MDS Coordinator

Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS)

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The MDS Coordinator at Horizons Care Center, part of Volunteers of America National Services, is responsible for leading and coordinating the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process. This includes ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant completion of MDS assessments and care plans. The role supports regulatory compliance, reimbursement accuracy, and quality performance by collaborating with the interdisciplinary team, analyzing documentation and data, and driving continuous improvement in assessment and care planning practices. The coordinator is expected to fully utilize available systems and resources to achieve optimal clinical and financial outcomes aligned with organizational priorities. Horizons Care Center is located at the base of the scenic Grand Mesa in Eckert, CO, and is recognized among the Best Nursing Homes by U.S. News & World Report.

Requirements

Current licensure in the state of Colorado as a Registered Nurse.
Minimum of two (2) years of direct MDS experience in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) with solid knowledge of PDMP, case mix systems, and reimbursement methodologies.
Resident Assessment Coordinator – Certified (RAC-CT) certification required or must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
Resident Assessment Coordinator – Certified Advanced (RAC-CTA) required or must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire.
Strong ability to create, build, and maintain productive relationships at all levels.
Solid knowledge of MDS 3.0, PDMP, and case mix reimbursement systems for skilled nursing facilities.
Understanding of CMS regulations, state-specific reimbursement methodologies, and payer requirements related to MDS and clinical documentation.
Knowledge of CMS Quality Measures as they relate to MDS data points and documentation practices.
Ability to lead, mentor, and support nursing and interdisciplinary team members to documentation accuracy, compliance, and productivity expectations.
Proficient in EMR/EHR systems, particularly PointClickCare (PCC) and other MDS-related modules.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across clinical, operational, and financial teams.
High attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to ensure the accuracy and integrity of MDS data.
Commitment to continuous learning and system optimization to align with industry best practices and regulatory changes.
Skilled at establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working collaboratively with a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
Able and willing to work flexible hours, such as during staff challenges and emergency situations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and oversee all components of the RAI process, including Minimum Data Set (MDS), Care Area Assessments (CAAs), and comprehensive care plan development, implementation, and evaluation.
Maintain the OBRA and PPS assessment schedules and ensure timely and accurate setting of Assessment Reference Dates (ARDs).
Ensure compliance with all state and federal RAI-related regulations.
Complete, review, and attest to the accuracy of MDS assessments in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
Transmit MDS assessments to the national repository and resolve validation errors or warnings.
Utilize quality indicator reports, PointRight Data Integrity Audits, and other tools to monitor, validate, and improve MDS accuracy.
Coordinate with physicians and discharge planners to obtain complete documentation for ICD-10-CM coding and surgical procedures.
Ensure documentation supports Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, including skilled level of care determinations and physician certifications/recertifications.
Serve as the site-level expert on the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) and maintain documentation for alternative payment models, including managed care and HMOs.
Collaborate with IDT to complete and update person-centered care plans that reflect identified care area triggers and resident preferences.
Support care coordination across setting, including discharge planning, caregiver training, and transition of care communication.
Participate as an active member of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) and/or Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA) committees.
Partner with the MDS Compliance and Optimization Manager and Regional Quality Coordinator to address MDS-related quality issues and improve Quality Reporting Program (QRP) performance.
Review MDS-triggered quality measures and support action planning to address performance gaps.
Complete required certifications and trainings (e.g., MDS Essentials, Medicare Basics, ICD-10-CM, RAC-CT).
Participate in mandatory in-services, staff meetings, and continuing education to maintain knowledge and skills relevant to the MDS role.
Complete assigned online educational modules in a timely manner.
Audit supporting documentation for accuracy and timeliness, and provide education to staff as needed.
Promote documentation practices that support appropriate coding, care planning, quality measurement, and reimbursement.
Monitor and interpret MDS-related reports and dashboards (e.g., Quality Measures, PointRight DIA, QRP).
Use data to identify trends, support compliance efforts, and make recommendations for improvement.
Leverage advanced tools designed to extract insights from the medical record to proactively identify opportunities for revenue enhancement, clinical documentation improvement, and regulatory compliance.
Demonstrate sound judgement, independence, and prioritization in managing responsibilities.
Build strong working relationships across disciplines with external partners (e.g., hospitals, payers).
Represent the MDS role professionally and collaboratively within the organization.
Actively participate as an engaged member of the VOANS MDS team.
Coordinating with the team, support the achievement of organizational objectives.
Maintain the stability and reputation of Volunteers of America National Services by ensuring all activities and operations are performed in compliance with local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and contractual requirements, and adheres to organizational policies.
Is responsible for adherence to program cultural standards, including supporting through modeling, coaching, and accountability.
Protect privacy and maintain confidentiality of all company procedures, results, and information about employees, residents, and families.
Participate in continuing education classes and any required staff and training meetings.
Maintains professional affiliations and any required certifications.
Act within the scope of his or her authority to practice.
Follow all Volunteers of America National Services policies and procedures and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines.
Perform other duties as required or requested.