Associate HIPAA Privacy Officer - Faculty Practice Plan

Position Summary
Responsible for overseeing all activities related to the development, implementation, maintenance of, and adherence to all WU’s HIPAA Policies and Procedures comprising the privacy of, and access to, protected health information in compliance with federal and state laws. Accountable for coordinating and overseeing all activities of the HIPAA privacy compliance program such as compliance training, monitoring of compliance, reviewing HIPAA Policies and Procedures, assisting with breach notification and reporting, and internal HIPAA Incident investigations. Advocates and protects patient’s privacy by serving as an advisor for patients voicing concerns and addressing escalated patient complaints related to privacy issues.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities ​

• Oversees processes and activities to ensure an effective HIPAA Privacy Compliance Program for the University, Medical School and Health Plan.
• Provides guidance and assists with the identification, development, implementation and maintenance of WU’s HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures.
• Manages all activities of the HIPAA Privacy Compliance Educator and HIPAA Specialists positions of the HIPAA Privacy Office.
• Administers a process to oversee the investigation and management of all patient privacy complaints, reported HIPAA Privacy and Security Incidents and potential breaches in collaboration with the Chief HIPAA Privacy Officer.
• Assists with patients’ requests to access their patient health information.
• Assists in HIPAA Privacy Incident mitigation with direct attention to escalated patient privacy complaints.
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA policies and procedures.
• Prepares HIPAA Privacy statistical reports as needed.
• Directs the delivery of initial and ongoing HIPAA Privacy training and orientation to all Workforce members.
• Directs internal investigations and ensures timely assessments of inappropriate access alerts.
• Oversees incident investigations including data gathering, analysis, interviews, risk analysis and initiation of corrective actions.
• Assists in the preparation and presentation of HIPAA Incident outcome reports.
• Contributes to ongoing departmental goals.
• Oversees regulatory filing requirements to government agencies in accordance with those imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
• Supports the establishment and maintenance of departmental and system-wide policies, procedures, and tools to support HIPAA Privacy compliance activities.
• Serves as a resource to departmental HIPAA Privacy Liaisons including providing orientation to new liaisons, maintaining resources and offering frequent reminders and education.
• Assists the Chief HIPAA Privacy Office with departmental budgets, resources and employee evaluations.
• Coordinates the HIPAA dashboard meetings, HIPAA Privacy Liaison bi-monthly meetings, and reporting on HIPAA incident activities.
• Collaborates with BJC compliance and other covered entities to investigate HIPAA incidents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Normal administrative office setting.
• Flexible work schedule.
• High stress caused by work deadlines.
• Planning functions may occur at any of the buildings on campus and will require physical capability to get to each location.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business or healthcare related field with at least five years relevant work experience in health information management and/or HIPAA compliance.
• Previous experience in an academic medical setting with expertise of the Epic electronic health record system.
• Management and/or supervisory experience.
• Certification from HCCA and/or AHIMA; Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), and certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC), or Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) or will consider certification in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) in lieu of other credentials.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, as well as organizational and time management, presentation, and independent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify, interpret and summarize relevant policy and regulation in a clear and timely manner is essential.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, enthusiasm, and initiative on a daily basis.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft software packages.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with attention to detail is critical to the success of this position.
• Experience with breach risk assessments and breach reporting.
• Ability to manage and supervise multiple employees engaged in multiple projects.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, HITECH and healthcare compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health information, health care administration, or healthcare related field.
• Three to five years of direct experience in HIPAA compliance or professional experience working in healthcare related position (e.g. healthcare compliance, health information management, patient care, healthcare administration) or equivalent education and experience.

Grade
G14

Salary Range
$73,700.00 - $125,900.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.