MDS Coordinator

Skills and Knowledge

• 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.

Essential functions

• Resident
• Assessment
• Instrument (RAI)
• Process
• Management:
• 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.
• MDS
• Assessment
• Accuracy and
• Submission:
• 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.
• Clinical
• Documentation and
• Reimbursement
• Compliance:
• 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.
• Care
• Planning and
• Coordination:
• 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.
• Quality and
• Performance
• Improvement:
• 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.
• Education and
• Training:
• 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.
• Staff
• Support and
• Development:
• 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.
• Data
• Analysis and
• Reporting:
• 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.
• Professionalism and
• Collaboration:
• 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.

Situated at the base of the scenic Grand Mesa in Eckert, CO, Horizons Health Care Center offers staff the opportunity to connect with a tight community while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. We help to foster a work-life balance by offering employees paid-time off benefits as part of our comprehensive benefits package. Our diverse and involved staff members are supported by the commitment to maintain relationships of functional trust with every team member, to always practice solutions-focused problem solving, and to continually affirm each team member’s contribution to the quality of our work.

Volunteers of America National Services has been certified as a Great Place to Work for 7 years running! Our employees have said their work has a special meaning: this is not “just a job”.

Take pride in helping others and join us today!

At VOANS, we celebrate sharing, encouraging and embracing diversity. Equal employment opportunities are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that blending individual strengths and unique personal differences nurtures and supports our organizations’ shared commitment to our mission and creates an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to do their personal best.