Lead Clinical Documentation Specialist

#LI-remote

• The Lead Clinical Document Specialist (CDS) – Rapid Response serves as a high-level clinical documentation integrity expert, deployed to address urgent, complex, or high-impact issues across the CDI program. This role supports strategic initiatives, facilitates rapid-cycle audits, and investigates documentation and coding anomalies in real-time. The Rapid Response Lead works collaboratively across departments to drive accurate documentation, coding integrity, and risk adjustment capture, while supporting training, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
• Serve as the primary resource for urgent CDI issues (e.g., payer denials, audits, DRG validation). Address immediate system needs (e.g., high denial rates, quality issues, new coding rules).
• Mentor front-line CDSs on complex cases, query framing, and escalation. Analyze documentation and coding data for trends and improvement.
• Lead and ensure compliance of strategic CDI initiatives across markets/systems. Evaluate strategic results and recommend implementation pathways.
• CCDS Certification is required for this position.

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

Required Credential(s)

• Clinical Documentation Prof. credentialed from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.

Education

• High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience OR 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required. 2 years of leadership or management experience preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Lead experience
• Project Management experience
• CCDS Certification is required

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

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Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

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