Workers Compensation Program Specialist Senior

Job Description Under general guidance, the Senior Workers’ Compensation Program Specialist leads the implementation and administration of OCTA’s workers’ compensation claims program and provides oversight of the agency’s third-party administrator (TPA). Serving as an organizational subject matter expert, this role develops program strategies, policies, performance measures, and cost-containment initiatives while ensuring compliance with applicable workers’ compensation laws and requirements. This position combines advanced claims expertise, data analytics, financial oversight, technology, and strategic relationship management to improve outcomes for injured employees and strengthen OCTA’s workers’ compensation program. This is an exempt position in salary grade 195: Min – $91,852.80 | Mid – $109,137.60 | Max – $126,401.60/year. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected. What You’ll Do Serve as an organizational expert on workers’ compensation policies, laws, practices, and regulatory requirementsDevelop and implement workers’ compensation program goals, objectives, policies, and advanced cost-containment strategiesProvide strategic oversight of the workers’ compensation TPA, including performance reviews and audits designed to optimize claims outcomesManage complex and high-stakes claims, settlements, employer-level investigations, and regulatory mattersLead initiatives such as the Transitional Work Program and identify opportunities to improve program effectiveness and efficiencyDevelop key performance indicators (KPIs), benchmarks, and data analytics to evaluate program performance, identify injury trends, and reduce costsLead financial analyses and reporting, including cost-benefit analyses, reconciliation improvements, and return-on-investment measurementsPrepare and present financial, claims, and program performance reports to executive leadershipSupport the implementation and effective use of claims management technology, including the Origami Claims Management SystemEnsure required Department of Industrial Relations reporting is completed accurately and timelyDevelop and maintain effective partnerships with legal counsel, medical providers, TPAs, and other industry partnersAuthor and communicate policy and program updates to employees, leadership, and other stakeholdersAdvise employees on workers’ compensation matters and champion timely, effective support for injured employeesMentor and coach team members and stakeholders to strengthen workers’ compensation knowledge and promote continuous improvementRepresent OCTA on workers’ compensation matters at meetings, audits, presentations, and external forumsSupport safety initiatives and related training activities as needed What We’re Looking For Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experienceMinimum of five years of workers’ compensation claims experienceState of California Self-Insured Certificate requiredAdvanced knowledge of workers’ compensation laws, claims practices, policies, and regulatory requirementsExperience overseeing third-party claims administrators and working with legal counsel, medical providers, and other business partnersDemonstrated ability to manage complex claims and high-stakes workers’ compensation mattersStrong analytical skills with the ability to use claims and financial data to identify trends, evaluate performance, and recommend solutionsExperience developing KPIs, performance measures, reports, and cost-containment strategiesStrong problem-solving skills and a solutions-oriented approach to complex claims and program challengesExcellent written, verbal, presentation, and relationship-building skillsAbility to lead initiatives, influence stakeholders, and mentor others without direct supervisory authorityExperience with claims management technology, such as Origami, is valuable for success in this role Why You’ll Love It Here Serve as a subject matter expert and help shape the direction of OCTA’s workers’ compensation programMake a meaningful impact by improving outcomes and supporting injured employeesUse data, technology, and analytics to drive smarter claims management and cost-containment strategiesLead program improvements and initiatives that enhance efficiency and organizational performanceCollaborate with executive leadership, legal counsel, medical providers, TPAs, and professionals across the agencyApply your expertise to complex, high-impact workers’ compensation challenges in a mission-driven public transportation organization Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued. Apply now to help advance OCTA’s workers’ compensation program and deliver effective, employee-focused solutions that support our workforce. OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.