Regional MDS Specialist

Overview:

The Northern Regional MDS Specialist is responsible for driving results through education and compliance to accurate assessment and quality measure results. The Specialist will provide support and guidance to the MDS Nurses of multiple ministries while also working cooperatively with the Corporate Clinical Quality Department to promote best practices in the areas of clinical excellence and risk management to all locations. This includes providing effective communication and education both one on one and to the entire disciplinary team to maintain accurate MDS coding, Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Care scores/rates, as well as education regarding Quality Measures, Quality Incentive Points, and regulation updates. Additionally, the role includes performing routine audits to ensure accuracy of coding, documentation, and care planning, participation in mock surveys, analysis of MDS quality and results, and coordination of smooth transitions during periods of change in MDS Coordinators or in the event of new community development.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities:

• Develop strong partnership and joint ownership with location leadership and MDS Nurses to meet or exceed MDS goals and Critical Success Factors, including accuracy of reimbursement, clinical coding, and publicly reported measures such as 5 Star Quality Measures.
• Collaborate with the MDS Transition Nurse to provide stability of the MDS Department during transitions or new developments.
• Provide ongoing education and guidance to MDS teams at each location through one-on-one training, interdisciplinary team sessions, monthly and as-needed conference calls, and email and phone support.
• Collaborate with internal departments, Corporate, and community partners.
• Remain current with CMS and State of Ohio regulations as they pertain to MDS, reimbursement, and managed care including Perennial, PDPM, and their effect on Otterbein.
• Provide orientation and support to new MDS nurses.
• Provide guidance to the interdisciplinary team on assessment practices, care planning best practices, and care plan audits.
• Oversee MDS accuracy at each location, Quality Metric Results (QM and QIP), and MDS documentation requirements in the EMR system (PointClickCare), including Care Plan Library, Risk Assessments, and forms.
• Analyze reimbursement results and provide education and guidance on areas of opportunity.
• Identify monthly Medicaid case mix opportunities with each MDS team.
• Participate in provider organizations related to MDS and quality programs.
• Build relationships with key professional partners to stay current on MDS updates and requirements.
• Interact positively with visitors, residents, family members, and community members.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with internal departments and staff to improve quality of living and programs.
• Participate in mock surveys with the Clinical Quality Department focusing on MDS and care plan accuracy.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Special Skills and Requirements:

• Proven track record of excellence in MDS completion, MDS coordination, ADR completion, and documentation skills.
• Exceptional teaching ability for one-on-one and large group education.
• Ability to develop strategic and tactical plans to meet or exceed objectives.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize, manage time effectively, and adapt to impromptu situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (listening, writing, speaking).
• Outstanding customer service, good judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate with older persons and their families who may be ill, disabled, and/or emotional.
• Strong computer skills with experience in an electronic medical records system such as Optimus EMR.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Position Requirements:

• RN with BSN preferred.
• 8-10 years of MDS experience; MDS certification is a significant plus.
• At least 5 years of clinical management experience.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance with free virtual doctor visits, vision and dental insurance, pet insurance, life insurance, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accruing from day one and paid holidays.
• Access to DailyPay for daily access to earned wages.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year for any field of study, and tuition discounts through partnerships with University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, and Hondros College.
• Employee-sponsored crisis fund and legal and identity theft protection.
• Growth and development resources including Access Perks partner discounts and RightNow Media @ Work.

Some benefits, including PTO and tuition reimbursement, are based on hours worked.

Why Work for Otterbein SeniorLife:

For more than 100 years, Otterbein has provided senior housing options rooted in respect and community. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) health and human service organization, our values and initiatives are focused on serving our residents. Otterbein SeniorLife consists of lifestyle communities, small house neighborhoods, home health, and hospice care in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab, memory support, respite care, in-home care, and hospice services.