Medical Records Technician (Health Information Technician)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System • Yankton, SD

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities. Analyzes medical records for completeness, consistency and compliance with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and medical staff requirements. Performs the monthly medical record audit in coordination with the medical staff. Processes requests for medical information from outside hospitals, clinics, and physicians. Responds to requests from outside sources requesting release of BOP medical information, including court orders, requests by U.S. Attorneys and other institutions. Codes, using ICD-9-CM, complicated diagnoses and procedures for discharged inmates, ensuring diagnoses and procedures are supported in the medical record and appropriately reported via Sentry. Establishes medical records for all new admissions to facility; acquires, monitors and accounts for the medical records which accompany those patients transferred in from other BOP institutions. Performs a full range of administrative duties, including preparing reports, purchase orders, receiving reports, pay vouchers, quarterly and annual reports, medical referrals for treatment to other BOP facilities and pre-certification requests. Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is Required.
• GL-05: Successfully completed 4 years of education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college or university.
• GL-06: As a general rule, education is not creditable above GL-5 for most positions covered by this standard; however, graduate education may be credited in those few instances where the graduate education is directly related to the work of the position.
• GL-05: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. Candidates should possess administrative and technical support experience in order to provide effective management, maintenance and control of the medical department's records and files. Experience at this level should have provided the applicant with a basic knowledge and understanding of medical terminology and medical record procedures and techniques.
• GL-06: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. Applicants at this level should be familiar with various automated and data systems and have the ability to key and/or code information. Experience at this level demonstrates technical and administrative support through the ability to review, analyze, code, compile, and extract records data.
• GL-05 only: Have a combination of education and experience. This experience must have equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the major duties of this position as described above.
• Must upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience.
• Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable).
• All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
• All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
• All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
• Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques", three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.

Nice To Haves

• Conditions of employment Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service.
• To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility: A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter), Most recent performance appraisal, and Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
• In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.
• Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes medical records for completeness, consistency and compliance with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and medical staff requirements.
• Performs the monthly medical record audit in coordination with the medical staff.
• Processes requests for medical information from outside hospitals, clinics, and physicians.
• Responds to requests from outside sources requesting release of BOP medical information, including court orders, requests by U.S. Attorneys and other institutions.
• Codes, using ICD-9-CM, complicated diagnoses and procedures for discharged inmates, ensuring diagnoses and procedures are supported in the medical record and appropriately reported via Sentry.
• Establishes medical records for all new admissions to facility; acquires, monitors and accounts for the medical records which accompany those patients transferred in from other BOP institutions.
• Performs a full range of administrative duties, including preparing reports, purchase orders, receiving reports, pay vouchers, quarterly and annual reports, medical referrals for treatment to other BOP facilities and pre-certification requests.
• Maintains security of the institution.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree