OIEC - Early Assistance Advocate for Injured Emplo

About the role

The Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) is hiring for an Early Assistance Advocate (Ombudsman I) position in Austin. The agency assists, educates, and advocates for injured employees with their Texas workers' compensation claims.

Job Description

An Early Assistance Advocate works with senior Ombudsmen to advocate, assist, and educate injured employees of Texas. The role involves utilizing early intervention strategies to assist injured employees prior to hearings, including one-on-one assistance, answering questions, reviewing claims, and gathering information.

Essential Job Duties

• Edits the injured employee about the workers' compensation dispute process and workers' compensation law/rules
• Advocates for expedient resolution of a claim by assembling evidence needed for insurance carrier determinations and/or in anticipation of benefit proceedings
• Contacts insurance carriers and medical providers to identify and resolve disputes
• Assists with referrals to social services with other state agencies
• Provides assistance in filing claims and obtaining supporting claim documentation from doctors
• Routinely contacts injured employees to provide status updates and discuss upcoming events
• Documents customer contact in computer system
• Answers general customer service questions
• Performs other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university
• One year experience in claims management, insurance, casework, healthcare, social work, law office (paralegal/legal assistant), or workers' compensation
• Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis
• Or graduation from high school or equivalent and two years of experience working for the Office of Injured Employee Counsel

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

This position requires knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as demonstrated skills in assisting the public, conflict resolution, handling and solving problems, report writing, and data entry. The ability to manage multiple priorities, establish effective working relationships, and communicate effectively is also required.

Benefits

• 96 hours of accrued vacation a year
• 96 hours of accrued sick leave a year
• 20+ holidays every year
• Career advancement opportunities
• Free parking
• Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees and 50% off premium costs for dependents
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program