Regional MDS Specialist

For more than 100 years, Otterbein has provided senior housing options rooted in respect and community. We’re a non-profit 501(c)(3) health and human service organization, so our values and initiatives are focused on serving our residents.

The Northern Regional MDS Specialist is responsible for driving results through education and compliance to accurate assessment and quality measure results. 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 will include the ability to provide 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 ability to perform routine audits to ensure accuracy of coding, documentation, and care planning, participation in mock surveys, analysis of MDS quality and results, 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 Nurse to:

Meet/exceed MDS goals, and meet/exceed Critical Success Factors such as:

Accuracy of reimbursement

Accuracy of clinical coding

Accuracy of publicly reported measures such as 5 Star Quality Measures

Collaborate with the MDS Transition Nurse to provide stability of the MDS Department in the event of transitions, or new developments

Provide on-going education and guidance to the MDS teams at each location to ensure accuracy of coding and reimbursement, organization of systems, and compliance with CMS and State of Ohio regulations.

This will occur through one on one training sessions, as well sessions with the entire interdisciplinary team, monthly and as needed conference calls, trouble-shooting/question and answer communication via email and phone calls with the interdisciplinary teams

Collaborate with internal departments, Corporate and community partners

Remain current with CMS and State of Ohio regulations as they pertain to MDS, reimbursement, managed care including Perennial, PDPM, and the resultant effect on Otterbein

Provide orientation and support to new MDS nurses

Guidance to the interdisciplinary team regarding assessment practices and care planning best practices, as well as care plan audits

Oversight of:

MDS accuracy at each location

Quality Metric Results such as Quality Measures (QM) and Quality Incentive Points (QIP)

MDS Documentation requirements in the EMR System; i.e. Point Click Care – such as Care Plan Library, Risk Assessments and forms

Analyze reimbursement results and provision of education/guidance regarding areas of opportunity

Monthly identification of Medicaid case mix opportunities with each MDS team as appropriate to ensure capture of accurate results.

Participation in provider organizations as they relate to the MDS and quality programs

Build relationships with a network of key professional partners in order to stay current on the latest MDS updates and requirements

Interact positively with visitors, residents, family members and community members and be able to effectively address a variety of issues and circumstances.

Develop and strengthen collaborative working relationships with internal departments and staff including identifying and helping address areas of improvement to enhance the quality of living and programs at Otterbein.

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

Must possess exceptional teaching ability in order to provide education both one on one and in large group settings

Ability to develop strategic and tactical plans to meet/exceed objectives

Must be detail oriented, able to prioritize and utilize effective time management skills and be flexible to adjust to impromptu situations on a regular basis

Must have strong interpersonal skills and possess excellent communication skills (listening, writing, speaking)

Outstanding customer service, good judgment and decision-making skills

Must be able to communicate with older persons (and associated families) who may be ill, disabled and/or emotional.

Strong computer skills; experience with 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, with MDS certification a significant plus.

At least 5 years of Clinical management experience.