Summary This incumbent is under the direct supervision of the Chief, Health Information Management(HIMs). Medical Records Administration Specialist (MRAS) in VHA perform work concerned with the management of a health record program or the provision of services related to medical record administration/health information services. *Position updated to remove bargaining unit status* Responsibilities The Medical Records Administration Specialist (MRAS) works collaboratively with local Charge Services team in the development, execution and implementation of policies and procedures relating to charge (and workload) capture and reconciliation. The MRAS will utilize and share knowledge in medical coding (ICD, CPT, HCPCS) and reimbursement methodologies, medical and procedural terminology, and all policies/procedures pertaining to VHA health records. Duties may include but not limited to: Incumbent serves in a developmental capacity as technical specialist in health information related matters. Incumbent assists in writing health information policies and procedures to incorporate new or revised approaches to the management of health information while ensuring that regulatory requirements are maintained when revising policies and procedures. Performs work related to all areas of HIM as well as collaborates with other departments within the medical center and VISN to improve performance and patient care. Participates in facility committees and subcommittees related to health information and provides technical advice when necessary. Perform basic testing and communicate changes to HIMs Leadership, who will notify departments. Supports the development of training programs and supporting materials relative to facility billing and coding guidelines and protocols to ensure that specific areas of need are addressed and that all materials comply with applicable rules and regulations. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Not Required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2 year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To be found eligible for this position at any grade level you must possess the below Basic Requirements: A. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. B. English Language: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. (In accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of VA Handbook 5005. Are you proficient). C. Education or Experience: If using education or a combination of education and experience you must upload transcripts with conferred date on them. 1. Experience. Three years of creditable experience in the field of medical records that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems demonstrating a knowledge of medical terminology, medical records procedures, medical coding, or medical, administrative, and legal requirements of health care delivery systems. OR, 2. Education. Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information management or health information technology. OR, 3. Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education that equals 100 percent may be used to meet basic requirements. For example, two years above high school from an accredited college or university, with 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management, plus one year and six months of creditable experience that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems meets an equivalent combination. C. Certification: Persons hired or reassigned to MRA positions in the GS-0669 series in VHA must meet one of the following: Coding Certification through AHIMA or AAPC. OR, HIM Certification through AHIMA. OR, Health Data Analyst Certification through AHIMA. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).Grade Determinations: In addition to the above basic requirements, you must also possess the below for each grade level:GS-05 None beyond basic requirements. GS-07 Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. [ OR, Education. (Advanced Entry-Level Placement). Applicants who meet the GS-5 grade level may be appointed at the GS-7 grade level, if they possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a major field of study in health information management, with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by: 1. A 3.0 or higher-grade point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0 GPA ("B" or better), as recorded on their official transcript or as computed based on four years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; or 2. A 3.5 GPA or higher out of a possible 4.0 GPA ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field of study, or the required courses completed in the major field of study during the final two years of the curriculum. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 1. [Knowledge of current] classification systems [, such as International Classification of Diseases, Current Procedural Terminology,] and [the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).2. Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) with medical center staff, patients, and external entities.]3. Ability to use data collection and analytical techniques for purposes of review, quality control, studies and analysis [of health information.4. Ability to utilize computer applications with varied functions to produce a wide range of reports, to abstract records, collect and analyze data and present results in various formats.5. Ability to work independently, adapt to shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.]GS-09 (a) Experience. [One] year of [creditable] experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics described at that level. OR, (b) Education. Education equivalent to [two] full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a master's [degree] or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to health information management. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities1. Knowledge of medical and legal requirements related to health information management and health records.]2. Ability to provide technical advice and [guidance] on health information [management practices.3. Skill in extracting data from various sources and analyzing health information to create reports.4. Skill in researching,] interpreting, and [applying] health information management guidelines.5. Knowledge of performance and process improvement techniques to develop new or improved solutions in health information managementGS-11 (a) Experience. [One] year of [creditable] experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates all of the KSAs described at that level. OR, (b) Education. Education equivalent to three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of health information management AND Demonstrated Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities1. Skill in [performance] and process improvement [techniques to develop and implement new or improved solutions in health information management.2. Ability to advise management and staff, at various levels, regarding health record documentation requirements and health information management practices based on current industry standards, policies, statues, laws, and regulations.3. Ability to plan, justify, develop, evaluate, assess, monitor, and advise on current health information management processes and recommend changes in policies or procedures.4. Ability to determine and evaluate compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines and accrediting bodies, as they apply to health information management.5. Ability to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent, and meaningful information. References: VA Handbook 5005 /130 Part II, Appendix G33, Medical Records Administrator/Medical Records Administration Specialist Qualification Standard Physical Requirements: Regular and recurring work is mostly sedentary involving sitting at a desk, although the position requires the ability to move from one geographic location of the facility to another or remaining sedentary while at alternate work site (if applicable). The incumbent works with a computer screen and keyboard. Some physical effort such as standing, walking, bending, or prolonged sitting maybe required. The incumbent may be exposed to walking to outlying areas while on site. The work places no special physical demands on the employee. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.