Claims Officer I

JOB
The Department of Human Resources, Central Employees Services Division (CESD) seeks a knowledgeable and customer-focused professional for a Claims Officer I to join the Safety and Claims unit where the number one priority is the health and safety of King County employees. This recruitment will be used to fill one immediate career service vacancy and to create an eligibility pool to fill additional career service vacancies that may occur within the next six months. Reporting to the Workers' Compensation Program Manager, the Claims Officer I will bring authentic empathy to the work of adjudicating Worker’s Compensation claims. In accordance with Washington State industrial insurance legal requirements and claims management standards of King County, a self-insured entity in Washington State, the County is responsible for self-administering its own Workers’ Compensation program. The Claims Officer I will champion King County's deep commitment to equity and social justice (ESJ). This role will be responsible for managing complex Workers' Compensation claims under the supervision of the Worker’s Compensation Program Manager and will require an analytical thinker who knows which questions to ask while conducting investigations. They will pursue the information they need to determine the calculation of time loss payments while ensuring the County maintains compliance with relevant laws, administrative orders, policies and procedures. Within the context of this work, the individual selected will prioritize ESJ, engaging in the challenging work to end systemic and institutional racism.If you are an exceptionally organized individual with a high attention to detail and a passion for customer service, we would like to hear from you!

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Bringing strong interpersonal skills, the Claims Officer I will work directly with employees to inform them of their benefits and claim decisions in a timely, positive manner. As they approach the work with a desire to learn, the Claims Officer I embraces opportunities for growth, welcomes change, and encourages feedback from others. They value the health and safety of employees and feel a sense of accomplishment in providing exemplary claim service.This role will: Manage workers’ compensation claims, including investigating, taking statements, reserving, and reviewing medical records to ensure County compliance with relevant laws, administrative orders, and policies and procedures.Initiate and coordinate early return to work, light duty, and alternative work assignments.Assist in coordinating compliance of County offices with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) requirements.Liaise with physicians, attorneys, supervisors, administrators, and employees on issues related to Workers' Compensation.Work with external nurse case managers and vocational rehabilitation counselors on selection and case assignment. Adequately reserve and review medical records on assigned claims,Communicate and negotiate with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries on determinations, allowances, denials, closures, re-openings, and permanent disability awards.Prepare claims for litigation; and represent the County in subrogation matters.Maintain professional knowledge and currency regarding all applicable federal, state, and local statutes, codes, and ordinances governing the administration and management of Workers’ Compensation. Claims Officers are required to take continuing education annually to maintain their certification with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
To ApplyThis recruitment is open to King County employees and the public and will be used to fill one immediate career service vacancy and to create an eligibility pool to fill additional career service vacancies that may occur within the next six months. To be considered for this position, complete and submit an online application at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs, including responses to the supplemental questions. Applications will be reviewed as received, and they will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. All materials will be evaluated for spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a series of interviews.Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, *** (including gender identity, ****** orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.To ApplyIf you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.