Workers' Compensation Specialist I



Workers' Compensation Specialist I

Salary

$79,811.47 - $97,009.34 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

22/06-0766-O

Department

Human Resources Department (HRD)

Division

HR - RISK-Disability Ins ISF (9614)

Opening Date

06/07/2022

Closing Date

7/12/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

50

Position Information

Bring your Workers' Compensation program experience to the County of Sonoma and join our team as a Workers' Compensation Specialist!
Starting salary up to $46.48/hourly ($97,009/annually) plus a cash allowance of approximately $600/month*
The Human Resources Department is seeking to fill one (1) full-time vacancy as a Workers' Compensation Specialist. This vacancy may be filled at either the Workers' Compensation Specialist I or Workers' Compensation Specialist II level. Note: If you are interested in applying at the II level, you will need to apply to the separate, concurrent recruitment being conducted for that classification. 
 
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
  • A hybrid telework schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve
  • County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • Annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance up to $1,700 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
  • Deferred compensation with eligibility for a matching program
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
 The Position

The County of Sonoma is seeking a collaborative, customer service-oriented professional to serve as the primary liaison between departments, employees, and the County’s Worker’ Compensation third party administrator (TPA) in the Disability Management Unit.  Reporting to the Disability Programs Manager, the Workers’ Compensation Specialist will monitor claims handling practices to ensure timely action and resolution of workers’ compensation claims. In addition, the position will:
  • Supervise workers’ compensation claims administration and ensure compliance with workers’ compensation claims administration best practices
  • Perform loss and trend analysis of workers’ compensation claims and work with the Safety Unit to evaluate loss control opportunities
  • Coordinate claims reviews with departments and TPA
  • Review settlement requests, seek authority as needed, and recommend a plan of action; schedule settlements for Board action/approval and review required documentation 
  • Liaise with departments to identify reasonable accommodations, temporary transitional duty assignments, and/or county-wide job placement options for injured workers
  • Work closely with Disability Management Analysts to transition cases between workers’ compensation and non-occupational status, as needed
  • Understand and provide direction on leave and accommodation laws and County policies to client departments; participate in and advise on Interactive Process meetings, as needed
  • Engage with employees in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations and advise on access to leave and disability benefits available to the employee
What You Bring

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
  • Passion for risk management
  • Some workers’ compensation claims administration experience
  • Proficiency with data and claims systems
  • Working knowledge of California workers’ compensation laws and ADA/FEHA, FMLA/CRFA accommodation requirements
  • The ability analyze data and identify trends
  • Experience with case management
  • Solid oral, written, and presentation communication skills
  • A collaborative working style focused on problem-solving and an ability to build strong relationships with departments, vendors, HR peers, and management staff
  • Independent judgment, tact, and diplomacy
  • California Insurance Adjuster License and/or California Workers' Compensation Claims Administration Certificate is desirable
About the Department
  
The Human Resources Department has 65 positions and is responsible for managing and administering a variety of programs and services through its' two divisions, Human Resources and Risk Management. The Human Resource Services Division is responsible for employee relations, recruitment and classification, workforce development, employee recognition and commissions, and the human resources management system. The Risk Management/Administration Division is responsible for employee benefits, liability and insurance, workers compensation, disability management, and safety.
 
Under the guidance and leadership of the Human Resources Director, the Department's mission is to provide comprehensive human resources and risk management services, leadership, and guidance that supports organizational effectiveness for an outstanding workforce. Human Resources values collaboration, integrity, customer service, creativity, transparency, and work-life balance.
 
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory.
 
The Civil Service Title for this position is Risk Management Analyst I. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. 

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of course work, training, and/or work experience which clearly demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include the following:

Education: Academic course work in public administration, business administration, accounting, law, economics, safety, industrial engineering, risk management, and/or other related courses. A bachelor's degree related to one of these fields is highly desirable.

Experience: One year of experience working with occupational safety and health programs, workers' compensation, disability management, employee benefits and insurance, casualty insurance, or loss control programs, preferably with a public agency and/or in a risk management program.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: principles and practices, legal statutes, civil procedures, and administrative regulations relating to occupational health and safety, workers' compensation, disability management, liability, employee benefits and insurance, or related programs, and related non-monetary compensation; medical and technical terminology used in individual injury cases; claims adjusting, investigation, and administrative techniques necessary to carry management of claims from initial report to settlement or closure; operations and functions of County government, including budget methods, program analysis, employee relations, and group dynamics; written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition; research methodology, report writing, basic statistics, and actuarial principles and appropriate applications; modern office methods, procedures, and computer applications related to work, including methods of graphical presentation and management of electronic database systems.

Ability to: use judgment and discretion to integrate technical knowledge with interpersonal and communication skills dealing with the public, County management personnel, employees, attorneys, medical providers, and others in a manner consistent with the policies, practices, and procedures of the organization; research, understand, interpret, and apply specific rules, laws, ordinances, and policies to applicable risk management areas such as disability, safety, liability, and benefits; plan and organize research and statistical reports relating to various aspects of risk management, budget, general management matters, accident causation, safety conditions or benefits; evaluate results and recommend corrective measures using principles of inductive and deductive reasoning; and where applicable, effectively present conclusions before advisory and policy bodies; organize, develop, and prepare claims for assignment to counsel, trial and pretrial conferences; prepare informational materials, brochures, and newsletters to relate complex regulations and data to employees and officials; organize and develop effective programs for the reduction of occupational hazards and accident prevention; facilitate consensus and negotiate resolution of complex problems involving a variety of claimants, individuals, employee groups, consultants, carriers and service providers; analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action working independently and with either oral or written direction.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: DTS
HR Technician: KC

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*
 
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County paid premium contribution.
 
Cash AllowanceIn addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.
 
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
 
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • Association of Workers' Compensation Professionals
  • California Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters
  • California State Association of Counties (CSAC)
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • International Public Management Association for Human Resources
  • International Public Management Association for Human Resources - Western Region
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Municipal Management Association of Northern California
  • National Association of Counties (NACo)
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Start Here!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
  • North Bay Workers' Compensation Association
  • Professional Association of Sonoma County
02
For this question, and all subsequent questions, please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.

Please summarize/describe your education, training, and work experience that demonstrates you possess the minimum qualifications and necessary knowledge, skills, and experience, as described in this job announcement, to be a Workers' Compensation Specialist. Highlight direct experience in the workers' compensation administration field and indicate if this was at a public agency.

03
Please describe a complex workers' compensation claim case you handled. Describe the case, your role, your approach to addressing the case, challenges you overcame, and the outcome.
04
The Workers' Compensation Specialist will also be performing leave management coordination with departments. Please describe any experience you have with leave management and your role in the process. Highlight experience related to permanent or temporary accommodation process for employees.
05
This recruitment is being conducted to fill vacancies for Full-Time positions. However, opportunities often arise for Extra-Help (temporary positions that do not qualify for benefits available to regular employees) and/or Part-Time positions. Please indicate below if you would be interested in being considered for either of these types of positions.
  • Yes, I would be interested in an Extra-Help position
  • Yes, I would be interested in a Part-Time position
06
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331