MDS LPN

MDS Coordinator

For over the last seventy years, The Orchards has continued the traditional values inspired by the Fox Family: respect for one another, concern for each resident's well-being, and encouragement of individual interests and enjoyment of life's pleasures. These values are a gift The Orchards staff members share every day with residents and each other.

The MDS Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process, including Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, PPS documentation, Care Area Assessments (CAAs), and interdisciplinary care planning. Working under the direction of the Clinical Documentation Specialist, this position ensures compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, OBRA, and state regulations while maximizing reimbursement opportunities and supporting quality resident outcomes. The MDS Coordinator collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary team to ensure accurate documentation, effective care planning, and exceptional resident-centered care.

Essential Responsibilities

• Demonstrate effective leadership by supporting The Orchards' core values, promoting teamwork, maintaining open communication, and fostering a culture of accountability throughout the MDS process. 
• Coordinate, schedule, and oversee the completion of MDS assessments, PPS documentation, Care Area Assessments (CAAs), and care plans in accordance with federal, state, and facility regulations. 
• Monitor Medicare certifications, skilled nursing utilization, and resident reimbursement to ensure documentation supports services provided and reimbursement requirements are met. 
• Lead the interdisciplinary team in developing, revising, and implementing individualized resident care plans. 
• Coordinate assessment reference dates, scheduling changes, and completion deadlines to maximize reimbursement and maintain regulatory compliance. 
• Monitor and evaluate Quality Measures and identify opportunities to improve resident outcomes and facility performance. 
• Audit MDS assessments, CAAs, and care plans to ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with regulatory requirements. 
• Complete or oversee admission, discharge, re-entry, and Medicare tracking documentation. 
• Implement and evaluate restorative nursing programs in collaboration with nursing leadership. 
• Attend and lead Medicare, Utilization Review, and interdisciplinary care planning meetings. 
• Serve as the facility resource for MDS regulations, Medicare reimbursement, RUG/Case Mix systems, and documentation standards. 
• Provide education and training to nursing staff and interdisciplinary team members regarding MDS requirements, documentation standards, and regulatory compliance. 
• Communicate effectively with physicians, therapists, residents, family members, and interdisciplinary team members regarding resident assessments and care planning. 
• Assist with nursing coverage as needed to support resident care and department operations. 
• Maintain accurate electronic documentation using the facility's electronic medical record system. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing. 
• Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state where the building is located, or eligibility to obtain licensure prior to employment.
• Minimum of one year of nursing experience required; MDS coordination experience preferred. 
• Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, OBRA regulations, PPS, Case Mix, and Quality Measures preferred. 
• Experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, or geriatric care preferred. 
• Strong assessment, organizational, analytical, and time management skills. 
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities with residents, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members. 
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications. 
• Completion of all required annual state-mandated education and in-service training. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and sit for extended periods throughout the workday. 
• Ability to frequently move throughout the facility while conducting resident assessments and interdisciplinary meetings. 
• Ability to use computers, electronic medical records, telephones, and office equipment for extended periods. 
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, including office supplies, medical records, and equipment. 
• Ability to maintain visual acuity necessary for documentation review, resident assessments, computer work, and quality audits. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, staff, and outside agencies. 

Work Environment

This position is performed in a skilled nursing environment with frequent exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and healthcare-related hazards. Employees regularly work in resident rooms, nursing units, offices, and interdisciplinary meeting areas where noise levels may range from quiet office settings to busy nursing stations. The position requires frequent collaboration with residents, families, physicians, therapists, and interdisciplinary team members while maintaining a safe, respectful, and resident-centered environment.

As an employee at The Orchards, we value you. With this commitment in mind, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Life Insurance 
• 401(k) with Company Match 
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Professional Development Opportunities 

The Orchards is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.