Under general direction, coordinate, oversee, and manage the development, implementation, and administration of the workers' compensation and safety programs.
This position is vital in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations while fostering a culture of safety across our workforce.
* Administer the city workers' compensation program, ensuring timely reporting and processing of claims, monitoring claim status, and maintaining open communication with injured employees, medical providers, and insurance adjusters.
* Develop and implement strategies for effective claims management, facilitate return-to-work programs, and conduct regular reviews of claims data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
* Collaborate with insurance providers, TPA's, legal counsel, and healthcare professionals, management and employees to manage claims.
* Maintain an organized record system of claims and related activities.
* Conduct regular needs assessments to identify training requirements and ensure programs are aligned with industry best practices.
* Organize and facilitate the city safety program, training sessions, and workshops, and maintain training records to ensure compliance with California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA) and other regulatory standards.
* Manage the Department of Transportation (DOT) program, and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull program, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations for employees who operate city vehicles.
* Facilitate regular workplace safety inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety standards and implement corrective action plans to address and rectify items identified during safety audits and incident investigations.
* Serve as the point of contact for safety-related inquiries and incidents.
* Chair the city's safety committee, facilitating regular meetings to discuss safety concerns, initiatives, and program updates, and collaborate with committee members to identify safety hazards and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
* Participate in local and regional safety committees or forums to stay current on best practices and regulatory changes.
Education:
* Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.
Experience:
* Minimum of 2 years of experience in workers' compensation, workplace safety, or a risk management related field.
* Previous experience in a public sector or municipal setting is highly desirable.
Licenses and Certifications:
* Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
* Possession of an OSHA 30-hour safety certification within 6 months of employment; and
* Certification in safety management (e.g., CSP, CHST), risk management or workers' compensation is a plus.
Special Requirements:
Essential functions and duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
* Ability to work in both office and field environments; ability to travel to various sites.
* Regularly required to talk or hear; stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
* Occasionally required to sit; climb; stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
* Must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.