OIEC - Early Assistance Advocate for Injured Employees (Ombudsman I) - Houston East

About the role

The Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) is seeking an Early Assistance Advocate (Ombudsman I) to work with senior Ombudsmen who advocate, assist, and educate injured employees of Texas. The Early Assistance Advocate will utilize early intervention strategies to assist injured employees prior to hearings.

Responsibilities

• Assists the injured employee one-on-one
• Answers questions from the injured employee
• Reviews claims for medical and income benefits
• Studies and analyzes the case background on each claim
• Gathers and evaluates information (including medical records and letters from doctors)
• Prepares and responds to requests for Designated Doctor examinations
• Evaluates and implements strategies to resolve a claim early
• Reports and refers complaints
• Tracks and provides information and claim status
• Contacts insurance carriers and medical providers to identify and resolve disputes
• Provides assistance in filing claims; assists with 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 with two years of experience working for the Office of Injured Employee Counsel
• If holding a current law license, must surrender it upon hire
• Candidate must reside in Texas or be able to relocate to Texas by the start date
• OIEC does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Demonstrated skill in assisting the public, conflict resolution, handling and solving problems, report writing, and records maintenance
• Interpreting and explaining laws and regulations, data entry and retrieval, customer service, use of correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• The ability to manage multiple, competing priorities, establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups, including injured employees and fellow staff members, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with all levels of employees and the public

Required Documents

• Veteran: DD Form 214
• Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried: Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation
• Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty: Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation
• Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty: Marriage Certificate and copy of spouse's active-duty military orders
• Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household: Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD Form 214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating

Equal Employment Opportunity

OIEC does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or in the provision of services. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be directed to OIECHR@oiec.texas.gov.