- Serving as the Acting Chief in the absence of the CHIM.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet several key criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- AHIMA certification is mandatory.
- A minimum of three years of creditable experience or a qualifying degree in health information management.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a federal background check.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with the GS-12 grade level.
| Pay Period | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Per Year | $90,479 - $117,625 |
Benefits
Employees of the VHA enjoy a robust package designed to support their professional and personal well-being:
- Federal Retirement Benefits (FERS).
- Comprehensive health benefits.
- Annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of American Veterans.
Application Tips
- Be specific: Clearly describe your leadership experience in your resume.
- Verify accreditation: Ensure all degrees are from U.S. Department of Education-recognized institutions.
- Complete the questionnaire: Do not skip any part of the required online questionnaire.
If you are ready to elevate your career and apply your expertise in a meaningful way, the Veterans Health Administration is the place for you. We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how you can contribute to our mission of providing exceptional care to those who have served.
Why This Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief (Achim)) Job Matters
Advance your career in healthcare administration while serving those who served our nation as an Assistant Chief of Health Information Management at the VA.
Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief (Achim)) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Medical Records Administrator to join our team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As the Assistant Chief of Health Information Management (ACHIM), you will play a pivotal role in leading the daily operations of our health information services, ensuring the integrity of Veteran health records, and fostering a culture of excellence in clinical documentation, coding, and medical privacy compliance.
Requirements for Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief (Achim))
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Active HIM Certification through AHIMA.
- Three years of creditable experience in medical records management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief (Achim))
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology, coding, and health informatics.
- Demonstrated experience in staff supervision and performance management.
- Strong understanding of TJC, CARF, and OIG standards for health records.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, contracts, and equipment procurement in a clinical setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and advancement opportunities.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
- ✓Accrual of annual leave and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Work within a mission-driven Whole Health System environment.
💡 How to Apply Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief (Achim)) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief (Achim)) Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload your long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Submit required documentation, such as transcripts, SF-50 forms, or proof of certification.
- Ensure your submission is finalized by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed.
- Ensure all educational documents are from U.S. Department of Education accredited institutions.
- Submit all required forms, including DD214 if claiming veterans' preference, to avoid disqualification.
- Check your application status regularly via your applicant dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
No, this position is not eligible for telework and requires an on-site presence.
What certification is required?
Applicants must hold a Health Information Management (HIM) certification through AHIMA.
Can I use foreign education for this role?
Yes, but you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
Is this a virtual role?
No, this role requires physical presence at the Albuquerque facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the nation's largest integrated health care system. Our mission is to fulfill the promise made to our Veterans. By joining our team, you become part of a 'Whole Health' system that prioritizes personalized care plans and collaborative healing environments. The Albuquerque team values innovation, compassion, and professional integrity.