Workers' Compensation MediatorArbitrator/Dispute Prevention Resolution Specialist

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. The primary work location for this position is 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN. Employees living within 50 miles of the primary work location will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees that live in Minnesota and are more than 50 miles from the primary work location may be eligible for more than 50% telework with agency approval. Employees may reside outside of the state of Minnesota if they live in a bordering state and are within 50 miles of the primary work location.

About the role

This position will participate as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution unit team responsible for providing proactive assistance and education in dispute prevention and resolution. Work primarily involves conducting administrative conferences, analyzing complex workers' compensation issues, certifying disputes regarding medical and vocational rehabilitation benefits, educating customers regarding effective dispute resolution strategies, and developing and facilitating mediation sessions. The incumbent intervenes and negotiates legally binding resolutions in a variety of cases, while encouraging early and efficient use of alternative dispute resolution.

Responsibilities

• Conduct administrative conferences and mediation proceedings using mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution practices.
• Analyze complex workers' compensation issues.
• Certify disputes regarding medical and vocational rehabilitation benefits.
• Educate customers on effective dispute resolution strategies.
• Develop and facilitate mediation sessions.
• Intervene and negotiate legally binding resolutions in workers' compensation cases.
• Assist users with questions or issues related to the Work Comp Campus online claims system.
• Evaluate reports regarding progress and lost time on a case-by-case basis using knowledge of medical terminology, conditions, treatment methods, and parameters.
• Assess rehabilitation and/or retraining plans to determine appropriateness.
• Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with different cultures, ethnicities, languages, or experiences.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of professional experience in one or more of the following:
  • Conducting administrative conferences and mediation proceedings using mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution practices, OR
  • Participating as an advocate in administrative conferences and mediation proceedings using mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution practices, OR
  • Medical case management or utilization review of workers’ compensation cases.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with Minnesota workers' compensation law, rules, case law, and policies sufficient to:
  • Answer common questions.
  • Evaluate disputed issues.
  • Apply authorized dispute resolution strategies on any and all workers' compensation disputes.
• Ability to learn and use Work Comp Campus with sufficient skill to provide assistance and guidance to users.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legal terminology and theory for interpreting workers' compensation statutes, rules, case law, and policies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, conditions, treatment methods, and parameters to evaluate medical reports.
• Knowledge of rehabilitation and/or retraining plans to assess progress and appropriateness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (preferred).
• Graduation from an accredited law school (preferred).
• Workers' Compensation litigation experience (preferred).
• Language skills other than English (such as Somali, Spanish, Hmong, Karen, or ASL) (preferred).

Additional Requirements

All final candidates must submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may include: SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Criminal History Check, Driver’s License Check, Social Security and Address Verification, Conflict of Interest Review, and Education/License Verification.

Pay

$37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually

Schedule

• Full-time, unlimited (regular) position.
• Work Shift: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.
• No travel required.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF.
• Diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan that provides income after working at least three years.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources promoting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily Living/Convenience Services, including chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care.

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.