Minimum Data Set (MDS) Coordinator
Skilled Nursing Facility (61-Bed Rural SNF)
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and detail-oriented MDS Coordinator to lead and manage the resident assessment and reimbursement process for our 61-bed rural Skilled Nursing Facility. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), maximizing reimbursement opportunities, supporting regulatory compliance, and promoting exceptional resident-centered care.
The ideal candidate is a strong interdisciplinary team member who values communication, clinical excellence, and operational efficiency while maintaining a focus on quality outcomes and financial stewardship.
Key Responsibilities
MDS & Care Planning
· Coordinate and complete accurate and timely MDS assessments in accordance with federal and state regulations.
· Ensure compliance with CMS, Medicare, Medicaid, and payer-specific guidelines.
- Oversee RAI process and maintain adherence to assessment reference dates and submission timelines.
- Coordinate interdisciplinary care plan meetings and ensure individualized resident care plans reflect current needs, goals, and interventions.
- Monitor documentation to support coding accuracy and reimbursement optimization.
Reimbursement & Clinical Documentation
- Maximize reimbursement through accurate assessment coding and clinical documentation review.
- Collaborate with nursing, therapy, dietary, social services, and providers to capture all clinically appropriate reimbursement opportunities.
- Review Medicare, Managed Care, and Medicaid residents for case mix optimization and payment accuracy.
- Participate in utilization review and payer communications as needed.
- Monitor Quality Measures and identify opportunities for improvement.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Foster a positive, team-oriented environment with strong communication across departments.
- Serve as a clinical resource regarding MDS coding, documentation standards, PDPM, and regulatory requirements.
- Work closely with therapy, nursing leadership, and finance/business office personnel to ensure alignment between resident care and reimbursement processes.
- Support staff education related to documentation and assessment practices.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Improvement
- Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and facility regulations.
- Assist with survey preparedness and response activities.
- Audit clinical records for completeness and accuracy.
- Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
- Identify trends and recommend process improvements that enhance both resident outcomes and financial performance.
Qualifications
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in New York State preferred; LPN with extensive MDS experience may be considered.
- Certification as a Resident Assessment Coordinator (RAC-CT) preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of MDS coordination experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility.
- Strong knowledge of PDPM, Medicare, Medicaid, and CMS regulations.
- Experience with electronic medical records and MDS software systems.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships.
- Commitment to resident-centered care and continuous quality improvement.
Preferred Characteristics
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking abilities.
- Detail-oriented with excellent time management skills.
- Positive leadership style with a collaborative approach.
- Ability to balance regulatory compliance, reimbursement accuracy, and quality resident care.
- Passion for serving rural communities and older adults.
Work Environment
This position is based in a close-knit, rural Skilled Nursing Facility where teamwork, compassion, and community relationships are highly valued. The MDS Coordinator is an essential member of the leadership and clinical team and contributes directly to both resident outcomes and organizational success.
Pay: $40.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
