Minimum Date Set (MDS) Nurse

Peaks Healthcare; Deming (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

PTO

401(k)

Care Cash Program

Continuing education opportunities

Job summary

Luna Rehabilitation & Care Center in Roswell, NM seeks an experienced MDS Coordinator to lead the MDS process, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize reimbursement through accurate documentation and care planning.

You will collaborate with nursing leadership, therapy, social services, and dietary teams to develop resident-centered care plans and maintain ARD scheduling, while staying current on CMS requirements and RAI updates.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program and licensed in NM (RN or LPN).
• MDS experience in skilled nursing or LTAC preferred.
• Strong knowledge of CMS regulations, RAI Manual, PDPM, and Medicare reimbursement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive MDS assessments per CMS/state/facility requirements.
• Coordinate completion/submission of MDS within regulatory timelines.
• Establish ARDs and manage MDS scheduling.
• Develop, coordinate and update resident care plans based on assessments.
• Collaborate with nursing, therapy, dietary, social services, and interdisciplinary teams to reflect resident needs in care plans.
• Monitor resident changes and update MDS modifications and care plans accordingly.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation to support reimbursement, quality measures, and compliance.
• Submit MDS data to CMS/state databases per Federal requirements.
• Review records to ensure CMS standard compliance and consistency in care plans.
• Assist with Medicare Part A/PDPM documentation, diagnosis validation, and reimbursement optimization.
• Participate in QAPI initiatives and monitor quality measures for improvements.
• Educate nursing staff on MDS processes, documentation standards, and care planning.
• Stay current on RAI updates, CMS regs, reimbursement methods, and best practices.
• Assist with survey preparation and regulatory compliance efforts.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

RN or LPN license NM

Tools

EMR systems

MDS software

Job description

DESCRIPTION

Why Join Luna Rehabilitation & Care Center?

At Luna Rehabilitation & Care Center, joining our team means more than accepting a position—it means becoming part of an organization that values your expertise, supports your professional growth, and recognizes the meaningful impact you make every day.

• Supportive, team-oriented environment
• Opportunities for advancement and career development
• Leadership that values and listens to staff
• Meaningful work where you truly make a difference

Position Overview (MDS Coordinator)

Luna Rehabilitation & Care Center is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented MDS Coordinator to join our clinical leadership team. In this role, you will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process, ensuring accurate and timely completion of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, care planning, regulatory compliance, and reimbursement optimization.

The MDS Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting resident outcomes, maintaining compliance with CMS regulations, and ensuring accurate clinical documentation that reflects the care needs of each resident. This position works closely with nursing leadership, therapy, social services, dietary, and interdisciplinary team members to promote exceptional resident-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive MDS assessments in accordance with CMS, state, and facility requirements
• Coordinate the completion and submission of all MDS assessments within required regulatory timelines
• Establish Assessment Reference Dates (ARDs) and manage the MDS scheduling process
• Develop, coordinate, and update individualized resident care plans based on assessment findings
• Collaborate with nursing, therapy, dietary, social services, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure care plans accurately reflect resident needs
• Monitor resident condition changes and ensure appropriate MDS modifications and care plan updates are completed
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation to support reimbursement, quality measures, and regulatory compliance
• Submit MDS data to CMS and state databases in accordance with federal requirements
• Review resident records and care plans to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with CMS standards
• Assist with Medicare Part A and PDPM documentation, diagnosis validation, and reimbursement optimization
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives
• Monitor quality measures and identify opportunities for clinical and operational improvement
• Provide education and training to nursing staff regarding MDS processes, documentation standards, and care planning requirements
• Remain current on RAI Manual updates, CMS regulations, reimbursement methodologies, and industry best practices
• Assist with survey preparation and support regulatory compliance efforts

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program with a current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in good standing in the State of New Mexico
• Previous MDS experience in a skilled nursing or long-term care setting preferred
• Strong knowledge of CMS regulations, RAI Manual requirements, PDPM methodology, and Medicare reimbursement processes
• Experience with care plan development and interdisciplinary care coordination
• Understanding of Quality Measures (QMs), Five-Star Quality Rating Systems, and regulatory compliance standards
• Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and MDS software platforms
• Commitment to providing high-quality, resident-centered care and maintaining regulatory excellence

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k)
• Care Cash Program
• Referral Bonus Program
• Continuing education opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

Grow With Us

At Luna Rehabilitation & Care Center, we are committed to developing healthcare professionals and clinical leaders. Whether you are an experienced MDS professional or seeking to expand your expertise in reimbursement and regulatory compliance, we provide opportunities for continued growth and advancement.

About Us

Luna Rehabilitation & Care Center proudly serves the Roswell, New Mexico community by providing exceptional skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care services. Our mission is rooted in compassion, dignity, and excellence as we strive to improve the quality of life for every resident we serve.

We foster a workplace culture where employees are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed—professionally and personally.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Luna Rehabilitation & Care Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Luna Rehabilitation & Care Center is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants requiring assistance should contact Human Resources.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods
• Ability to review clinical records, assessments, and documentation with accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to participate in resident assessments, care conferences, and interdisciplinary meetings
• Ability to respond promptly to clinical, regulatory, and operational needs
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport materials or equipment up to 25 pounds as needed