Salary/Position Classification

• $58,800 to $61,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

Reporting to the Director for Safety, the Workers Compensation Specialist is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day activities of the Workers' Compensation Program and assisting injured employees in the Workers Compensation claim process. To oversee the medical surveillance program ensuring the University is compliant with all applicable Federal and State laws to protect workers.

Duties & Responsibilities

• UND Workers Compensation Claims Management
  • Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the District's Workers' Compensation Program. 
  • Assist injured employees in the Workers Compensation claim process. 
  • Work with supervisors, Human Resources, Benefits, and Payroll to get employees back to work promptly and safely.
  • Establish, maintain, and audit records/files.
  • Utilize Human Resources to verify employment, salaries and employee information for filing workers' compensation claims.
  • Review work status reports, assist in administering pay adjustments, assist Human Resources in coordinating Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), investigate and process claims.
  • Work with WSI to manage large loss time claims.
  • Arrange for modified duty and functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) for injured workers.
  • Serve as liaison between the injured employee and WSI, other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
  • Negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues in consultation with the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Human Resources. 
  • Work with the WSI to plan quarterly and periodic claim reports, claim review meetings, and incident review committee. Review check registers for accuracy and point out discrepancies to WSI. Coordinate 
  • Work closely with the Risk Manager and Safety Specialist on investigating work-related accidents or illnesses and addressing potential workers' compensation claims where safety issues are prevalent. 
  • Develop, present, and promote training that informs employees and reduces costs associated with workplace injuries. Attend and participate in professional and group meetings, stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of workers' compensation administration.
  • File claims for work-related injuries and illnesses in accordance with state requirements. Review work restrictions. Implement Designated Medical Provider policy identifying the need for redirection when appropriate. Maintain accurate documentation of all claims.
  • Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the program.
• Facilitate and Monitor the Universities Medical Surveillance Program.
  • Assess Worker Exposures via Occupational Exposure assessments and job hazard analysis of workplaces to identify all potential exposures and other worker safety and health risks and establish complete workplace exposure profiles. 
  • Review job descriptions to characterize the basic tasks, hazardous exposures and health outcomes likely to be experienced by the majority of workers in a specific occupational group.
  • Monitor Individual exposures and determine during industrial hygiene exposure assessments or workplace monitoring the quantifiable job demands, stresses and hazardous exposures for each individual.
  • Determine if any hazardous agents are present in the workplace and how they can be characterized during the exposure assessment and job hazard analysis. 
  • Ensure medical screening and surveillance to all employees who meet applicable criteria. Mandated medical surveillance requirements for each of the OSHA-regulated programs are listed in the applicable OSHA standards. Additional tests and evaluations may be required at the discretion of a physician or healthcare professional consistent with sound medical practice.
  • Inform Workers of the Results. All workers must be informed of the results of their occupational medical screening and surveillance evaluations, even if all results are normal, as soon as possible. 
  • Assist working with supervisors in scheduling for medical appointments and fit testing; ensure identified employees are scheduled as necessary and attend medical appointments identifying fitness for all job types.
  • Maintain working relationships with outside medical entities. 
  • Schedule and prepare paperwork for identified employees’ annual assessments. 
• Facilitate and Monitor the Ergonomics Program
  • Facilitate and Monitor the ergonomics program at the University of North Dakota.
  • Implement the UND Ergonomics Program outlining protocols to be followed by university employees, supervisors, and University departments.
  • Conduct in-depth reviews and assessments of workplaces to identify areas of ergonomic risk.
  • Develop and implement ergonomic improvement plans based on the outcomes of assessments.
  • Design workstations, tools, equipment, and work processes to optimize worker efficiency and reduce physical strain.
  • Train employees and management on proper workplace ergonomics, teaching them how to use equipment correctly, and promoting safety awareness.
  • Work closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to help employees recover from work-related injuries and prevent future injuries.
  • Collaborate with Facilities and designers to develop ergonomic products and workspaces.
  • Write reports detailing assessment findings and recommendations for ergonomic improvements.
  • Conduct ongoing research on ergonomics and human factors to stay updated with the latest practices and guidelines. 

Required Competencies

• Ability to multi-task, be detail orientated and have strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of organizations such as WSI, Risk Management, and Health Care Facilities
• Ability to interpret and implement federal, state and local health and safety regulations
• Ability to work with confidential materials; Ability to work independently and exercise independent, appropriate judgment.
• Effective time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills: as well as have the ability to work independently and exercise independent, appropriate judgment.
• Effective communication (verbal and written) skills

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• wo years’ experience working with North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) rules and regulations or directly related experience with another state WSI entity
• Professional experience using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing Ergonomics Assessments
• Experience working with a Respiratory Protection Program.
• Experience with OSHA Medical Screening and Surveillance Requirements
• Experience with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Return-to-Work programs
• Experience with investigative techniques and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for Workers’ Compensation claims