Release Of Information Specialist

This position will work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to deliver comprehensive, person-centered, integrated services to the Portland Metro community. The Release of Information Specialist participates in all functional areas of medical records; maintaining the integrity of the Health Information Department (HIM) while ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the release of medical records.

Central City Concern is an organization that offers integrated housing, health care, and employment services with the long-term goal of eliminating homelessness. We seek to change how these services are delivered to all people, especially vulnerable populations. This role will sit in a main location but will occasionally float to other locations such as Blackburn Center, Old Town Clinic or Old Town Recovery Center.

Schedule: 8:00am- 4:30pm, Monday- Friday (Saturdays and Sundays off!)

Location: Old Town Clinic (727 W. Burnside St. Portland, OR 97209)

Compensation: $25.91-$34.39 per hour, commensurate with relevant experience. Maximum rate for externals is $30.07 per hour, per the union contract.

Seniority Bid Window Opens: 3/3/2026 Seniority Bid Window Closes: 3/11/2026

AFSCME Union

This role is a Union Represented position through;  American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).  You can find more information about your representation here www.afscme.org.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED.
• 2 years experience in a clinical setting that included processing records, releases of information, scanning and indexing documents into an EMR system.
• Must have working knowledge of electronic medical records, terminology, releases and filing procedures.
• Must be able to work efficiently in a very fast paced environment.
• Must generally have the ability to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects, and climb stairs with reasonable or no accommodation.
• Must have excellent reading and comprehension skills.
• Must have current CPR certification prior to start and maintain a current CPR certification while in this role at Central City Concern.
• Central City Concern is committed to a drug-free workplace that encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
• Must adhere to agency non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, lifestyles and sexual orientation and treat individuals with respect and dignity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work as a member of the Central City Concern multi-disciplinary team to deliver comprehensive, client centered and trauma informed integrated services.
• Actively participate in the integration of services and identify new opportunities to improve collaboration between and within service and care teams while carefully following information-sharing guidelines.
• Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within Health Information Management workflows and logistics. Participate in review of HIM Indicators; review and contribute to continuous improvement opportunities and plans.
• Build understanding of and appreciation for diversity among Central City Concern clients and support their connection to culturally responsive and culturally specific services as requested.
• Respond to incoming, outgoing, and inter-departmental calls/e-mails and or/requests in a timely and efficient manner.
• Responsible for medical records requests, safeguarding they are done appropriately and completed in a timely fashion, adhering to all laws and guidelines.
• Diligently ensures the confidentiality of patient's clinical records by verifying and vouching for the validity of all requests, through written request, prior to releasing information.
• Forward all request through subpoena to appropriate staff, follows up on this request and follows protocol given to fill this request.
• Document all release of information requests and other essential information in the electronic medical record system thoroughly and accurately.
• Educate staff and patients on requirements for submitting requests for health information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Review documents for completeness and follow up with responsible parties for corrections.
• Scan documents into indexing client.
• Utilize indexing software to add documents into patients Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Pull paper charts as needed for audits.
• Maintain Medical Record Archives.
• Attend and participate in HIM Department meetings.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.
• Maintain a clean, organized and secured work area.
• Attend all mandatory CCC trainings in a timely manner.
• Arrive on time to all scheduled shifts and adhere to the attendance policy; following all Central City Concern policy and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to consider the impacts and outcomes for underserved communities during decision-making processes.
• Ability to consider impacts of systems of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Understand laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to medical records.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to follow directions give either written or oral.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with clients and co-workers.
• Ability to work independently and as a dependable and responsible team member.
• Knowledge of modern office equipment.
• Ability to follow a schedule, manage time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changes and willingness to explore new ideas
• Ability to maintain client/patient confidentiality.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to work in an environment where people may be hostile or abusive.

Benefits at Central City Concern

We offer incredible benefits to our employees, including an extensive total rewards package, competitive compensation, medical, dental, vision, Student loan repayment options, and retirement savings matching plans!

• Generous paid time off plan beginning at 4 weeks of PTO accrual per year!  Accrual amount/rate increases with longevity.
• Up to 11 recognized Holidays and 2 personal holidays (dependent on work shift schedule).
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with an employer match of 4.25% in your 1st year, 6% in the 2nd year, and 8% in your 3rd year!
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer-Paid Life, Short-Term Disability, & Long-Term Disability Insurance!

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, and pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second-chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding the consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this particular job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.