This position is responsible for assuring that the operations of the Workers’ Compensation program are consistent with Prairie State’s core values to achieve the best possible outcomes for PSGC and its employees.  This position will also be responsible for risk identification, loss prevention, and overall claims management. Workers’ Compensation and Leave Specialist will work closely with the work comp insurance carrier and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure that injured employees receive quality care and rehabilitation treatment they need to safely return to work. Works under the general direction of the Benefits and Leave Program Manager, providing organizational and recordkeeping support as needed.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following (other duties and responsibilities may be assigned):

• Display a proactive approach and enterprise scope in the administration of PSGC’s Workers Compensation program.
• Establishes and maintains case files, logs, and indexes; reviews documentation and records.
• Partners with internal stakeholders to conduct/coordinate investigations into reported claims.
• Coordinates with Benefits and Leave Program Manager on leave updates when necessary
• Partners with and makes recommendations to the Benefits and Leave Program Manager regarding matters related to requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Verifies job-related accidents with claimants and supervisors. Initiates appropriate notices as needed; monitors claimant's case history.
• Act as a liaison with work comp insurance carrier, case managers, employees, and team members concerning workers compensation claims.
• Coordinates data with safety department to identify opportunities for minimizing future risk and improving safety in the workplace.
• Act as liaison with all involved internal and external parties through the workers compensation process, providing education and assistance where needed.
• Develop and improve administration of workers’ compensation claims when enhancement methods have been identified.
• Maintain strict standards for claimant confidentiality and claimant-related information in addition to security of electronic information; complies with organizational, federal and state regulations and PSGC’s policies on confidentiality.
• Responsible for coordinating with General Counsel on litigation management strategies for the litigated claims including settlement authority requests.
• Responsible for appropriate file documentation, storage and governance.
• Responsible for developing and managing a transitional return to work program.
• Performs other duties, including non-core responsibilities as assigned.
• Must have regular and reliable attendance. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct reports but does include oversite of a transitional return to work program and outside work comp vendors.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties in assigned area in a satisfactory fashion.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for this employment position.  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.

 Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, insurance, finance, risk management or business administration strongly preferred.
• Three years related experience working with workers compensation claims strongly preferred.

Knowledge of

• Knowledge and experience working with state and federal workers compensation laws.
• Microsoft Office Suite, for preparation of presentations and reports.

Skills, abilities and physical requirements

• Ability to maintain confidentiality required.
• Ability to analyze information and convert related activities into a comprehensive work plan
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Demonstrates strong customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and present professionally in front of (and to) various audiences.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make recommendations to drive enhancements and process improvements.
• Strong attention to details, accuracy, and quality principles.
• Excellent organizational, flexibility and time management skills; being able to manage various projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Must be professional, with the ability to comfortably work with multiple independent requests.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components.
  • Ability to routinely travel to other company sites.
  • Ability to wear required safety equipment including respirators, hearing and eye protection, and protective clothing occasionally as required.

Work Environment

The characteristics listed herein describe the work environment the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this employment position.  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.  While performing the duties of this employment position, the employee:

• Works in an office environment primarily.
• Works sitting most of the time and walking or standing occasionally.
• Works in a power plant or coal mine environment occasionally.
• Exposed to a quiet to moderately noisy environment primarily; very noisy and dirty environment occasionally.
• Exposed to industrial safety hazards occasionally.