Workers' Compensation & Benefits Specialist

Rice University Minimal Template External Career Site•Houston, TX

1d•$70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Rice University’s Human Resources team is seeking a Workers’ Compensation Specialist to join the Total Rewards Team. In this role, you’ll manage and administer all aspects of the University’s workers’ compensation program, ensuring timely reporting, accurate information, and smooth coordination of claims from initial incident through resolution. You’ll also serve as a helpful resource for faculty, staff, and students, assisting with general benefits questions along the way. The ideal workers’ compensation specialist candidate will be a detail-oriented and highly organized professional with deep knowledge of workers’ compensation laws, claims processes, and return to work best practices. This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.”

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
2 or more years of experience in wrokers' compensation, leave, or benefits administration
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Strong knowledge of workers’ compensation laws, claims processes, and regulatory compliance
Ability to interpret changes in workers' compensation legislation and regulatory updates, and effectively communicate their impact to campus constituents
Knowledge of multi-state workers’ compensation regulations
Proficiency in Excel
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to interpret various health and disability plans
Attention to detail and focus on accuracy
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
Collaboration both in and out of the department

Nice To Haves

6 years of experience in workers’ compensation
Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
PHR or SHRM-CP preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinates and processes workers' compensation claims for the campus
Prepares and compiles workers' compensation data and reports to meet university reporting requirements
Ensures timely claims reporting and documentation accuracy
Manages injury claims in coordination with third-party administrators
Serves as the primary contact for workers' compensation case,s maintaining communication with employees, students, departments, external partners, and other University stakeholders
Guides employees regarding workers' compensation policies, procedures, and benefits
Delivers ongoing education and training to employees, students, supervisors, and managers on workers’ compensation procedures and policies
Stays up to date and knowledgeable on federal, state, and local workers' compensation laws and industry best practices
Applies subject matter expertise in resolving benefit issues at the plan level or at the employee level in a manner that meets the university’s total reward strategy
Takes a new perspective on existing solutions
Represents the highest level, non-managerial, escalation level in resolving employee benefit issues
Participates in compliance reporting and communication development
Participates in the strategy, design, and revision of benefit communications and training materials and HR / Benefits website
Oversees HR and vendor management for assigned caseload
Generates benefit program reports and metrics
Has accountability for processes for assigned areas
Acts as a resource for faculty, staff, and student benefits teams
Other duties as assigned