MDS Specialist

The MDS Specialist provides services in accordance with company policies to establish and ensure the clinical success in LCS equity and managed communities. The MDS Specialist is responsible for assisting LCS communities and is responsible to periodically monitor the overall quality of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and the inter-disciplinary care plan for compliance according to state and federal guidelines. The primary purpose of this position is multi-facility oversight of the resident assessment process. The MDS Specialist will serve as the clinical liaison assisting the communities on-site as well as remotely monitoring LCS programs, benchmarks, and standards.

Experience is Everything:

At LCS, experience is everything. We provide you the opportunity to use your talents in a progressive, growing organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of the seniors we serve. If you are seeking an organization that gives back, you’ll love working here. Our principles and hospitality promise define our company culture. LCS employees can be found participating in volunteer activities, getting involved in our committees or collaborating with team members in our innovative workspace. You’ll find several opportunities to grow as a professional, serve the community, and enhance the lives of the seniors. 

The Role: 

• Assists with the interviewing and selection of new MDS Coordinators as requested by LCS community leaders.
• Assists in monitoring communities for on-going compliance with regulations in relation to the published RAI manual.
• Provides education and support to new and current MDS Coordinators in communities.
• Maintains consistent and effective communication with MDS Coordinators throughout the company.
• Performs audits on MDS records for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Provides and/or assists with the development and/or implementation of action plans based on trended survey data, plans of correction, and quality assurance reports.
• Establishes appropriate MDS policies, procedures and practices with the corporate interdisciplinary team and administrative staff.
• Completes Medicare and like Additional Documentation Request (ARDs), appeals and denials.
• Tracks and trends audit outcomes and denial reasons.   
• Participates in corporate team meetings when necessary.
• Establishes routine community support system conducting regular quality assurance activities to monitor performance and the quality of the clinical documentation and MDS completion.
• Monitors trends of quality measure reports and participates in the development of corporate action plans to continuously improve quality of care.
• Utilizes corporate key trend reports to assist in the oversight of clinical quality and reimbursement. Assists in the monitoring of length of stay and rehospitalization.
• Collaborates with therapy vendors to establish restorative nursing programs.
• Establishes a system to assist in the oversight of resident assessment information as it relates to case mix, Medicare, and managed care reimbursement programs.
• Assists with the development of clinical education and training programs.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of the pre-admission process, daily clinical review process, daily and weekly Medicare review processes, and triple check processes throughout the company.
• Provides appropriate MDS consulting services as needed in a crisis situation at the request of LCS community leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI), the MDS process, the Care Area Assessments (CAA), and the care planning process.
• Develops training programs for Administrators and DONs. Participates in LCS Clinical Training Program.
• Assist in ensuring correct resident assessment and care plan processes are being followed according to state and federal guidelines.
• Periodic monitoring and education to ensure accurate assessment documentation and that the instructions from the Resident Assessment Instrument are followed.

Experience and Qualifications: 

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Must have a valid RN nursing license.
• Must possess at least five years of previous MDS Coordinator experience.
• Must understand the philosophy of and know the principles of the RAI process.
• Must possess a RAC-CT Certification from the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC)
• Two years of MDS Consultant experience preferred.
• Medicare audit, appeals, and denial experience preferred.

Knowledge and skills:

• Must have the ability to respond quickly to internal challenges and devote time as needed when there is a community crisis or to assist with start-up of new communities.
• Has a clear understanding of the full continuum of care, the Resident Assessment Instrument, the interdisciplinary care plan process, and the Minimum Data Set, and related regulations and reimbursement guidelines.
• Must have the ability to evaluate whether the skilled level of services provided are appropriate for the evaluation and treatment of a disease, condition, illness, or injury, consistent with the applicable standard of care. 
• Ability to formulate written audit response appeals, ensuring that necessary information is presented effectively.
• Has a solid working knowledge of and adheres to the requirements of HIPAA.
• Has the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, personnel, and the general public.
• Has the ability to develop benchmarks and trending data for an individual community and LCS corporately using quality measure reports, key indicator reports from SHP along with other data collected from communities.
• Has the ability to write clear quantifiable reports that will serve as clear action plans for communities.
• Must be articulate and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Has the ability to handle multiple priorities and stay focused on prioritizing work.
• Must be fiscally responsible with company and community finances and present accurate and validated expense reports, per company policy.
• Must be a self-starter, highly motivated and able to work independently with a minimum amount of supervision. Requires the use of good judgment and common sense in the performance of duties. Must be able to evaluate and respond to the needs of staff, clients, and others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, and staff. Must use prudent judgment and work well under pressure. Strong organizational skills. Ability to work well independently.
• Must have a commitment to excellence in resident care and have experience in geriatric nursing.
• Must be able to maintain professionalism and work well with others.

Why LCS? 

Industry leader. The Nation’s third-largest senior living operator ranked number one in customer satisfaction among senior living communities. 

Inclusive and collaborative culture. We’re dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion and have an engaged Diversity and Inclusion Council focused on creating awareness and educating employees on inclusivity. In addition, LCS creates a collaborative culture that provides an exceptional experience for every employee. 

Top Workplace USA: LCS has earned the 2023 Top Workplaces USA award and is recognized for our strong company culture and engaged workforce. In addition, LCS earned ten culture excellence awards in areas such as DE&I practices, top managers, professional development, and clued-in leaders, to name a few.

Top Workplace Iowa: LCS employees truly believe we are an employer choice. This recognition, for 4 years running, is in large part due to the culture of excellence that our employees help deliver every single day.

Competitive pay, great benefits and vacation time.  We are an equal opportunity employer with benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, 401(k) with company match and paid parental leave.

Charity and community involvement. We are recognized as a national team for the Alzheimer’s Association and consistently a top contributor to United Way. We also support our employee’s individual community contributions and provide opportunities to get involved at our corporate locations and in our communities.

Outstanding advancement opportunities. LCS is growing and we think you should too. Our company growth allows for internal growth opportunities across all of our business lines.

Ongoing career development. Onsite education opportunities, education assistance, and continuing education credits allow LCS employees to keep their knowledge of current industry changes relevant.

LCS creates living experiences that enhance the lives of seniors. You’ll see this commitment in our people. They’re talented, dedicated professionals who truly care about residents, with each conducting his or her work with integrity, honesty, and transparency according to the principles of LCS. We strive to help every community succeed—strengthening available resources, establishing proven practices that lead to long-term growth and creating lasting value for those living in, working for and affiliated with the community. Check us out on our website: www.lcsnet.com

Travel Frequency: 26-50%

Job Level: B

Estimated Salary Range: $105,000-$120,000

The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.

A POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK, INCLUDING REFERENCES, IS REQUIRED

LCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salary : $105,000 - $120,000