Workers' Compensation Coordinator

About the role

The Workers' Compensation Coordinator ensures the timely processing of workers’ compensation claims; corresponds with medical and legal professionals to resolve claims issues; and manages the disciplines of Workers’ Compensation, Light Duty Program, Modified Duty Program, and the 56 Hour Alternate Assignment Position Program.

Responsibilities

• Manages the processing of workers’ compensation claims and reports.
• Coincides with the Third-Party Administrator who administers claims for injured workers; provides information to assist in the investigation of claims.
• Manages and administers the District’s Light Duty Program, Modified Duty Program, and the 56 Hour Alternate Assignment Position Program as part of the return-to-work process.
• Aids in monitoring the workers’ compensation Third Party Administrator contract, and assures compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract.
• Maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders including, but not limited to: Human Resources, Operations, Safety, Legal, Litigation, and Third-Party Administrators.
• Plans, coordinates and conducts highly sensitive workers’ compensation assignments or projects and prepares reports or findings and recommends solutions.
• Advises employees and supervisors regarding proper procedures for reporting and handling work related injuries; explains workers’ compensation benefits and processes.
• Advises employees and supervisors on the status of their claim.
• Assists in the authorization process of acceptance, delay, or denial of workers’ compensation benefits.
• Prepares correspondence and reports to State agencies, attorneys, doctors, injured workers and others regarding workers’ compensation matters.
• Advises and assists division managers, supervisors, and employees on preparing and filing workers’ compensation forms; Form 5020, DWC 1, IIPP Form, Sprain Strain Review Form.
• Provides technical support in the maintenance, implementation and use of the District’s Human Resources ERP ensuring all employee information is accurate and up to date.
• Researches, interprets and applies various laws, rules, and labor code sections applicable to workers’ compensation, while including District policies, processes, procedures, MOUs and resolutions.
• Assists with the development and maintenance of District policies. Evaluates and interprets District policies and procedures and formulates improvements.
• Develops and conducts workers’ compensation training for managers, supervisors and employees. Develops training and reference materials for presentations.
• Assists in preparing the departmental budget and controlling expenditures; coordinates the processing of purchasing documents.
• Assists with claim data analytics, including benchmarking and industry trends, in order to establish area for change
• Analyzes, identifies and implements process efficiencies and automate opportunities with risk management and third-party providers.
• Ensures robust control processes and compliance, including governance of vendors and service providers.
• Manages filing system, maintains the security of confidential files as required.
• Represents the District in discussions with management, employees, and representatives of employee organizations.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, and memorandums.
• May supervise subordinate staff.

Requirements

• Age: Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Education and Experience:
  • Required: 1. Associate's Degree in Business Administration, Public Safety Administration, or a closely related field. 2. Two (2) years of experience that would require the application of the general and specialized knowledge and abilities listed as minimum qualifications.
  • Desirable: 1. Experience as a Workers’ Compensation representative or equivalent in a fire or other public agency. 2. Bilingual ability.

Qualifications

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and a physical to include a drug screen.

Skills

• Knowledge of workers’ compensation laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and medical and legal professionals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize accordingly.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Retirement - CalPERS retirement: Classic employee 3% @ 60, PEPRA employee 2% @ 62
Health Benefits - CalPERS health insurance - variety of HMO's and PPO's. District contributes 92% of the health plan premium and the employee is responsible for the remaining 8% of the premium for the whole family up to $3,196.40 per month. Lifetime medical vesting.
Dental and vision insurance are also paid by the District.
Life Insurance - $20,000 for the first probationary year and $100,000 thereafter.
Leave
PTO - 12.43 hours per month
Administrative leave - 80 hours / annually
Sick Leave - 17.22 hours per month
Holiday - 12 designated holidays per year
Child Birth Disability Leave - 6 weeks
Incentives
6.5% of base pay for an Associate's Degree
10.5% of base pay for a Bachelor's Degree
Continuing education - 5% of base pay after 24 hours of continuing education hours
Longevity - 2% of base pay starting at 10 years of service