Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

05/27/2026

Application Deadline:

06/10/2026

Agency:

Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range:

$4,312 - $5,458

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Health Information Specialist – Pendleton Cottage

If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! – Health Information Specialist

Pendleton Cottage, located in Pendleton, Oregon, is currently accepting applications for the position of Health Information Specialist.

As a Health Information Specialist, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate and complete medical records for a 24/7, 16-bed State-Run Secure Residential Treatment Facility, serving high-risk and high-profile individuals under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board.

This role entails overseeing diagnostic coding within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, including the accurate assignment and verification of ICD-10 codes in accordance with applicable guidelines. You will support Medicaid billing processes and ensure timely submission of claims. Additionally, you will ensure the integrity and accessibility of medical records through regular auditing, demographic data entry, HIPAA-compliant archiving, and coordination with clinical staff.

The position also involves providing administrative support, including coordinating meetings and schedules, as well as maintaining organized documentation systems to ensure efficient departmental operations at Pendelton Cottage.

For a full review of the position description, please click here

Note: This position is located in Pendleton, Oregon.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications must be reflected in your application for consideration.

• Two years of experience related to health information (processing, maintaining, compiling, and/or reporting on patient information for health requirements or standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry). OR

• An associate’s degree in Health Information Technology from an accredited program. OR

• An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Desired Attributes: The following are desired attributes that we have identified as key to success for this role at OHA. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you have any of these, please let us know in your application.

• Experience submitting prior authorization requests for Medicaid billing and assessing whether additional information is needed to facilitate the completion of authorizations and ensure timely submission and approval.

• Ability to apply administrative rules to ensure record completeness for audit and quality assurance purposes.

• Experience collaborating with diverse disciplines to support the development and completion of records, including QMHA, QMHP, and other licensed professionals.

• Experience with medical, psychiatric, and legal terminology as well as medical transcription standards and procedures.

• Excellent organization, prioritization and time management skills along with good written and oral communication skills for a variety of customers (staff, patient and public).

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and Adobe DC.

• Experience with hybrid (paper and electronic) medical records in an inpatient hospital setting.

• Knowledge and understanding of Oregon Revised Statutes related to disclosure of patient information.
  

Application Guidance

Your candidate profile and application are your opportunity to showcase your skills and interest in this role. Submissions will be reviewed for clarity, consistency, and communication skills, and for alignment with the guidance provided in the below:

Submission Requirements:

• Resume – Attach your current resume that clearly outlines your education and work experience relevant to this position.

• Cover Letter (Optional) – A cover letter is not required, but if included, it will be reviewed and considered during the review and selection process.

• Supplemental Questions – Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.

• Final Check! – Before submitting, confirm that all required materials are included, and your Workday Job History is current. The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.

How to Apply:

• External Candidates: Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the “Apply” tab above to submit your application, following all submission requirements.

• Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login, following all submission requirements.

After You Apply:

• Complete any pending tasks in Workday under “My Applications” prior to the application deadline.

• Check your email (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application.

Reminders:

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To protect your information and ensure correct processing, please follow the instructions for submitting your Veterans’ Preference documentation

• Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline.

About the Team & Benefits of Joining

We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from. If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.

• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.

• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.

• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/ Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).

• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Additional Details

• This announcement is for one (1), full-time, permanent, SEIU represented, Health Information Specialist, located in Pendleton, Oregon.

• This is a 100% on-site position.

• Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check and a driving records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.

• This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position.

• We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

Contact Information
Recruiter: Aimee Buchholz
Email: aimee.d.buchholz2@oha.oregon.gov
Phone (text friendly): 503-509-5511

Accommodation Requests (ADA): OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class – including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation – and does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position.

OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.