MDS Director

About the role

The MDS Coordinator ensures the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process is followed, including accurate and timely completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), development of interdisciplinary care plans, and leadership of daily Medicare Prospective Payment System (PPS) and Medicaid Case Mix meetings.

Responsibilities

• Maintain current MDS status for each resident in compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations.
• Schedule required OBRA, Medicare PPS, and Medicaid assessments, and communicate schedules to departments and families.
• Monitor clinical systems for resident condition changes affecting the MDS process; coordinate re-assessments and care plan updates.
• Set assessment reference dates (ARD) with the interdisciplinary team to accurately reflect resident status.
• Complete MDS and CAAs sections accurately according to policies and guidelines.
• Coordinate and attend daily Casemix, weekly Utilization Review, and monthly Triple Check meetings.
• Maintain assessments on active clinical records for at least 15 months per federal regulations.
• Electronically transmit MDS data to the state as required by regulation and facility standards.
• Follow facility policies governing nursing service functions and participate in facility surveys.
• Develop, evaluate, revise, and implement individualized care plans for residents.
• Report unauthorized access attempts to the facility’s information system.
• Provide education to residents, families, and caregivers as needed or directed.
• Administer emergency support, including CPR, in accordance with physician orders and facility policies.
• Submit complaint/grievance reports to the Administrator as required.
• Maintain professional conduct, respecting resident dignity and privacy.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, or hazardous materials per facility policies.
• Report incidents of fraud, abuse, neglect, or misappropriation to the Administrator.
• Communicate effectively with residents, visitors, families, staff, and supervisors.
• Attend departmental meetings and in-services as directed.
• Report incidents, accidents, or unsafe situations immediately.
• Stay updated on applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure responsibilities align with all regulations and facility policies.

Requirements

• Current, unencumbered LVN or RN license in the state.
• Registered Nurse (RN) license preferred.
• 2+ years of long-term care experience preferred.
• 6+ months of experience in rehabilitative/restorative nursing practices preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in RAI process completion preferred.
• Ability to make independent decisions when necessary.
• Leadership, organizational skills, and a positive professional attitude.
• Proficiency in Point Click Care (preferred), Microsoft Outlook, Office, and internet tools.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
• Attention to detail and professionalism in interactions.
• Active listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional judgment and foresight.
• Self-motivated and self-directed.

Schedule

This is primarily a Monday through Friday position, but weekend and holiday work may be required due to operational needs or emergencies. The facility operates daily, and flexibility is necessary.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role involves physical activity, including walking within the facility. Routine use of office equipment (computers, phones, photocopiers) and occasional machinery is required. The position may require walking, sitting, reaching, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling, twisting, and lifting as necessary. Regular communication (talking and hearing) is essential.