Summary This position is located within the Health Information Management (HIM) section at Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital. The Supervisory MRT (ROI) is responsible for reviewing and processing requests for patient-protected health information (PHI). In this role, the Supervisory MRT (ROI) delivers direct customer service by providing copies of a Veteran's PHI to the Veteran or an authorized third party, upon receipt of a signed, written request or valid authorization. Responsibilities Major Duties: Serves as supervisor and technical expert for the Release of Information (ROI) Unit, offering strategic leadership and subject matter expertise. Provides guidance to the Chief and Assistant Chiefs of HIM on staffing needs and shortages to maintain optimal workflow and efficiency. Provides comprehensive guidance and technical direction to ensure the unit meets its objectives. Conducts audits and monitors all areas of responsibility to ensure accurate and timely data processing. Reviews and assesses the quality, quantity, accuracy, and timeliness of each employee's work. Identifies issues proactively and implements corrective actions as needed. Develops performance standards, conducts evaluations and competency assessments, and manages personnel functions. Keeps employees informed about personnel management programs and drives continuous improvement. Interviews and recommend new hires, oversees training, development, awards, and disciplinary actions. Approves leave, establishes work schedules, and implements EEO programs to ensure fair and inclusive treatment for all employees. Prepares requests and recommendations for promotions, reassignments, status changes, and employee recognition. Prepares and submits functional statements for new or updated positions. Addresses formal grievances at the first level and recommends disciplinary actions to higher authorities as needed. Communicates management goals to employees and keeps higher-level supervisors informed of employee participation and concerns. Ensures that release of information activities related to the development, implementation, maintenance of and adherence to privacy policies and procedures are performed and coordinated in compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations including the Privacy Act of 1974, Title 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 552a; Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Claims Confidentiality Statute, 38 U.S.C. § 5701; Confidentiality of Drug Abuse, Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and Sickle Cell Anemia Health Records, 38 U.S.C. § 7332; and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 160 and 164, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Ensures timely retrieval and transfer of records to other VA facilities to support continuity of patient care and efficient information release. The incumbent maintains regular contact with VA Regional Counsel (VARO) regarding malpractice, subpoenas, and TORT record requests. Assists with complete quality reviews of all TORT cases before records are sent to VARO for litigation. Prepares weekly ROI and TORT record turnaround statistics. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Telework: Ad-Hoc only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55746-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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 1 or 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 Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience. One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of health records. Six months of the required one year of creditable experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform MRT (ROI) work. OR Education. An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health care, and introduction to health records). (Transcripts Required) OR Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying towards meeting basic experience requirements. The following experience and educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience: Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health information technology/health information management courses. (Transcripts Required) OR Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision. The training program may be substituted on a month -for-month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy and physiology, and health record techniques and procedures. 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: Supervisory Medical Records Technician (ROI), GS-8 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to develop policy and provide workload analysis for release of information. Skill in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties, to include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed, performance evaluation, selection of staff, recommendations of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions. Preferred Experience: To qualify, applicants must have either one year of relevant experience demonstrating knowledge of medical terminology and health records, with at least six months specifically related to MRT (ROI) duties, OR Possess an associate's degree in health information technology/management or a related field with at least 12 semester hours in relevant courses. Alternatively, a combination of qualifying education and experience may also meet the requirements, allowing appropriate substitutions between the two. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Pre-Employment/Post-Employment Physical Examination: May be required, depending on the needs of the organization. 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/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for 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.
