MDS Coordinator (Skilled Nursing Facility)

Sweetwater Care; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sweetwater Care in Stockton, CA is seeking an MDS Coordinator to manage CMS RAI assessments, PDPM classification, and care planning in a skilled nursing setting.

The role requires an active RN license (LVN accepted where allowed), strong documentation skills, collaboration with nursing, therapy, and social services, and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Active RN license (LVN accepted where permitted).
• Experience in skilled nursing or long-term care.
• Strong understanding of MDS 3.0, RAI guidelines, and PDPM.

Responsibilities

• Complete and coordinate MDS assessments in accordance with CMS RAI guidelines.
• Ensure accuracy of assessments, care plans, and supporting documentation.
• Conduct resident interviews (BIMS, PHQ-9, preference assessments).
• Validate clinical information with nursing, therapy, social services, and other departments.
• Ensure accurate PDPM classification and review documentation for reimbursement needs.
• Lead interdisciplinary care plan meetings and involve residents/families.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal SNF regulations.
• Assist with surveys, audits, and quality reviews.
• Participate in QAPI initiatives.
• Serve as the primary contact for the MDS/RAI process; educate staff on documentation standards.

Skills

RN license

MDS knowledge

PDPM understanding

Regulatory compliance

Education

Active RN license (LVN accepted where permitted)

Job description

MDS Coordinator (Skilled Nursing Facility)

About the Role

We are seeking a detail‑oriented and knowledgeable MDS Coordinator to manage and oversee the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process in our skilled nursing facility. This role ensures accurate assessments, compliance with regulatory guidelines, and supports optimal reimbursement under PDPM.

If you're an RN (or LVN, where permitted) with strong assessment and documentation skills, we’d love to speak with you.

Responsibilities

Assessment & Documentation

• Complete and coordinate MDS assessments in accordance with CMS RAI guidelines.

• Ensure accuracy of all assessments, care plans, and supporting documentation.

• Conduct resident interviews (BIMS, PHQ‑9, preference assessments).

• Validate clinical information with nursing, therapy, social services, and other departments.

PDPM & Reimbursement

• Ensure accurate diagnosis coding and PDPM classification.

• Review clinical documentation to support skilled services and reimbursement needs.

• Collaborate with therapy and nursing to verify ADLs, functional scores, and care needs.

• Monitor reimbursement accuracy and identify improvement opportunities.

Care Planning

• Develop, update, and maintain individualized resident care plans.

• Lead interdisciplinary care plan meetings and involve residents/families.

• Ensure care plans reflect accurate goals, preferences, and medical needs.

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with state and federal SNF regulations.

• Ensure timely completion and submission of MDS assessments.

• Assist with surveys, audits, and quality reviews.

• Participate actively in QAPI initiatives.

Team Collaboration

• Serve as the primary contact for the MDS/RAI process.

• Communicate assessment schedules and deadlines to all departments.

• Educate staff on documentation standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Active RN license (LVN also accepted).

• Experience in skilled nursing or long‑term care.

• Strong understanding of MDS 3.0, RAI guidelines, and PDPM.

Preferred

• RAC‑CT or RAC‑CTA certification.

• Experience with ICD‑10 coding and care plan development.

• Familiarity with long‑term care EMRs (e.g., PointClickCare).

• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills.