MDS Coordinator Per Diem

Calvado Care; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Calvado Care in Buffalo, NY seeks an experienced Regional MDS Coordinator to lead MDS accuracy and PDPM compliance across multiple facilities. The role emphasizes audit readiness and education, driving quality outcomes and regulatory adherence.

The position requires in-person visits, RN licensure, and strong knowledge of CMS regulations, with travel as needed. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve QM, VBP, NHQI metrics and Five-Star ratings.

Qualifications

• RN license required.
• Strong knowledge of MDS, PDPM, CMS regulations and audit processes.
• Analytical and audit skills.
• Excellent communication and teaching ability (adult learning).
• Willingness to travel to facilities for in-person visits.

Responsibilities

• Oversee MDS completion, accuracy, and timeliness across assigned facilities.
• Ensure proper PDPM coding and accurate capture of high audit MDS items.
• Review ARD management and scheduling practices; monitor ARD timing.
• Monitor CMI trends and reimbursement opportunities through meetings.
• Ensure alignment between clinical documentation and reimbursement outcomes.
• Lead education and training across facilities and interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

MDS knowledge

Auditing

Communication

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Education

RN license

Tools

Office software

Laptops & mobile devices

Job description

Position Summary

This position is not a remote role, will consider LPN

The MDS Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) process across multiple facilities within the WNY region. This role ensures optimal clinical reimbursement under PDPM while maintaining regulatory compliance through auditing, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This position serves as a key leader in driving quality outcomes, audit readiness, and consistent MDS practices throughout the company.

Regional MDS Coordinator Required Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) required
• RAC-CT or RAC-CTA certification preferred
• Minimum 3–5 years of MDS experience
• Prior multi-facility or regional experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of RAI Manual, PDPM, CMS regulations and audit processes
• Proficient in using laptops, mobile devices; well-versed in standard office software applications
• Must be a road warrior, willing to do regular in-person visits to facilities, survey assistance, including unscheduled emergency situations

Regional MDS Coordinator Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and audit skills
• Excellent communication and teaching ability (adult learning principles)
• Leadership and ability to influence interdisciplinary teams
• High attention to detail and regulatory awareness
• Ability to translate complex regulations into practical workflows

Success Metrics

• Improved MDS accuracy and reduced error rates
• Accurate and Optimal Clinical Reimbursement
• Audit outcomes (reduced denials, improved defensibility)
• QRP compliance, contribute to VBP and NHQI improved quintiles
• Improved Quality Measures and Five-Star ratings
• Education completion and competency validation across facilities

Regional MDS Coordinator Key Responsibilities

1. MDS, PDPM and Quality Oversight

Oversee MDS completion, accuracy, and timeliness across assigned facilities

Ensure proper PDPM coding, including accurate capture of high audit MDS Items

Review Assessment Reference Date (ARD) management and scheduling practices

Monitor CMI trends and reimbursement opportunities through weekly/monthly meetings

Ensure alignment between clinical documentation and reimbursement outcomes

Support facilities in improving metrics including, but not limited to QM, VBP, QRP, NHQI

2. Compliance & Audit Readiness

Conduct routine and focused MDS/compliance audits (internal and external readiness

Ensure documentation supports MDS coding and is defensible under audit

Monitor: Medicare Certifications, Physician documentation and orders, timely Interview completion (BIMS, PHQ-2 to 9, Pain, etc.)

Lead corrective action plans and QAPI initiatives related to audit findings

Prevent common audit risks (e.g., missing documentation, late assessments, unsupported coding, incomplete care plans)

3. Audit Responsibilities

Provide support during both internal & external audits, including but not limited to: OMIG, RAC, MAC, and other regulatory reviews

Assist in document retrieval, validation, and organization

Review and preparation of audit response packets

Collaboration with facility leadership and corporate teams during audit processes

Participation in audit calls, exit conferences, and follow-up actions

4. Education & Training

Provide ongoing education to: MDS Coordinators, Nursing, Social Work, Therapy (PT/OT/SLP), Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)

Translate RAI Manual and CMS regulations into practical, role‑specific guidance for SNFs

Lead In‑services, create or update educational tools as needed (guides, PowerPoints, workflows, audit summaries)

5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Facilitate communication between Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Dietary, and Physicians

Ensure IDT participation in: UR Meetings, Care planning, IDT Section GG determination, Triple Check Process, QAPI, Medical Meetings

Promote interdisciplinary accountability in documentation and care plan integration

6. Systems & Process Management

Analyze MDS workflows, submission timelines, and error rates

Utilize data analytic tools and analyze data trends related to QM, Five-Star ratings, QRP, VBP and NHQI programs

Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy