Lead Clinical Documentation Specialist

Ascension • Saint Louis, MO

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Lead Clinical Document Specialist (CDS) – Rapid Response serves as a high-level clinical documentation integrity expert, deployed to address urgent, complex, or high-impact issues across the CDI program. This role supports strategic initiatives, facilitates rapid-cycle audits, and investigates documentation and coding anomalies in real-time. The Rapid Response Lead works collaboratively across departments to drive accurate documentation, coding integrity, and risk adjustment capture, while supporting training, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

• Clinical Documentation Prof. credentialed from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience OR 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
• CCDS Certification is required.

Nice To Haves

• 2 years of leadership or management experience preferred.
• Lead experience
• Project Management experience

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary resource for urgent CDI issues (e.g., payer denials, audits, DRG validation).
• Address immediate system needs (e.g., high denial rates, quality issues, new coding rules).
• Mentor front-line CDSs on complex cases, query framing, and escalation.
• Analyze documentation and coding data for trends and improvement.
• Lead and ensure compliance of strategic CDI initiatives across markets/systems.
• Evaluate strategic results and recommend implementation pathways.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree