Position Overview
The Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea is seeking an experienced and dedicated Clinical Nurse Coordinator - MDS to join our clinical leadership team. This key position is responsible for the overall coordination, management, and oversight of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) program and resident assessment process.

The Clinical Nurse Coordinator - MDS serves as the facility's subject matter expert for MDS, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of assessments and documentation. The incumbent evaluates MDS-related activities across all disciplines and all shifts, monitors regulatory compliance, and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary team members to support quality resident care and accurate reimbursement.

In this role, you will coordinate the implementation of individualized care plans developed by the interdisciplinary team, collaborate with healthcare professionals across the organization, and provide leadership in the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of resident care services. This position plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with CMS, VA, and state regulatory requirements while supporting the Home's mission of delivering exceptional care to Massachusetts veterans.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary departments to ensure all Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments and related documentation are completed accurately and within required timelines.
• Maintain the accuracy and currency of the Facility Matrix (CMS-802) and other required regulatory reporting tools.
• Provide education and training to staff regarding the MDS process, regulatory requirements, documentation standards, and compliance expectations.
• Conduct routine audits, monitor compliance, collect performance data, and prepare reports related to MDS processes and outcomes.
• Coordinate and manage the MDS assessment schedule, working closely with Nursing, Social Work, and other departments to ensure timely completion of assessments.
• Serve as the facility's primary MDS resource and subject matter expert for all departments involved in the resident assessment process.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the Prospective Payment System (PPS), Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), and assessment-combining strategies, while providing education and support to staff as needed.
• Orient, educate, and mentor newly hired Registered Nurses on MDS processes, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Educate ancillary departments and healthcare providers on documentation practices that support MDS accuracy and appropriate reimbursement.
• Audit MDS assessments, related assessment tools, and quarterly summaries to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance across all shifts.
• Schedule, complete, submit, and track MDS assessments in accordance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations and established deadlines.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings, collaborating with rehabilitation services, dietary services, social work, nursing, and providers to develop and update individualized resident care plans.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and accurate coding practices, including PDPM, to support quality care and appropriate reimbursement.
• Monitor resident status, follow up on care needs, and communicate effectively with residents, families, and caregivers regarding care plans, treatment goals, and changes in condition.
• Transmit assessment and resident data in accordance with Veterans Affairs (VA) and CMS requirements and reporting standards.
• Assist with veteran admissions and readmissions as assigned.
• Support Nursing and Social Work in the scheduling, planning, and coordination of interdisciplinary care conferences, including participant notification and documentation.
• Oversee compliance with quarterly summaries, significant change assessments, and associated clinical assessment tools, including but not limited to Norton Scale assessments, fall risk assessments, smoking risk assessments, and wandering risk assessments.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver in-service education programs and staff development initiatives.
• Maintain Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) data, analyze trends, and present findings and recommendations at least quarterly.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and performance metrics for leadership to support operational and clinical decision-making.
• Keep interdisciplinary team members informed of updates to the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual and regulatory changes affecting documentation and assessment practices.
• Complete employee performance evaluations for direct-report staff in accordance with organizational policies.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, mentorship, and performance management for assigned staff.
• Participate in facility committees, quality initiatives, and clinical workgroups as assigned.
• Maintain professional competency and licensure through ongoing education, workshops, conferences, seminars, and participation in staff meetings.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support facility operations and resident care excellence.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. RAC-CT with at least one (1) year of experience in MDS;
2. Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing;
3. Current CPR certification.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a nursing leadership role and/or progress toward a graduate degree in Nursing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current MDS requirements and regulations impacting nursing practice, with the ability to stay informed of ongoing changes.
• Experience applying evidence-based practice principles and translating research into clinical care and operational improvements.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance requirements, including CMS standards and related healthcare regulations.
• Expert knowledge of geriatric nursing and age-specific care for older adults.
• Advanced clinical assessment skills and strong understanding of pathophysiology related to both acute and chronic conditions affecting geriatric and Veteran populations.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, and clinical decision-making abilities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Proficiency with healthcare technology and electronic medical record (EMR) systems, with the ability to effectively leverage technology to support patient care and operations.
• Proven ability to educate, coach, and mentor nursing staff and interdisciplinary team members.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively manage conflict, build collaborative relationships, and work across multidisciplinary care teams.
• Advanced knowledge of the nursing process, individualized care planning, quality improvement, and change management principles.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including professional verbal and written communication, critical thinking, conflict resolution, sound judgment, and effective decision-making.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position working Monday through Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm
Note: This is a 24 hour/7 days a week long-term care facility, and as a result, the MVH at Chelsea may require this individual to be present during nontraditional hours when circumstances dictate the operational need.

Qualifications:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic or medical facility and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory, administrative or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.* No substitutions will be allowed for the required (B) experience.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS IN SERIES: Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.*

*Recent graduates from an approved school of nursing must have applied for the first available registered nurse examination. Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.

For BU and MI-MIV

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!