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St. Charles Health System

Regional health system operating four hospitals

HIM Specialist 1

Full-TimePosted on 10/19/2026
$21.30 - $27.69/hr
Entry
Bend, OR, USA
In Person
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryClinical Support & Patient Administration

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • Typing skills, attention to detail, the ability to file alphabetically and numerically, and computer experience are required.
  • The employee must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment required to perform the job safely.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology, protected health information, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is required.
  • The employee must be accurate and concise, communicate effectively with staff, patients, and their families, learn quickly, follow orders, multitask, and complete assigned tasks.
  • The employee must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for attendance and punctuality and the ability to meet daily productivity standards, work independently and in a team environment, and maintain strong organizational skills.
  • The employee must demonstrate the ability to interact and communicate professionally with diverse populations and all levels of the health system, external customers, clients, and potential employees.
  • The employee must be able to reach consensus with people who have differing needs, work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, and perform basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • The employee must read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Basic to intermediate ability and experience with computer applications, specifically an electronic medical records system and Microsoft Office, is required. Basic computer application experience is also necessary to record time, obtain work directions, and complete assigned computer-based learning.
  • The employee must be able to perform the stated physical requirements, including prolonged sitting and keyboard operation, use a clear and audible speaking voice, hear normal speech, and the listed occasional and frequent lifting, standing, bending, reaching, carrying, pushing, pulling, and walking tasks.
Responsibilities
  • Answer inbound department phone calls professionally and respond to requests promptly.
  • Process walk-in requests and assist patients with completing valid authorizations for release of information.
  • Work with internal and external customers to resolve issues in a timely manner.
  • Maintain patient records in electronic and paper formats.
  • Retrieve medical records and related material from hospital departments as needed.
  • Provide release of information for continuing care requests.
  • Prepare, scan, and index medical records for complete electronic storage, including monitoring inbound electronic fax work queues and indexing according to department procedures.
  • Review and analyze emergency department records for completeness and accuracy in accordance with departmental and regulatory guidelines.
  • Perform quality assurance to ensure medical record accuracy.
  • Protect the confidentiality of medical record information in accordance with hospital policies and federal and state laws.
  • Model two-way communication of the health system’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan for the department.
  • Support the organization’s vision, mission, and values and Lean principles of continuous improvement.
  • Maintain a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
  • Comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; report known or suspected violations and cooperate with organizational investigations and proceedings.
  • Deliver timely, efficient, and accurate customer service and patient care that promotes goodwill.
  • Perform additional duties of similar complexity as required or assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • College or vocational school education is preferred.
  • RHIT, RHIA, Release of Information, or Patient Identification and Matching micro-credential is preferred; maintain required continuing education credits through AHIMA.
  • Medical office or hospital experience is preferred.
  • Administrative or clerical skills such as faxing, copying, emailing, and scanning, as well as strong communication skills, are preferred.

About the company

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St. Charles Health System

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St. Charles Health System operates four hospitals and employs over 220 medical providers to deliver medical care in Central Oregon. It offers a full range of health services—from routine treatments to specialized care—through its hospitals and clinics. Patients receive care across inpatient stays, outpatient procedures, and community health programs managed by the system. Revenue comes from charging for patient care services, and the organization funds ongoing operations plus capital projects to expand and upgrade facilities. Its edge over competitors comes from being the largest regional health care system in Central Oregon with an integrated network of hospitals and clinicians, enabling coordinated care across multiple sites. The goal is to improve community health and work toward America’s healthiest community by expanding access to care and partnering with local organizations.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Oregon

Founded

1918

Get referred to St. Charles Health System

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • A February 20, 2026 contract extension with ONA protected Bend operations.
  • February 26, 2026 grants and Fuel food programs strengthen referrals and loyalty.
  • The NoCo medical distribution facility expands 24-7 supply capabilities in Juniper Ridge.

What critics are saying

  • June 23, 2026 layoffs cut 22 leadership jobs and 23 vacancies, signaling pressure.
  • PacificSource's January 1, 2026 exit threat and OHA penalties create a liquidity squeeze.
  • OHA's July 1, 2026 cost-growth penalty process hits margins; CMS still withholds over $6 million.

What makes St. Charles Health System unique

  • St. Charles dominates Central Oregon, operating Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville hospitals.
  • On January 30, 2026, it added nine cardiologists, reaching 63 by year-end.
  • It fully integrated The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care in February 2025.

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Benefits

  • Relocation Assistance

Company News

Sinclair Broadcast Group
Oct 16th, 2026
Free community support events planned in Bend following Silver Rail Elementary shooting.

Free community support events planned in Bend following Silver Rail Elementary shooting. by News Staff Fri, October 16, 2026 at 6:53 AM DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. - Deschutes County Health Services, St. Charles Health System and Bend-La Pine Schools are partnering to host two free community support events Friday, Oct. 16, following the tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School. The walk-in events are intended to provide immediate emotional support, opportunities for connection and crisis stabilization tools for students, families, school staff and community members. The first event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Deschutes Public Library's Central Library, located at 61956 SE Santorini St. in Bend. A second event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Larkspur Community Center, located at 1600 SE Reed Market Road in Bend. Both events are free and open to the public, with no appointment required. "We know that healing takes time, and we are committed to working alongside our local partners to provide the safe spaces, emotional support, and care that our neighbors need right now," said Molly Wells Darling, senior director for behavioral health with St. Charles. The events are designed to help community members access support and resources in the aftermath of the shooting. Both locations will offer drop-in services throughout their scheduled hours. SPONSORED CONTENT MORE TO EXPLORE

Horizon Broadcasting Group, LLC
Oct 16th, 2026
Community Support offered after Bend school shooting tragedy.

Community Support offered after Bend school shooting tragedy. Deschutes County Health Services, St. Charles Health System, and Bend-La Pine Schools are partnering to host free, walk-in community support events on Friday, Oct. 16, following the tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary. The events will provide immediate support, connection and crisis stabilization tools, for families, staff and community members. Event details: Community Support & Healing Gathering (CISM) * When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 (Drop-in format) * Where: Deschutes Public Library - Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend * Cost: Free and open to all students, families, staff, and community members. Community Support & Healing Gathering (CISM) * When: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 (Drop-in format) * Where: Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend * Cost: Free and open to all students, families, staff, and community members. "Today's events have deeply shaken our entire community, especially our families, students, first responders, and educators at Silver Rail Elementary," said Behavioral Health Director Shannon Brister-Raugust, "and we want our community to know the resources they have and that we are here to help." "We know that healing takes time, and we are committed to working alongside our local partners to provide the safe spaces, emotional support, and care that our neighbors need right now," said Molly Wells Darling, Senior Director for Behavioral Health with St. Charles. What is CISM? The events will use Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) frameworks. CISM is a structured, short-term supportive discussion designed to help individuals process the acute physical, mental, and emotional reactions that naturally follow traumatic experiences. CISM is not psychotherapy or clinical counseling; rather, it provides a safe, compassionate environment to understand normal stress responses, share experiences, and learn practical coping tools from trained peers and professionals. At each event, professional crisis response staff and peers will lead small-group discussions, offer guidance on how to talk to children about traumatic events, and connect people with local resources. Immediate Family and Crisis Resources: For families and staff seeking immediate help before or after this event, several specialized county and regional systems remain fully operational: * Walk-In Care: The Deschutes County Stabilization Center is open 24 hours a day at 63311 NE Jamison St., Bend. * Local Crisis Line: Call 541-322-7500 ext. 9. * National Hotline: Call or text 988 any time.

Carpenter Media Group
Jun 23rd, 2026
St. Charles lays off 22 employees.

St. Charles lays off 22 employees. Published 11:26 am Tuesday, June 23, 2026 St. Charles Health System laid off 22 people in leadership roles throughout the nonprofit on Tuesday. According to St. Charles, the layoffs were a result of the health care provider "reassessing" leadership roles and responsibilities. In addition, 23 vacant positions throughout the organization will be left unfilled. According to St. Charles CEO Michael Hartke, the positions were eliminated at the same time the health system has experienced "rapid growth in the service and amount of care provided throughout Central Oregon in recent years." The layoffs came after an evaluation of top leadership titles in the organization. "Changes are being made to fairly balance responsibilities for those in leadership positions across the health system and to structure the system for continued growth," Hartke said. The decision to eliminate the roles was not an easy one, said Hartke. "I want to sincerely thank those impacted by these changes for their time and dedication to St. Charles, our patients and to each other," he said. No one laid off Tuesday was providing direct patient care, according to a release from Alandra Johnson, St. Charles spokesperson. St. Charles did not answer any follow up questions about the layoffs. St. Charles is the largest employer in Central Oregon with over 4,900 employees across hospitals in Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville. This is not the first time the hospital has issued layoffs. In 2022 the health system laid off 107 people, including two executives, and eliminated 76 vacant positions due to skyrocketing supply and equipment costs.

St. Charles Health System
Jun 23rd, 2026
St. Charles restructures to support ongoing growth.

St. Charles restructures to support ongoing growth. June 23, 2026 St. Charles Health System has experienced rapid growth in the services and amount of care provided throughout Central Oregon in recent years. The growth is aligned with increases in population and demand for care in the region and has mostly occurred in the outpatient and specialty services areas of the organization. "We have been in a position to step in and support maintaining some key services in the region in recent years including orthopedics and neurosurgery, pharmacy, urology, gastroenterology and specialized cancer care, just to name a few," said Michael Hartke, incoming president and CEO. "As a nonprofit, local health care organization, we have the responsibility and the privilege of ensuring our patients have access to the care they need and we are proud to be able to provide it." To maintain this growth and ensure the organization is set up for success over the long term, St. Charles recently completed an evaluation of leader spans of control, titles and market alignment - for all supervisors and above - throughout the health system. Changes are being made to fairly balance responsibilities for those in leadership positions across the health system and to structure the system for continued growth. As a result, a small number of leadership positions in support services areas of the organization will be eliminated. This includes 22 positions that are currently filled and 23 positions that are vacant. In addition, ongoing work will occur to bring titles into alignment over time. No direct patient care positions are impacted by these changes, which affect less than 1% of the St. Charles workforce. "I want to sincerely thank the people being impacted by today's hard news for their incredible contributions to St. Charles and wish them nothing but the best going forward," Hartke said. "The changes we are making today are about setting ourselves up for a more sustainable and scalable structure for the future and I want to reassure our community that St. Charles is strong, stable and committed to meeting community needs."

Central Oregon Daily
Mar 31st, 2026
St. Charles begins outsourcing medical coding program.

St. Charles begins outsourcing medical coding program. BEND, ORE. - St. Charles Health System has begun outsourcing its medical coding program to Guidehouse, a Virginia based company. The health system said Guidehouse has offered all affected employees similar positions at its company. St. Charles said it made the decision to outsource after years of struggling to retain enough qualified medical coders. A spokesperson for the health system said in part, "We are so grateful to our dedicated team of coders for their many years of contributions to St. Charles and the Central Oregon community and wish all of them the best in their new roles with Guidehouse. While this has been a difficult decision, we believe it is in the best interest of the health system as it continues to focus on keeping as much care local as possible."