Senior Workers Compensation Program Specialist

S&S Activewear•Lockport, IL

32d•$68,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Workers' Compensation Specialist is an individual contributor and the primary operational lead for administering and coordinating the company's multi-state workers' compensation claims and return-to-work activities. Under the direction of the Workers' Compensation Manager, the role works with Human Resources, Safety, Operations, third-party administrators (TPAs), carriers, medical providers, legal counsel, and team members to support timely claim resolution, effective return-to-work outcomes, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective claim management. The specialist independently manages complex claims, coordinates communication among stakeholders, identifies trends and improvement opportunities, and helps reduce areas of organizational risk and concern. There are no direct reports. The position is salaried, full-time, exempt, and onsite Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Compensation is $68,000–$85,000 based on experience, with 5% bonus potential. The posting describes a professional office environment and use of standard office equipment; it also says the work arrangement may be onsite, remote, or hybrid depending on business needs. S&S Activewear describes a collaborative, inclusive workplace that values employee contributions, growth, and teamwork. The company offers employee apparel discounts, employee appreciation events, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Benefits begin 0–90 days after hire and include vacation, personal, and sick time; medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage; flexible spending accounts; and a 401(k) plan.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Human Resources, Business Administration, Occupational Safety, Insurance, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
5–7 years of progressive workers' compensation experience.
Experience managing or coordinating multi-state workers' compensation claims programs.
Working knowledge of workers' compensation claim handling practices, return-to-work programs, and claim cost-containment strategies.
Experience working with TPAs, insurance carriers, medical providers, and legal counsel.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency and experience preparing reports and dashboards.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in distribution, logistics, transportation, manufacturing, retail, or warehouse operations.
Experience supporting large, multi-location workforces.
Knowledge of OSHA recordkeeping requirements.
Experience with Risk Management Information Systems (RMIS), claim management systems, and HRIS platforms.
Professional certification such as Workers' Compensation Professional (WCP®), Associate in Claims (AIC), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), or Workers' Compensation Insurance Professional (WCIP).

Responsibilities

Manage and oversee the day-to-day administration of multi-state workers' compensation claims and serve as the primary internal contact for claim activity.
Partner with TPAs, carriers, nurse case managers, and medical providers to monitor claim progress and appropriate handling.
Review claim status, reserves, action plans, and settlement recommendations; escalate concerns to the Workers' Compensation Manager as appropriate.
Coordinate workplace injury investigations and ensure timely, accurate claim reporting.
Monitor claims for compliance with company standards, state regulations, and service expectations; assist with complex, litigated, and high-exposure claims.
Coordinate return-to-work and transitional-duty programs across the organization.
Work with Human Resources, managers, Safety, and healthcare providers to facilitate early and safe return-to-work opportunities.
Track work-status restrictions and accommodations, monitor modified-duty assignments, identify barriers to return-to-work outcomes, and recommend solutions.
Support compliance with applicable leave and accommodation programs as needed.
Build and maintain working relationships with TPAs, carriers, medical providers, legal counsel, and other program partners.
Facilitate communication among employees, managers, Human Resources, Safety, and Operations; respond to escalated workers' compensation questions and issues.
Participate in claim review meetings and vendor performance discussions, and ensure vendors provide timely, quality service.
Analyze claim trends, loss data, and program metrics; prepare recurring reports, dashboards, and presentations.
Monitor claim costs, reserve development, and closure rates; identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve program performance.
Support annual budgeting, forecasting, actuarial reviews, and insurance renewal activities; maintain program records and reporting systems.
Support compliance with state workers' compensation regulations and reporting requirements; maintain confidential medical and claim-related records.
Assist with audits, regulatory requests, and documentation reviews; ensure claim and injury documentation is complete and maintained to company standards.
Monitor program compliance and identify operational risks requiring management attention.
Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance service, efficiency, and claim outcomes.
Participate in workers' compensation and safety initiatives to reduce workplace injuries and claim frequency.
Assist with developing training materials and educational resources for managers and employees.
Support special projects and other duties as assigned.