Senior Clinical Documentation Specialist (CDS) - Float Pool

Ascension

1d • $82,825 - $115,453 • Remote

About The Position

The Senior Clinical Documentation Specialist (CDS) - Float Pool is a versatile and experienced Clinical Documentation Integrity professional responsible for providing cross-coverage and high-level CDI support across Ascension’s multi-market system. This individual functions as an advanced front-line Clinical Documentation Specialist (CDS), deployed to cover temporary staffing gaps due to PTO, medical leave, vacancies, and fluctuating census, while maintaining high-quality standards and supporting continuity of CDI operations.
The Senior CDS - Float Pool associate is expected to rapidly adapt to different facility workflows, EHRs, and service lines, with minimal onboarding or training required. This role also supports onboarding of new CDSs, short-term training needs, and region-specific initiatives when not actively deployed for coverage.

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.
• 2 years of leadership or management experience preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS)
• Advanced knowledge of clinical documentation, coding rules, DRG assignment, and CDI standards.
• Proven adaptability to different hospital systems, documentation styles, and workflows.
• Expertise in SOI/ROM capture, MCC/CC identification, mortality reviews, and quality indicator alignment (PSI, HAC, etc.).
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills across virtual and on-site environments.
• Strong time management, independence, and problem-solving abilities.
• Technological proficiency with multiple CDI tools (CDE One and Cerner are preferred), remote platforms, and secure communication methods.
• Ability to remain flexible and available for rapid deployment with minimal notice.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality concurrent and/or retrospective clinical documentation review across Ascension markets as assigned.
• Float seamlessly between inpatient units, service lines, and CDI teams based on organizational need and leadership direction.
• Perform compliant query generation to clarify conflicting, missing, or unclear documentation that impacts coding, severity, quality metrics, and reimbursement.
• Maintain productivity and quality standards consistent with senior-level CDS expectations.
• Quickly acclimate to local workflows, documentation practices, EHR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner), and CDI software platforms (e.g., 3M, Iodine, Nuance).
• Participate in new market launches, staff orientation, and short-term CDI education efforts as needed.
• Assist regional or corporate leadership with implementation of CDI best practices during transition or expansion periods.
• Provide mentoring or shadow support to newer CDS team members during onboarding or periods of low census.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and professionalism in all market interactions, serving as an ambassador of the Ascension CDI model.

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
• Benefit options and eligibility vary by position, scheduled hours and location. Benefits are subject to change at any time. Your recruiter will provide the most up-to-date details during the hiring process.

What This Job Offers

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