Workers Compensation and Medical Accommodations Manager

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California , we’re not just delivering water — we’re sustaining life for over 19 million people. Behind every drop is a team of Talented Employees: innovators, problem-solvers, and connectors who make it all possible. As the Workers Compensation and Medical Accommodations Manager , you will oversee workers’ compensation, disability accommodation processes, Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing and a range of medical services including first aid, exposure testing, and COVID-19reporting. You will guide and lead a team of professionals who manage the daily administration of these programs and drive continuous improvement of these services. What You’ll Do Lead a team that makes a real difference in employees’ lives, managing workers’ compensation, disability accommodations, medical screenings, and DOT drug and alcohol testing. Process claims and requests, working with Legal, outside counsel, and Third-Party Administrators to solve problems quickly, fairly, and in compliance with regulations and union agreements. Collaborate with teams across the organization including Benefits, Safety, Fleet, Recruitment, Risk Management, and Security; to design programs that keep employees safe, healthy, and ready to perform at their best. Oversee contracts and guide staff to ensure processes run smoothly, while always looking for ways to make things faster, smarter, and more effective. Be part of shaping the future of employee health and safety, finding new ways to improve programs and make a meaningful impact every day. Who We’re Looking For A proactive leader who can guide a team, inspire collaboration, and keep complex programs running smoothly. You have in depth knowledge of workers’ compensation, disability, accommodations, DOT regulations, medical screenings, and related compliance requirements—or the ability to quickly master these areas. A transparent communicator and collaborator, able to work across Legal, Benefits, Safety, Fleet, Recruitment, Risk Management, and Security to solve problems and implement effective programs. You have managed vendors and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), ensuring contracts and processes are efficient, compliant, and delivering results. You are someone who is analytical and solutions-oriented, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement, implement proactive strategies, and enhance employee health, safety, and overall experience. What You’ll Find Working Here Be part of Metropolitan’s mission to ensure safe and reliable water for the region, not just for today, but for generations ahead. You’ll help sustain life for millions while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to innovation, environmental stewardship, and community impact. In addition to a meaningful mission, Metropolitan offers competitive starting salaries, comprehensive benefits options, pension through CALPERS and more (see below for the full benefits list) Schedule: 9/80 Monday through Friday /Every other Friday off. Hybrid: Metropolitan’s current practice in this position is a hybrid work schedule. This typically includes two days a week in person and the other days remote. This is subject to change dependent on organizational needs. In addition, a telework policy is scheduled for negotiations and once completed and implemented, will provide final direction on the hybrid schedule. This job announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification / job. To view the full job description, click here: Worke r s Compensation & Medical Accommodations Manager

Requirements

A proactive leader who can guide a team, inspire collaboration, and keep complex programs running smoothly.
You have in depth knowledge of workers’ compensation, disability, accommodations, DOT regulations, medical screenings, and related compliance requirements—or the ability to quickly master these areas.
A transparent communicator and collaborator, able to work across Legal, Benefits, Safety, Fleet, Recruitment, Risk Management, and Security to solve problems and implement effective programs.
You have managed vendors and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), ensuring contracts and processes are efficient, compliant, and delivering results.
You are someone who is analytical and solutions-oriented, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement, implement proactive strategies, and enhance employee health, safety, and overall experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and ten years of increasingly responsible relevant experience, of which four years must have been in a management or supervisory position; or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university and eight years of increasingly responsible relevant experience of which four years must have been in a management or supervisory position.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: a combination of experience with workers’ compensation , medical accommodations and at least one (1) of the following areas: medical screenings, medical surveillance, and/or Department of Transportation commercial driver regulations.
Valid California Class C Driver’s License or equivalent (required at time of application) that allows you to drive during your employment.

Nice To Haves

Certified Safety Professional
Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training

Responsibilities

Lead a team that makes a real difference in employees’ lives, managing workers’ compensation, disability accommodations, medical screenings, and DOT drug and alcohol testing.
Process claims and requests, working with Legal, outside counsel, and Third-Party Administrators to solve problems quickly, fairly, and in compliance with regulations and union agreements.
Collaborate with teams across the organization including Benefits, Safety, Fleet, Recruitment, Risk Management, and Security; to design programs that keep employees safe, healthy, and ready to perform at their best.
Oversee contracts and guide staff to ensure processes run smoothly, while always looking for ways to make things faster, smarter, and more effective.
Be part of shaping the future of employee health and safety, finding new ways to improve programs and make a meaningful impact every day.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Excellent medical, dental, life, and vision plans.
Deferred compensation in the form of a 401(k) plan (with matching contribution) and a 457 (b) plan.
Retirement benefits under the California Public Employees' Retirement System
Tuition reimbursement
Training and advancement opportunities
Excellent working environment
On-site fitness center
Hub of public transportation: rail, subway, buses, and taxis
Public transportation reimbursements