Workers' Compensation And Leave Administrator (University Staff Professional 1)
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the Manager of Absence Management, the Workers’ Compensation and Leave Administrator is primarily responsible for coordinating and administering the University’s Workers’ Compensation Program. The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily operations of the workers’ compensation function as well as the development and implementation of aggressive light duty and return to work programs. The successful candidate will work closely with the FMLA leave administrators, the ADA Accommodations Case Manager, and other members of the Office of Human Resources and the Payroll Office to ensure efficient and comprehensive processes and protocols in administering the Workers’ Compensation Program. The successful candidate will also be responsible for administering FMLA and other leaves for various employee groups.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Responsible for the daily administration of the workers’ compensation function; reviews and evaluates all work-related accident reports for completeness and clarity of data; analyze data to ensure compliance with policy and regulatory requirements.
- Obtains and reviews medical documentation and records connected with workers’ compensation cases; reviews and monitors new and existing claims, analyzing the causes of injury and validity of the claim.
- Educates and advises employees, departments, and collective bargaining representatives on compliance issues pertaining to workers’ compensation policies, procedures, state statutes and regulations.
- Maintains contacts with individuals both inside and outside of the University who might have an effect on workers’ compensation, health and safety issues; represents the University at workers’ compensation hearings; provides information to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), workers’ compensation commission, labor relations, collective bargaining representatives, and human resources as requested.
- Identifies and analyzes problems regarding workers’ compensation claims; recommends investigation and surveillance on employees through a third party administrator (TPA); monitors attendance and medical appointments of employees on workers’ compensation; may release the employee from work as required by medical documentation.
- Refines methods of recording workers’ compensation injury information; reviews records and reports claims to ensure compliance with state statutes; maintains and audits workers’ compensation data in University and state payroll systems; troubleshoots and resolves discrepancies in the data.
- Develops and implements comprehensive light duty and return to work programs to reduce workers’ compensation costs and maximize employee productivity.
- Works closely with leave administrators and ADA Coordinator to manage cases where workers’ compensation, ADA, and FMLA intersect; works closely with Labor Relations in the management of cases where workers’ compensation intersects with performance management cases and/or when employees are transferred or separated due to work restrictions.
- May be responsible for administering FMLA to specific collective bargaining units where there is a strong interplay between FMLA and workers’ compensation.
- Collaborates with various constituents including Environmental Health & Safety to facilitate the development of training programs aimed at limiting potential workers’ compensation claims; develops training programs collaboratively with leave administrators and ADA Coordinator with the goal of providing guidance to departments managing complex workers’ compensation/medical leave/workplace accommodation cases.
- Prepares annual reports to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations as well as reports on safety activities, number of claims, indemnity costs, and savings generated from Light Duty and Return to Work Programs.
- Identifies accident problem areas and recommends safety measures to eliminate or reduce incidence of occupational injuries; coordinates and participates in strategic planning aimed at reducing the incidence of workers’ compensation-related injuries on campus.
- Coordinates, and conducts training on proper workers’ compensation procedures; participates in agency Safety Committee; prepares various reports, bulletins, and informational materials on safety and accident prevention for general distribution.
- Works closely with supervisors, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), and the Human Resources Workforce Solutions Team to review cases for possible light duty assignments and monitors employees on restricted and/or alternate duty to ensure daily tasks are within prescribed medical restrictions.
- Serves as a resource and provides authoritative advice and counsel regarding workers’ compensation and the Light Duty and Return to Work Programs to the TPA, unions, University departments, employees, collection agencies, medical providers, lawyers, the AGO, DAS, and other state agencies.
- Oversees workers’ compensation records management in accordance with retention requirements dictated by state statutes.
- Keeps abreast of state and University policies and procedures related to the administration of workers’ compensation.
- Administers FMLA and other leaves for various employee groups at the University.
- Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree.
- Two years of experience in human resources, payroll, or another related administrative area.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong public speaking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of discretion and good judgment as well as work collaboratively and foster effective relationships with a broad range of constituents, including administrators, faculty, staff, and union leaders.
- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite with particular strengths in Word and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Relevant experience related to workers’ compensation and/or leave administration (FMLA), preferably in an academic institution.
- Demonstrated experience preparing and delivering presentations and training.
- Work experience in a unionized environment.
- Experience with PeopleSoft.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497194 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on February 7, 2023.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.