Nurse Specialist - Fully Remote in the US

About the Role

The Nurse Specialist utilizes nursing knowledge and clinical judgement to review client employee examinations, testing, and questionnaires in consultation with WorkCare Physicians. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry standards to determine an employee’s ability to perform essential job functions. Additionally, the Nurse Specialist provides support for case management and return-to-work programs.

Responsibilities

• Exam Review
  • Provide professional nursing review of occupational health records, including medical surveillance exams, laboratory test results, health questionnaires, and medication reviews to determine if an employee is cleared to work.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of all reviews and actions taken.
  • Escalate cases to WorkCare Physician for review, guidance, recommendations, and clearance as needed.
  • Identify potential health concerns, inconsistencies, or missing information and take appropriate follow-up actions.
  • Collaborate with clients to clarify medical documentation and testing requirements.
  • Provide guidance to employees regarding additional tests or follow-ups needed.
  • Respond to client and employee inquiries professionally and promptly.
  • Stay updated on relevant occupational health standards and regulations.
• Case Management/Return to Work
  • Facilitate timely case management with a focus on safe employee return-to-work and maximum functionality.
  • Provide communication, coordination, and education to optimize outcomes across health, disability, workers’ compensation, and work-life issues.
  • Initiate contact with employees, employers, providers, and other stakeholders (3-point contact) upon assignment.
  • Maintain communication with adjusters/TPA/employers through calls, emails, and written reports.
  • Act as a liaison with clients for return-to-work accommodations/limitations until full release.
  • Coordinate return-to-work exams, drug testing, and fit-for-duty exams per client or DOT guidelines.
  • Work with the client’s medical team or WorkCare’s medical oversight for return-to-work needs.
  • Understand and respect the limits of decision-making authority delegated by adjusters/TPA/employers.
  • Keep adjusters/TPA/employers updated on case activity and secure authorization for services.
  • Provide weekly updates to stakeholders on the status of open cases.
  • Monitor and oversee employee care, including doctor’s visits, therapy sessions, and return-to-work progress.
  • Contact employees absent due to non-occupational injury or illness and monitor light-duty assignments.
  • Provide job descriptions to employees’ physicians to determine return-to-work readiness and clearance.
  • Assist in interpreting medical documentation to support accommodations/restrictions and consult with WorkCare Physician as needed.
  • Follow up with employees’ primary care physicians or workers’ compensation physicians for clarification.
  • Obtain release of information to access medical records when required.
• Leave Management and Accommodations
  • Process leave of absence requests, guiding employees through the leave process according to policies, procedures, and laws.
  • Collaborate with the Benefits Team to track leave time and provide timely responses to employees and management.
  • Facilitate return-to-work, fitness-for-duty, family medical leave requests, transitional duty, reasonable accommodations, and ergonomic risk reduction programs.
  • Assist in scheduling required medical examinations (e.g., fitness-for-duty, return-to-work, FMLA second/third opinion exams).
  • Interpret medical documentation to support medical accommodations or FMLA requests, consulting WorkCare Physician when necessary.
  • Interpret guidelines including OSHA rules, medical policies, employer policies, DOT regulations, HIPAA, FMLA, and STD/LTD benefits.
• Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as identified by the supervisor for efficient operation.

Requirements

• Education and Experience
  • Associate’s degree or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Active RN or LPN license required.
  • Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience.
  • Experience in occupational health nursing preferred.
  • Certification in Occupational Health is a plus.
• Skills and Competencies
  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
  • Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
  • Demonstrated cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and clients.
  • Strong time management, organizational, and follow-through skills.
  • Ability to meet and exceed daily and weekly performance goals.
  • Ability to work independently and assist team members as needed.
  • Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Computer Skills
  • Competency in Windows operating system, Adobe Professional, and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to learn other software as needed.
• Physical Demands
  • Requires sitting for long periods, working at a desk, and using a computer/phone.
  • Some bending, stretching, and manual dexterity for computer use.
  • Occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
  • May occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
  • Work environment must be free from background noise and distraction, with controlled temperature.

Pay

This position has an hourly pay range of $35.00 - $45.00 per hour. Final compensation depends on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, vision, and critical illness insurance.
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401K retirement plan.
• Legal and identity theft coverage.
• Pet insurance.