Manager, Workers' Compensation

DriveTime•Tempe, AZ

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Workers' Compensation Manager is responsible for overseeing the organization's workers' compensation program, ensuring injured employees receive appropriate support and benefits while managing claims, reducing costs, maintaining regulatory compliance, and driving return-to-work initiatives. This role works closely with employees, healthcare providers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, legal teams, and leadership to ensure claims are handled efficiently and in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.

Requirements

5+ years of experience managing workers' compensation claims, workers' compensation programs, risk management, employee health, or a related field.
Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
Strong knowledge of workers' compensation regulations, claims management practices, and return-to-work programs.
Experience partnering with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
Knowledge of OSHA reporting requirements and workplace injury management practices.
Experience interpreting and applying relevant employment and workers' compensation laws.
Proficiency with claims management systems, HRIS platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to analyze claims data, identify trends, and present recommendations to leadership.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive situations.
High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to employee support and service.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Analytical approach to decision-making and risk management.
Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented attitude.
Comfortable influencing stakeholders and driving process improvements.

Nice To Haves

Certified Workers' Compensation Professional (CWCP), Associate in Claims (AIC), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), or similar professional certification.
Experience supporting a multi-state workforce.
Background in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, retail, construction, transportation, or other high-volume workers' compensation environments.
Experience leading program enhancements, vendor management, or cost-containment initiatives.
Knowledge of leave management programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, and disability claims administration.

Responsibilities

Managing all aspects of workers' compensation claims from injury reporting through claim closure.
Serving as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators (TPAs), medical providers, and legal counsel.
Monitoring and reviewing open claims to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost containment.
Investigating workplace injuries and collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate documentation.
Developing and maintaining return-to-work, incident reporting, and claim management programs designed to improve outcomes, reduce claim duration, and control total cost of risk (TCOR).
Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local workers' compensation laws and regulations.
Analyzing claims data and preparing reports on claim activity, costs, trends, and program effectiveness.
Partnering with Safety, HR, Operations, and Legal teams to mitigate risks and improve workplace safety initiatives.
Working with insurance providers and TPAs to ensure claims are handled appropriately and reserves are properly managed.
Developing and maintaining workers' compensation policies, procedures, and best practices.
Providing guidance and training to leaders and employees regarding workers' compensation processes and responsibilities.
Overseeing third-party administrator (TPA) performance through audits, service level monitoring, claim reviews, and governance processes to ensure contractual and operational expectations are met.
Directing claim strategy on complex, litigated, and high-exposure claims, including collaboration with defense counsel, settlement evaluation, mediation preparation, and authority recommendations.
Recommending strategies to reduce claim frequency, severity, and overall program costs.
Maintaining accurate records and ensuring confidentiality of employees and claim information.