MDS Assistant

Cedar Ridge Inn; Farmington (NM); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Leadership training

Mentorship and growth

Job summary

Cedar Ridge Inn in Farmington, NM seeks a Part-Time MDS Assistant to support the MDS Coordinator with RAI processes and care planning. This leadership role emphasizes accuracy, compliance, and collaborative practice across nursing, therapy, social services, and administration.

Ideal candidates hold an NM nursing license, with 2+ years of nursing experience and MDS knowledge, ready to improve reimbursement and resident outcomes while modeling our values of care, truthfulness, and excellence.

Qualifications

• Active NM nursing license and current status.
• Minimum 2 years nursing experience, with at least 1 year in long-term care (MDS experience preferred).
• Strong knowledge of MDS 3.0, PDPM, RAI process, and care planning regulations.
• Familiarity with Medicare/Medicaid billing and quality measures.
• Proficient in EHR and MDS software systems.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Able to work independently while building strong interdisciplinary partnerships.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to clinical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Assist and Oversee and manage the RAI process including MDS assessments, CAAs, and interdisciplinary care plans
• Ensure accurate and timely MDS submissions in compliance with CMS and state regulations
• Audit documentation to support MDS coding and ensure proper Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement (Outcome Oriented)
• Lead care planning meetings and collaborating closely with nursing, therapy, social services, and administrative staff
• Educate team members on documentation best practices and regulatory updates (Willingness to Learn and Teach)
• Track and analyze case mix data and resident acuity to guide care planning and fiscal strategies
• Communicate with billing, therapy teams, and external agencies to ensure seamless reimbursement and compliance
• Stay current on CMS guidelines, PDPM, QMs, and survey readiness
• Support Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI) efforts through data-informed planning
• Maintain strict confidentiality and always uphold HIPAA standards (Truthful & Caring)

Skills

Nurse license NM

MDS experience

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Education

RN License in NM

Tools

MDS software

EHR systems

Job description

Now Hiring: Part-Time MDS Assistant

Cedar Ridge Inn – Farmington, NM
Part-Time | Clinical Documentation & Care Planning Leadership | Join a Mission-Driven Team

At Cedar Ridge Inn, we’re more than just a care facility—we’re a teaching and learning community built on the values of Caring, Truthful, Excellence, Outcome Oriented, and Willingness to Learn. Every member of our team contributes to an environment where compassion, accuracy, and collaboration drives outstanding resident outcomes.

We are currently seeking a detail-oriented, highly organized, and clinically skilled MDS Assistant to join our leadership team. If you're a licensed Nurse with a passion for data accuracy, care planning, and quality outcomes, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose, grow professionally, and make a measurable impact on resident care.

Position Summary:

The MDS Assistant is responsible for Assisting the MDS Coordinator with the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process in compliance with federal and state regulations. You will play a critical leadership role in ensuring accurate and timely assessments, supporting appropriate reimbursement, and collaborating across departments to maintain excellence in care delivery. This position embodies the truthfulness and accountability essential to clinical documentation, while embracing opportunities to educate and improve systems across the team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist and Oversee and manage the RAI process including MDS assessments, CAAs, and interdisciplinary care plans
• Ensure accurate and timely MDS submissions in compliance with CMS and state regulations
• Audit documentation to support MDS coding and ensure proper Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement (Outcome Oriented)
• Lead care planning meetings and collaborating closely with nursing, therapy, social services, and administrative staff
• Educate team members on documentation best practices and regulatory updates (Willingness to Learn and Teach)
• Track and analyze case mix data and resident acuity to guide care planning and fiscal strategies
• Communicate with billing, therapy teams, and external agencies to ensure seamless reimbursement and compliance
• Stay current on CMS guidelines, PDPM, QMs, and survey readiness
• Support Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI) efforts through data-informed planning
• Maintain strict confidentiality and always uphold HIPAA standards (Truthful & Caring)

Required Qualifications:

• Active Nurse License in NM
• Minimum 2 years’ nursing experience, with at least 1 year in long-term care (MDS experience preferred)
• Strong knowledge of MDS 3.0, PDPM, RAI process, and care planning regulations
• Familiarity with Medicare/Medicaid billing and quality measures
• Proficient in EHR and MDS software systems
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Able to work independently while building strong interdisciplinary partnerships
• High attention to detail and a commitment to clinical excellence

Why Join Cedar Ridge?

Cedar Ridge Inn is a trusted provider of skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in Farmington, NM, known for our compassionate culture, high standards, and strong community presence.

We live our values by:

• Practicing Caring in every resident interaction and team connection
• Promoting Truthful, transparent communication throughout our organization
• Striving for Excellence in every clinical and operational standard
• Remaining Outcome Oriented in our decisions and care strategies
• Fostering a Willingness to Learn through mentorship, education, and continuous growth

Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary (based on experience and qualifications)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Continuing education and leadership training
• A supportive leadership team committed to your success and development