Return to Work Specialist (C)

Long Beach Unified School District•Long Beach, CA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, perform a variety of specialized and confidential duties in support of the District's Return to Work program to facilitate the early return to work of employees; prepare a variety records and reports related to assigned activities; perform related duties as assigned. The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.

Requirements

Knowledge of methods, practices and procedures used in Return to Work programs.
Knowledge of principles of disability management.
Knowledge of regulatory agencies governing workers' compensation insurance.
Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
Knowledge of Workers' Compensation benefit systems.
Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation and related practices.
Knowledge of District policies and procedures relating to processing Workers' Compensation claims.
Knowledge of legal and medical terminology related to Workers' Compensation and federal regulations.
Knowledge of research methods and report writing techniques.
Knowledge of record-keeping techniques.
Knowledge of public speaking techniques.
Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Knowledge of oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Knowledge of operation of a computer and assigned software.
Ability to coordinate and implement the District's Return to Work program to facilitate the early return to work of employees.
Ability to interpret, apply and explain applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations.
Ability to explain Workers' Compensation coverage and benefits to employees.
Ability to establish and maintain comprehensive records and prepare reports.
Ability to analyze facts, information and data.
Ability to understand and work within scope of authority.
Ability to compose written correspondence independently.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
Ability to plan and organize work.
Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
Ability to work independently with little direction.
Ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations.
Bachelor's degree including coursework in Workers' Compensation or a closely related field.
Two years of experience involving the implementation of Return to Work or Workers' Compensation programs.
Any other combination of training and experience that could likely provide the desired skills, knowledge or abilities may be considered.
Positions in this classification require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Certified Return to Work Coordinator is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and implement the District's Return to Work program to facilitate the early return to work of employees; assure compliance with applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations; maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
Analyze circumstances of claims, injury records and medical evaluations; assure prompt delivery of medical and financial services and the return of injured workers to safe and productive employment as soon as possible.
Consult with medical professionals regarding employee injuries, medical treatments, disability management, therapy requirements, length of recuperation, work restrictions and special accommodations to assist employees return to work.
Develop individual employee return to work plans; arrange for appropriate medical, vocation and work capacity assessments; schedule Americans with Disabilities (ADA) meetings with employees; identify other support services that may assist employees including counseling and community organizations.
Serve as a District point of contact for accommodation efforts in cases involving occupational injury; assure job search is conducted, light duty identified and various avenues of placement are explored.
Confer with appropriate departments to find suitable positions within doctor restrictions; identify limited or light duty transitional positions and alternate duties for employees who can work while recovering under a physician's care; obtain necessary medical data to make decisions regarding return-to-work and placement.
Assure elements of individual employee plans are in place such as specialized equipment, assistive technology and other job modifications; track employee placements and monitor employee activities to assess progress and assure compliance with Return to Work restrictions.
Communicate with District personnel, rehabilitation counselors, Third Party Administrators, claims examiners, attorneys, investigators, medical personnel and other outside agencies to exchange information, resolve issues or concerns and coordinate activities.
Develop a variety of narrative and statistical reports; evaluate program costs and trends and the overall effectiveness of program operations; prepare reports regarding workers' compensation issues for use in collective bargaining activities.
Establish and maintain a variety of auditable records and files related to assigned activities; purge records and files in accordance with established procedures and regulations.
Compose a variety of correspondence including forms, letters, memoranda, special projects, legal documents and other materials; develop a Return to Work program manual for District-wide distribution.
Conduct Return to Work trainings and workshops for District employees to enhance the quality and visibility of the District's Return to Work program.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software; drive a vehicle to visit sites and employees.
Attend a variety of meetings and conferences to maintain current knowledge of current legislation regarding Workers' Compensation and Return to Work issues; prepare and deliver oral presentations as requested; represent the District at employee disciplinary and grievance hearings as necessary.
Train and provide work direction and guidance to technical and clerical personnel as assigned.
Provide assistance in other areas of Workers' Compensation division operations and activities as needed.