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

About the role

The Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) is hiring for an Early Assistance Advocate (Ombudsman I) position in Weslaco. This role works with senior Ombudsmen to assist injured employees with their Texas workers' compensation claims.

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

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Demonstrated skill in assisting the public, conflict resolution, handling and solving problems, report writing, and records maintenance
• Interpretation and explanation of laws and regulations, data entry and retrieval, customer service, use of correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Management of multiple, competing priorities, establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships, communication skills (both verbal and written)

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 (state pays other 50%)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

Pay

Salary range: $40,000 - $50,000 annually

Schedule

Full-time position, 40 hours per week

Required Documents

• Complete Employment history (month and year), including job title, name of employer, manager's name and phone number
• Duties and responsibilities
• Educational Certifications
• Licenses
• Supplemental questions