Workers Compensation Specialist

ETE REMAN•Milwaukee, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Workers' Compensation Specialist manages a high-volume workers' compensation caseload for Milwaukee manufacturing operations, handling claims from the initial injury report through closure. The role is the central point of contact for injured employees, supervisors, the insurance carrier or third-party administrator (TPA), and medical providers. It keeps claims moving, meets Wisconsin reporting deadlines, and supports early return to work to help control lost time and costs in a fast-paced production environment. The Specialist implements consistent procedures for recording, investigating, and reporting claims in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The role prepares and submits required documentation to OSHA, state and local agencies, and other entities; monitors claims; and keeps involved parties informed about case status, hearings, outcomes, return-to-work details, and restrictions. The Specialist periodically reviews the claim portfolio for trends, stays current on workers' compensation reporting requirements, and may support injury-prevention programs and worker accommodations.

Requirements

At least 4 years of workers' compensation claims handling or administration experience.
Working knowledge of Wisconsin workers' compensation rules and OSHA recordkeeping.
Ability to prioritize and manage claim activity with competing daily deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including comfort working with hourly production employees and supervisors.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and claims software.
High attention to detail and strict confidentiality when handling medical and personal information.
Transportation to travel to other manufacturing facilities within a few miles of the main location.
Associate's or bachelor's degree in HR, business, risk management, or a related field.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and use a computer.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a high-volume workers' compensation setting.
Industry credentials such as WCCP or AIC, or a Wisconsin adjuster license.
Experience in manufacturing, metal fabrication, machining, or other industrial environments.
Experience running modified-duty and return-to-work programs.
Familiarity with medical terminology and occupational health providers in the Milwaukee area.

Responsibilities

Manage an active caseload of 75 or more claims, with new injuries reported daily across multiple shifts.
Complete and submit first reports of injury through the carrier website or TPA.
Collaborate with the Safety Team to investigate incidents, gathering employee, supervisor, and witness statements, photographs, and job-task details.
Track claims through treatment, work status, lost time, and closure, and proactively follow up on open items.
Partner with production supervisors to identify and place employees in modified or transitional duty.
Obtain and review work-status reports and restrictions from occupational health clinics and treating providers.
Communicate regularly and empathetically with injured employees about benefits, expectations, and next steps.
Coordinate with adjusters on compensability, reserves, indemnity and medical payments, and settlement activity.
Flag high-cost, litigated, or potentially fraudulent claims and escalate them to the Total Rewards Manager.
Ensure compliance with the Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Act (Chapter 102), DWD requirements, and federal OSHA recordkeeping.
Maintain OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 logs and submit required electronic injury and illness data to a third-party provider.
Support coordination of FMLA, ADA accommodations, and short-term disability where they overlap with workers' compensation claims.
Prepare weekly and monthly reports on open claims, lost-time days, claim costs, and experience modification (EMR) drivers.
Analyze injury trends by department, shift, and cause, and share findings with Safety and Operations.
Support safety committee meetings, post-incident reviews, and injury-prevention initiatives.
Keep claim files accurate, complete, and audit-ready.