Workers Compensation Case Manager - Leave Specialist

The Town of Brookline is accepting applications for a Workers Compensation Case Manager - Leave Specialist. This position is responsible for employee communication and Workers Compensation case management as well as other leaves of absence including public safety injury on duty (IOD / 111F).

Works as an intermediary and effectively coordinates cases and claims between employees, medical providers, carriers, and managers in compliance with Workers Compensation law, FMLA, 111F, and all other related employment laws.

Administers FMLA, ADA, Reasonable Accommodation, Parental Leave programs. Assists in the coordination of OSHA regulations including training, reporting and identification of hazards.

Qualifications :

Bachelor's Degree and at least 3-5 years' experience in Worker's Compensation administration, insurance claims management, human resources or related field.

Experience in leave and absence management and employee relations highly preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ability to communicate effectively with medical professionals, vendors, attorneys and provide guidance and support to employees on leave.

Must be highly organized with strong customer service skills.

Annualized salary range of $77,170 - 87,315, plus generous benefits. Please apply with resume and cover letter. Priority consideration of applications submitted by November 8, 2024.

Position open until closed.

Workers Compensation Case Manager - Leave Specialist Job Description

Position Purpose :

Responsible for the coordination and support of all leave of absence cases and the Town's workers compensation, injury on duty and other leave and absence management programs.

Works as an intermediary and effectively coordinates cases and claims to include communication between employees, medical providers, carriers, and managers in compliance with workers compensation law, FMLA, 111F, and all other related employment laws.

Provides exemplary customer service and assistance to employees, managers, and related medical or legal vendors.

Supervision :

Supervision Scope : Performs varied and responsible duties requiring the exercise of judgment and a thorough working knowledge of established departmental methods and policies to carry out assignments independently, analyze situations and conditions and plan and prioritize own activities.

Supervision Received : Work is performed under the direction of the Director and Assistant Director of Human Resources, in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Resolves procedural and administrative problems independently, requesting assistance with situations which do not have a clear precedents.

Job Environment :

Work is performed under typical business office conditions in a busy, fast-paced environment, utilizing a computer, scanner, printer, facsimile machine, copier, calculator and other standard office equipment.

The employee has daily contact with town and school employees, representatives of health care providers, third-party administrators, legal and medical professionals, union representatives, and agency administrators.

The employee is required to use a high level of discretion and resourcefulness regarding medical and personal information about employees and their families.

Errors could result in delay in service, considerable monetary loss to the Town, legal consequences or loss of benefits to employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Provide coordination and case management of Police and Fire 111F and Workers Compensation programs services for town and school employees, including but not limited to : processing injury reports and case intakes, coordinating medical and rehabilitation services as needed, and facilitating safe return to work.
• Conducts primary intake and referral for work related injuries.
• Establishes and maintains contact with injured employees or employees on leave of absence. Facilitates medical appointments or referrals.

Maintains communication and provides updates to the department managers regarding medical work status.

• Partners closely with departments on modifications to job duties based on medical limitations and the employee's functional assessment and effective return to work transitions.
• Maintains all case documents in confidential medical files, ensuring a comprehensive and detailed source of information for all parties involved in the case.
• Acts as the primary contact for the Third Party Administrator and outside counsel for work injuries, facilitating communication between the parties.
• Administration of FMLA, ADA, Reasonable Accommodation, Parental Leave, LTD and other leave including required paperwork, approvals, monitoring and communication with employee and their supervisor.
• Analyzes and evaluates injuries in relationship to OSHA safety regulations, make recommendations to management regarding safety reviews or trainings.
• Assist with Employee Safety Program and Emergency Response programs. Coordinate on-site training services for managers and employees on related topics.
• Coordinate and review medical information related to Early Education and Summer Camp programs, in compliance with applicable local regulation, state and federal law.
• Compiles documentation and completes Employer Statement for Accidental Disability Retirements.
• Primary contact for DOT CDL drug and alcohol testing vendor. Coordinates and tracks all CDL / Non-CDL drug and alcohol tests.
• Other duties as assigned.

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor's Degree and at least 3-5 years' experience in Human Resources, workers compensation administration, insurance or related field.

Experience in leave and absence management and employee relations highly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge : Acquires and maintains knowledge of developments in the workers compensation, case management, FMLA, ADA, OSHA and other related laws and regulations.

Keeps abreast of local workers' compensation and leave laws and regulations, as well as other issues related to the case management / managed care industry.

Ability : Ability to work independently, organize time and complete tasks to meet deadlines. Ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with personnel at all levels of authority, elected officials, retirees, and the public.

Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential information, Ability to analyze information and convert related activities into a comprehensive work plan.

Ability to identify basic problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely, in writing and orally; ability to maintain confidential information.

Skill : Superior customer service and public relations skills to deal with people effectively and appropriately, both orally and in writing.

Strong organizational and administrative skills. Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products.

Maintains professionalism always, despite the stressful demands of the position. Capable of maintaining close relationships among all parties involved both in person and over the phone.

Must be readily available for and responsive to all parties concerned.

Physical Requirements : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and / or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 25 pounds).

Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Vision and hearing at, or correctable to, normal ranges is necessary.

Must be able to communicate verbally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and / or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and / or materials used in performing essential functions.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)