POSITION:
The MDS Assistant is responsible to provide support to the MDS Coordinator in the entering of data for the MDS. This position is accountable for the completion of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) in accordance with state and federal regulations.
REPORTING:
This position reports to the MDS Coordinator.
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Has a working knowledge of Case-Mix and RUGS concepts of Records and updates Minimum Data Set information under the supervision and instruction of the MDS Coordinator
- Assists the MDS Coordinator with the timely and accurate completion of the MDS, and completes nursing care plans as assigned
- Participates in the development of care plans according to current RAI guidelines and regulatory time frames
- Coordinates and assures completion of supporting documentation related to assessments and care plans according to established criteria and nursing policies
- Conducts on-going chart audits to confirm documentation is complete
- Keys information into computer systems, including EMR
- Maintain assessment schedules to assure timely completion of minimum data sets
- May attend Interdisciplinary Care Plan meetings
- Communicates with residents or their representatives during care plan review
- Communicates effectively with all disciplines and departments regarding resident needs
- Audits clinical records for proper notification of doctors and families, and performs notification if assigned
- Maintain schedules for timely submission of minimum data sets to state agency
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions
- Demonstrate competency in the protection and promotion of resident rights
- Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information
- Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property
- Must be able to key information into computer systems
- Working knowledge of reimbursement sources (i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, HMO, Private, and Hospice) and the relationship to the Admission Process
- Working knowledge of the admission criteria and coverage guidelines for the various payer sources
- Working knowledge of the RAI (MDS) assessment process
- Demonstrate satisfactory level of interpersonal skill to interact with facility administration, facility and government agencies, and interdisciplinary staff
- Carry out duties in accord with the facility mission and philosophy
- Working knowledge of HIPAA Regulations and appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information
- Knowledge of emergency and disaster procedures of facility, including ability to locate nearest exit, to understand and respond to written or oral instruction in case of emergency
- Sufficient mobility, and strength to move freely through the building, to assure resident safety at all times and to assist, transfer or otherwise move residents of facility out of danger in case of emergency
- Demonstrate respect for co—workers and respond to needs of residents by complying with facility policies on attendance and punctuality and dress code
- Working knowledge and ability to comply with facility policies and procedures for workplace safety including infection control procedures, application of universal precautions for blood borne pathogens, use of personal protective equipment and handling of hazardous materials
- Demonstrate ability to prioritize responsibilities and complete projects within allotted time
- Able to respond to change productively and to handle additional projects as delegated
- Able to carry out the essential functions of this job (with or without reasonable accommodation) without posing specific, current risk of substantial harm to health and safety of self and others
- Perform other duties as may be assigned
PHYSICAL CAPACITIES: (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)
- Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
- Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
- Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which includes an annual TB screening and physical examination.
- Must be able to stand for and walk for periods of time.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Inside work, normal temperatures, some noise, occasional fumes/odors, chemical exposure and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
This job cannot be performed without exposure to the stresses associated with an intimate, 24 hour skilled care environment that delivers care and services primarily to disabled and cognitively impaired residents in an aging population. Examples of these stresses include, but are not limited to: emergency health or safety response, weekend and holiday duty, unusual or impaired behavior by residents, family reactions to having a loved one in a nursing home, death and dying, oversight of state surveyors, ombudsmen and federal officials, presence of consultants and attorneys, and variable involvement of medical staff.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent
License:
Not required, but preferred
Work Experience:
- At least 1 year experience in long term geriatric nursing care
- Some clerical and data entry experience is preferred
Language Skills:
- Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language.
Mathematical Skills:
- Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.
Communication Skills:
- Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills, and be empathetic.
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and agencies.