Director of MDS (RN)

Job Description

Job Description

Looking for qualified Director of MDS (RN) to join our team! Location:  Ashville, NC Job Type: Full-Time - Candidates must reside in the Ashville, NC area or within a reasonable commuting distance.  This is a primarily on-site position, with approximately 95% of the work performed at one of our Care Centers.  Department: Clinical Reimbursement / MDS Reports To: Regional Director of Clinical Reimbursement Travel: Extensive travel throughout assigned facilities and markets, including overnight travel as needed.   Are you an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for accuracy, compliance, and resident-centered care? We're seeking an experienced Director of MDS Services, RN to provide leadership, education, audit support, and operational guidance for MDS and clinical reimbursement processes across our facilities. This role is ideal for a skilled MDS professional who enjoys partnering with facility teams, improving compliance and reimbursement outcomes, and supporting high-quality resident care. If you thrive in a structured yet dynamic environment and want to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you! Join our team as a Director of MDS.Why Join Avardis Health?At Avardis Health, we are committed to responsible, innovative healthcare and strong clinical outcomes. As Director of MDS Services, you will serve as a trusted resource to facility leaders and MDS teams, helping centers maintain regulatory compliance, improve Quality Measures, and optimize reimbursement integrity. What You'll DoIn this corporate clinical reimbursement role, you will support MDS operations across assigned Avardis Health facilities and serve as a subject matter expert for the RAI process, PDPM, Case Mix Index, Quality Measures, audits, and regulatory requirements.Provide leadership and support for MDS operations across assigned facilities.Ensure accurate and timely completion of MDS assessments, CAAs, care plans, ARDs, and required documentation.Support facilities during MDS vacancies, staffing shortages, survey concerns, reimbursement challenges, and leadership transitions.Monitor assessment schedules, transmission reports, CMI trends, Quality Measures, and reimbursement indicators.Conduct internal audits, including MDS completion, PDPM accuracy, documentation validation, care plan, Quality Measure, triple-check, reimbursement, and survey readiness reviews.Assist facilities with external audit preparation and response, including Managed Care, Medicare, Medicaid, CMS, RAC, and state agency reviews.Partner with nursing, therapy, dietary, social services, medical records, and facility leadership to strengthen clinical documentation and reimbursement accuracy.Develop education, tools, policies, procedures, and training materials related to MDS operations and clinical reimbursement.Mentor, onboard, and coach MDS Coordinators and support Regional MDS Coordinators with staff development.Participate in corporate initiatives, performance improvement plans, new center transitions, regulatory readiness programs, and clinical software implementation projects.What We're Looking ForActive Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.Minimum of three (3) years of MDS Coordinator experience in skilled nursing facilities.Strong knowledge of the RAI Manual, Medicare PPS, PDPM reimbursement, Medicaid reimbursement systems, CMI, Quality Measures, care planning, and CMS/state regulatory requirements.Experience conducting clinical reimbursement audits.Strong analytical, communication, organization, and follow-up skills.Ability to travel extensively, including overnight travel, and work a flexible schedule based on business needs.Preferred QualificationsRAC-CT Certification.Multi -facility oversight experience.Experience with PointClickCare and reimbursement analytics platforms.Work Environment and Physical RequirementsPrimarily works in healthcare facility and office environments.Frequent travel between Avardis Health centers is required.Extended periods of sitting, computer work, and data analysis are expected.Evening or weekend work may be required based on business needs.Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and assist during emergency preparedness activities.About Avardis HealthAvardis Health is committed to providing responsible, innovative healthcare while fostering excellence in resident care, regulatory compliance, and reimbursement integrity. Our MDS and clinical reimbursement leaders play a critical role in supporting facility success through collaboration, mentorship, and operational excellence.Monitor facility Quality Measure performance and trends.Identify opportunities to improve short-stay and long-stay Quality Measures.Partner with facility clinical teams to develop action plans that improve resident outcomes and survey readiness.Educate facility teams regarding MDS coding impacts on publicly reported Quality Measures.Track organizational QM performance and report findings to leadership.Case Mix Index (CMI) OptimizationAnalyze facility CMI performance and reimbursement opportunities.Conduct routine reviews of documentation supporting PDPM and Medicaid reimbursement.Collaborate with nursing, therapy, dietary, social services, and medical records departments to ensure comprehensive clinical documentation.Provide education related to reimbursement-sensitive diagnoses, services, and documentation requirements.Support facilities in maximizing reimbursement while maintaining regulatory compliance.Internal AuditingConduct routine internal audits including:MDS completion and transmission auditsPDPM accuracy reviewsClinical documentation validationCare plan auditsQuality Measure auditsTriple-check and reimbursement auditsSurvey readiness reviewsPrepare detailed audit findings and corrective action plans.Monitor compliance with established action plans and provide ongoing follow-up.External Audit SupportSupport facilities during:Managed Care auditsMedicare reviewsMedicaid reviewsState agency reviewsCMS focused reviewsRecovery Audit Contractor (RAC) requestsExternal reimbursement auditsCoordinate documentation requests and ensure timely responses.Educate facility teams regarding audit findings and corrective actions.Special ProjectsLead and participate in corporate initiatives designed to improve reimbursement, compliance, and clinical outcomes.Support Regional MDS Coordinators with:CMI improvement projectsQuality Measure improvement initiativesRegulatory readiness programsClinical reimbursement educationMDS process standardizationCorporate performance improvement plansNew center acquisitions and transitionsClinical software implementation projectsAssist with development of organizational tools, policies, procedures, and educational materials related to MDS operations.Education and MentorshipServe as a mentor and resource for facility MDS Coordinators.Develop and provide ongoing education related to MDS, PDPM, Quality Measures, Medicaid reimbursement, and regulatory changes.Conduct competency validation and performance coaching for MDS personnel.Assist Regional MDS Coordinators with orientation and development of new MDS staff.Regulatory ComplianceMaintain current knowledge of federal and state reimbursement regulations.Ensure compliance with all CMS, Medicare, Medicaid, and state-specific requirements.Participate in facility QAPI programs and reimbursement review processes.Assist facilities in preparing for annual surveys and complaint investigations.Ensure confidentiality and security of resident health information.Performance ExpectationsThe Director of MDS Services will be evaluated on:MDS timeliness and accuracy.Reduction in reimbursement risk.Quality Measure improvement outcomes.Case Mix Index improvement results.Audit performance and corrective action effectiveness.Survey readiness and regulatory compliance.Facility satisfaction and support effectiveness.Successful completion of assigned special projects.Development and retention of MDS staff.Physical and Working ConditionsPrimarily works in healthcare facilities and office environments.Frequent travel between Avardis Health centers.Extended periods of sitting, computer work, and data analysis.May be required to work evenings or weekends based on business needs.Must be capable of lifting up to 25 pounds and assisting during emergency preparedness activities. Why Join Our TeamGet paid in advance with us: We offer access to your earned but unpaid wages.Build your own schedule: Pick up shifts when and where you want to work. We have an easy-to-use scheduling app to find and book open shifts or request additional hours. Shift options: Mornings, Afternoon, and Night's shift options available. Additional hours by request.Innovative Purchasing Program: That allows you to buy thousands of products (technology, furniture, clothing, etc.) and pay over time. Zero interest, no credit check, no hidden fees.Access to online learning 24/7: Our LMS offers free courses for senior care, health and human services industry. Use for free to help satisfy certifications or professional development. Available via computer or mobile, and many courses offer alternative languages.Phone and auto discounts: Up to 20% on employee personal wireless accounts and auto rentals through designated vendors.Employee Assistance Fund: In unexpected catastrophic situations you can confidentially apply for help.Advocacy and Community Impact: We are committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. We partner with local organizations, host educational events, and advocate for policies that improve the health and lives of older adults everywhere.  About UsWe strive to be the leading provider of compassionate, comprehensive care that supports the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of patients, while also promoting respect and autonomy. Our goal is to create an environment where patients thrive, not just survive - where every aspect of their well-being is nurtured, from health and safety to social connections and quality of life. We have innovative solutions for better health. As part of our commitment to excellence, we leverage the latest in healthcare technology to provide better outcomes for older adults. From telemedicine services and remote health monitoring to advanced diagnostic tools and customized wellness programs, we use innovation to make patient care accessible, efficient, and effective.We also embrace new treatments, therapies, and approaches that can improve quality of life, whether it's through pain management, physical rehabilitation, or mental health support. By staying at the forefront of healthcare trends and continuously evolving our services, we ensure that patients receive the best possible care.We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Apply now! Our application process is quick and easy.