Workers Compensation Coordinator

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Rusk, TX

11d•$4,263 - $6,779•Onsite

About The Position

The Risk Management Specialist III (Workers' Compensation Coordinator) performs complex, journey-level risk management work at Rusk State Hospital. The position develops and implements the hospital's workers' compensation program, reviews operations for compliance with risk management procedures and loss-prevention controls, manages claims related to on-the-job injuries, and oversees modified or alternate duty. The role provides guidance to others and works under general supervision, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The position coordinates medical and vocational case management and loss-control programs; serves as liaison between injured employees and the State Office of Risk Management (SORM); investigates claims and ensures documentation is complete and timely; and represents the hospital in workers' compensation dispute proceedings. It also administers the Return to Work Program, analyzes claim and loss data, develops and reviews procedures, and trains and advises employees on workers' compensation and return-to-work matters. The job is full-time, regular, nonexempt, day shift, and not eligible for telework according to the position details. Travel may be up to 10%. Flexibility in work hours, overtime, extended hours, rotating schedules, or alternate shift and location assignments may be required, including for disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities. Employment is subject to background and registry checks, fingerprinting, a pre-employment drug screen, and applicable immunization requirements.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business management, public administration, risk management, insurance, occupational safety, or a related field is generally preferred; alternatively, an associate degree and at least 24 months of experience, or no degree and at least four years of experience, are required.
Knowledge of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act.
Knowledge of the HHS Workers’ Compensation Management Plan.
Knowledge of risk management concepts, methods, and techniques.
Knowledge of training and presentation techniques.
Knowledge of workers' compensation program management.
Skill using a computer and applicable software.
Ability to develop and implement risk management programs and assess the impact of plans and programs.
Ability to analyze risk management and loss-control material.
Ability to evaluate agency policies and programs for compliance with state and federal laws, standards, rules, and risk management guidelines.
Ability to train others.
Ability to maintain files and records in a logical and organized manner.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and specified registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and LEIE checks.
Must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Males between ages 18 and 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures related to immunizations.

Nice To Haves

Four-year degree with major coursework in business management, public administration, risk management, insurance, occupational safety, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the hospital's workers' compensation program, including coordination of medical and vocational case management and loss-control programs and guidelines.
Manage workers' compensation cases for employees and serve as the liaison between injured employees and the State Office of Risk Management (SORM).
Communicate with claimants, department heads, supervisors, medical providers, and SORM adjusters; maintain case notes and action plans; and obtain and submit required documentation and releases on time.
Review claims, investigate incidents, and ensure claims comply with applicable state and federal laws; coordinate second opinions and independent medical examinations with SORM adjusters when warranted.
Represent the hospital as employer at Benefit Review Conferences and Contested Case Hearings, and collaborate with SORM legal representatives and claims adjusters by providing requested documents and testimony.
Administer the Return to Work Program, manage employees working with restrictions, establish return-to-work plans, coordinate temporary assignments and placements, issue bona fide offers of employment, and monitor assignments toward transition to full duty.
Assess workers' compensation claims to identify risk and loss exposures; coordinate with Safety Officers on risk assessments and mitigation plans.
Compile and report workers' compensation claims and expenditure data, identify trends, maintain injury, return-to-work, lost-time, and ADA accommodation databases, and prepare leadership reports.
Prepare presentations and conduct training on workers' compensation; provide employees with guidance and information about workers' compensation and return-to-work programs.
Conduct workers' compensation program reviews and develop, write, and implement hospital risk management procedures, including workers' compensation, return-to-work, and ADA reasonable-accommodation procedures.
Evaluate program compliance with applicable state and federal statutes and risk management guidelines.
Attend work regularly and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities as needed.
Comply with applicable HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.