Return-to-Work Specialist

The 'Apply with SEEK' option will be utilized for International applicants, mainly Australia. If this does not apply to you please use the 'Apply' option. Return-to-Work Specialist IF YOU CARE, THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE For a career path that is both challenging and rewarding, join Sedgwick’s talented team of 27,000 colleagues around the globe. Sedgwick is a leading provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits and integrated business solutions. Taking care of people is at the heart of everything we do. Millions of people and organizations count on Sedgwick each year to take care of their needs when they face a major life event or something unexpected happens. Whether they have a workplace injury, suffer property or financial loss or damage from a natural or manmade disaster, are involved in an auto or other type of accident, or need time away from work for the birth of a child or another medical situation, we are here to provide compassionate care and expert guidance. Our clients depend on our talented colleagues to take care of their most valuable assets—their employees, their customers and their property. At Sedgwick, caring counts®. Join our team of creative and caring people of all backgrounds, and help us make a difference in the lives of others. This is not a remote position, to be considered you must live in the Los Angeles, CA area as that is the location where this incumbent will work. PRIMARY PURPOSE: To negotiate, facilitate and monitor successful return to work of claimants within appropriate disability duration guidelines; to determine specific physical tolerances and vocational skills required for specific employment positions as requested by referral sources or employers; to assist case management staff with client competence decisions for individual positions; to contact employers to gather specific job site/employment information and prepare related reports documenting results; to assist with job site modification and/or obtaining adaptive equipment necessary; and to ensure medical, legal and accreditation standards are maintained. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES Determines objective, quantifiable, medically supported work restrictions for assigned claims. Facilitates return-to-work (RTW) efforts through negotiation with client, treatment provider and claimant; completes all vocational/RTW related jurisdictional or client directed documentation, notification or reporting; documents client contact in claim notes as per Sedgwick CMS standards; and assists case management staff in making decisions regarding client's competence for specific position. Adheres to medical and legal regulations and accreditation standards in written communication. Develops contacts with company managers to introduce program; represents client. Contacts employers to determine specific information regarding employment area (i.e. training/education needed, physical demands, wages and benefits, availability, etc); ascertains the specific physical tolerances and vocational skills needed for specific employment positions as requested by referral sources or employers; assists in modifying job sites or obtaining necessary adaptive equipment as needed; and communicates with co-workers regarding specific employment areas to apprise them of labor trends. Maintains regular contact with clients following placement, as per program guidelines; contacts involved individuals regarding progress on each case and makes suggestions as needed for changing rehabilitation plans. Works closely with team members to ensure smooth transition from medical case management into job placement. Prepares reports to document research results. Performs other tasks related to vocational evaluation and work adjustment training as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Supports the organization's quality program(s). Good working knowledge of return-to work with Worker's Compensation or job accommodation procedures Good technical knowledge of claims management procedures Excellent oral and written communications, including presentation skills PC literate, including Microsoft Office products Analytical and interpretive skills Strong organizational skills Excellent interpersonal skills Excellent negotiation skills Ability to work in a team environment Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies WORK ENVIRONMENT When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines Physical: Computer keyboarding, travel as required Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. QUALIFICATIONS Education & Licensing Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Master's degree in a related field preferred. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation preferred. Experience Four (4) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required, including one (1) year of return-to-work or job accommodation experience OR four (4) years of claims management experience. Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.