Sr. Clinical Documentation Specialist

Location: Murfreesboro, TN | Facility: Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford | Department: Clinic Integrity | Schedule: Full-time, Days

About the role

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care, and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Mentor Across Markets: Serve as the resident Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) subject matter expert, guiding regional initiatives and mentoring colleagues across clinical and coding domains.
• Analyze Complex Medical Records: Review high-complexity cases—evaluating clinical indicators, comorbidities, severity of illness, and risk of mortality—to ensure accurate DRG assignment and diagnosis capture.
• Collaborate with Providers: Build direct partnerships with physicians and APPs, issuing compliant, non-leading queries to clarify documentation and reflect the true level of care provided.
• Drive Quality & Compliance: Champion quality improvement projects and ensure all clinical documentation practices strictly align with regulatory standards and coding guidelines.

Requirements

• Required Credential(s): Clinical Documentation Professional credentialed from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Education: 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.

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