Health Information Management (HIM) Director | Los Alamos, NM

Our client is seeking an experienced Health Information Management (HIM) Director to lead the strategy, operations, and compliance functions of the HIM department. This role oversees documentation integrity, regulatory adherence, audits, staff leadership, and the overall performance of the HIM function within the hospital.

This is a key leadership position responsible for ensuring accurate, secure, and compliant health information practices that support high‑quality patient care.

Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | Relocation Assistance: Limited or negotiable based on candidate experience

Requirements:

Department Leadership & Operations

• Direct the daily operations of the HIM department, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance in all documentation and record‑management activities.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, policies, and performance standards aligned with organizational, clinical, legal, and ethical requirements.
• Oversee patient record processes, information systems, release‑of‑information workflows, and documentation quality initiatives.
• Monitor service levels, turnaround times, and quality metrics to ensure departmental performance meets established standards.

Regulatory Compliance & Audits

• Ensure full compliance with healthcare regulatory requirements, including HIPAA and other federal/state guidelines.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits, ensuring documentation integrity and timely responses.
• Maintain strong knowledge of HIM best practices, accreditation standards, and industry regulations.

Staff Management & Development

• Plan staffing levels and schedules to meet departmental needs.
• Lead and develop HIM staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective action when necessary.
• Foster a professional, growth‑oriented environment that supports continuous learning and operational excellence.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Prepare and manage the departmental budget, ensuring responsible use of resources.
• Participate in organizational planning, reporting, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive patient and organizational information.

Qualifications/Must-Haves:

• RHIT or RHIA certification (required)
• Proficiency with HIM systems, EHR platforms, and standard office software.
• Minimum 3–5 years of HIM leadership experience in a hospital or acute‑care setting required. 
• Strong understanding of healthcare regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA)
• Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret regulations, and implement compliant solutions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across clinical and administrative teams.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior leadership experience in an acute‑care hospital setting.
• Experience managing audits, documentation improvement initiatives, or HIM technology implementations.
• Demonstrated success in staff development, performance management, and departmental leadership.

Work Requirements:

• Must live in or relocate to the Los Alamos, NM area within 45 days of hire.