Job Description

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive Compensation – Salary and benefits package designed to reward your expertise, leadership, and contributions.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options to support you and your family.
• Future Security – 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) to support work-life balance and personal well-being.
• Career Growth Opportunities – Professional development, leadership training, and advancement opportunities across our organization.
• Recognition & Reward Programs – We celebrate employee achievements and contributions to our success.
• Exclusive Employee Discounts & Perks – Access to special savings and benefits designed for our team members.

Role: HIM Director
Location: Vicksburg, MS

Schedule: Day Shift Hours

The Director, Health Information Management (HIM) is responsible for the overall development, management, and operational success of the HIM department. This role oversees key HIM functions, including Unbilled/Revenue Cycle, Master Patient Index (MPI), Medical Record Imaging and Chart Management, Forms, and Release of Information (ROI). The Director collaborates with the Facility Privacy Officer (FPO) to ensure compliance with HIPAA and applicable State/Federal privacy regulations. This position establishes and enforces policies, ensures compliance with accrediting agencies, and supervises staff to maintain data quality, integrity, confidentiality, retention, and security of health information.

Essential Functions

• Monitors and reports incomplete and delinquent medical records, ensuring timely completion and communicating findings to hospital leadership and appropriate committees.
• Tracks, monitors, and reports Health Information Management (HIM) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including Operative Reports, History and Physicals, Delinquency Rate, and Scanning Turnaround Time; leads targeted action plans for improvement.
• Oversees timely discharge record processing to ensure prompt record availability for continuity of care, chart completion, and coding.
• Serves as chair or co-chair of the Facility Forms Committee, ensuring consistency, standardization, and version control of all clinical and administrative forms.
• Coordinates Master Patient Index (MPI) integrity activities, including duplicate resolution, patient identity management, and demographic data validation.
• Oversees medical record imaging and chart management functions, ensuring timely scanning, indexing, and quality assurance of electronic health records.
• Partners with the Facility Privacy Officer (FPO) to monitor and support Release of Information (ROI) processes, safeguarding compliance with HIPAA and state-specific privacy regulations.
• Coordinates with IT and EHR support teams to identify and resolve system issues impacting data integrity, record accessibility, or HIM workflows.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management
  • Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
  • Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
  • Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long-term planning.
  • Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
  • Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
  • Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
  • Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
  • Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
  • May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Health Information Management required or
• Seven (7) plus years of direct experience in lieu of Associates degree and must obtain an Associates within an agreed upon amount of time required or
• Employee holds the position prior to 7/1/2026 required
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Master's Degree preferred
• 3-5 years .of experience in closely related field required
• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools.

Licenses and Certifications

• RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician With the agreed upon amount of time to obtain required or
• Actively pursing RHIT or RHIA certifications required or
• Employee Holds the position prior to July 1, 2026
• RHIA - Registered Health Information Administrator preferred

Why Work at Merit Health- River Region?
At Merit Health- River Region, we’re more than healthcare providers, we’re a team dedicated to compassionate care and community wellness. Join us for a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our patients every day. Your skills, your passion, and your commitment matter here.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

INDNC