Health Records Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $25.96 - $34.91 Hourly
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-06435
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS WSH - Health Records Technician 2Western State Hospital is a seeking a Medical Record Department Specialist who has experience working with multiple WSH record systems, such as the medical record, legal status records, quality improvement records and databases, and provides customer service to various hospital staff and disciplines both internal of WSH and external.
Some of what you'll do:

• Conducts routine and required audits of physician and other medical staff documentation for legibility, completeness, timeliness and authentication. Conducts a complete medical record review on each client's discharge record to ensure the quality and accuracy of the discharge medical record to include correct diagnosis coding (ICD 9 and ICD-10) is complete that will ensure avoidance of potential fraud and abuse. Conducts The Joint Commission (TJC); Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) and Office of the Inspector General (OIG) audits to ensure compliance with standards and regulations and also, in compliance with WSH policies. Assembles and performs discharge analysis/reanalysis on discharged medical records per TJC and CMS standards/requirements and WSH policy. Codes diagnoses, (Axis I - V) using the IDC-9-CM, IDC10-CM and DSM IV-R coding manuals. Indexes diagnoses using the Disease Index and catalogs all patients in the physician's index using the WSH database (Cache) system.
• Coordinates hospital admissions in required timeframes while working with WSH admission staff to accurately complete WSH's admission process including the appropriateness and accuracy of diagnostic coding, and paperwork. Assembles the necessary documentation and incorporates into the initial development of the patient record. Copies/distributes all admission paperwork and all time sensitive correspondence necessary.
• Completes the review, oversight and/or processes requests of public record disclosure requests, and all requests for protected health information. Documents, tracks and reviews each request(s). Ensure all legal requirements related to the release of client information are adhered to. Contact and discuss the scope of records with requestor to clarify the request(s) in adherence to all legally required timeframes. Works with ward hospital staff to identify active records responsive to the request. Processes the request(s), redacts record information and/or instructs subordinate staff in the redaction of record information. Prepares record information to send; photocopies using computers and/or other electronic equipment such as microfiche, scanners and printers. Documents request(s) and retain required paperwork pertinent to the request(s) assures accuracy of all phases of the release request.
• Provides assistance to medical staff/management team in research regarding medical records. Assist with training for RHIT students during their clinical work while at WSH. Assists with records retention scheduling, review of record retention to ensure compliance with legal requirements governing state hospitals and upkeep of the WSH records retention schedule. Identifies records for archiving and destruction.

What we're looking for:

• Expert knowledge of CMS, TJC and other regulatory standards related to all aspects of health records management.
• Exceptional customer service skills Experience in oral and written communication with medical, legal professionals and the public.
• Expert in attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Superior organizational and interpersonal skills.

Who should apply?
We are looking for professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in health information management, business administration, or related field;
AND
Three years of experience in a Health Information Management (medical records) office, office management, healthcare privacy office, compliance office or closely related area;
In addition to one of the above, applicants must also have:

• Current and ongoing accreditation through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Additional information:
Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?Please reach out to and reference job number #06435.
The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.