DSHS WSH Health Records Technician 2

Full Job Description

DSHS WSH – Health Records Technician 2
Western State Hospital in Lakewood, WA is seeking a Health Records Technician 2 (HRT2) to join our team. The HRT2 plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, and legal compliance of patient records, including completing time-sensitive Requests for Information (ROIs) each month. These requests, which may involve reviewing tens of thousands of pages, must be completed within strict legal deadlines to support patient care, court proceedings, and coordination with external agencies. In addition to processing ROIs, HRT2s initiate patient records at admission, assign Medical Record Numbers (MRNs), review discharge charts for deficiencies, conduct regular ward record audits, and provide detailed reporting to leadership. The work of the HRT2 is essential to maintaining continuity of care, supporting timely treatment decisions, and ensuring compliance with CMS, TJC, and state regulations. This role requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and dedication to supporting both hospital staff and patients.

Some of what you'll do:

• Manage multiple Western State Hospital (WSH) record systems, including medical, legal status, and quality improvement records, while providing customer service to staff and external partners.
  
• Conduct audits of medical staff documentation and discharge records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with ICD-9/10 coding standards, preventing potential fraud and abuse.
  
• Perform compliance audits required by The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
  
• Code and diagnose using ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, and DSM IV-R manuals, and maintain physician and disease indexes in the WSH Cache database system.
  
• Coordinate hospital admissions by verifying documentation and diagnostic coding accuracy, assembling patient records, and ensuring timely distribution of admission paperwork.
  
• Review and process public record and protected health information (PHI) disclosure requests, including redaction, documentation, and release of records in accordance with legal requirements.
  
• Support medical staff with research, assist in student training, and oversee records retention, archiving, and destruction in compliance with state hospital requirements.
  
  

What we're looking for:

• Expert knowledge of CMS, TJC, and related regulatory standards governing health records management.
  
• Strong understanding of medical record systems, coding standards, and compliance requirements.
  
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to ensure accuracy in documentation and record processing.
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for working with medical staff, legal professionals, and the public.
  
• Superior organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills for effective collaboration across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders.
  
  

Who should apply?
We are looking for professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in health information management, business administration, or a related field AND at least three years of experience in a health information management (medical records) office, office management, healthcare privacy office, compliance office, or closely related area.
  
• An associate’s degree in health information management, business administration, or a related field AND at least five 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:

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
  
• 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.
  
  

About Western State Hospital
Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, providing inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible. Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.



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 DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #06377.


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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.

Additional 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.



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