L&I Vocational Services Specialist 2

 
Job Highlights
  
Would you like to support L&I’s mission of preventing long-term disability by returning injured workers back to employment as quickly and safety as possible?  Would you like your professional development supported by your employer through membership in IARP, Certification through CDMS or CRC and attendance at relevant conferences, symposiums, and webinars? Do you long for a set salary, generous vacation, sick and holiday leave package that along with a flexible work schedule promotes work/life balance?

L&I’s Insurance Services’ Return to Work Partnerships program is seeking a Vocational Service Specialists to provide professional and technical expertise to department staff, private vocational counselors, employers and their representatives, health care professional and injured workers to effectively interpret and implement the statutes, administrative codes, department policies and procedures associated with vocational rehabilitation services. You would support the mission of the organization by providing fair and quality vocational recommendation reviews in a timely manner, which assists in the management.

What we are looking for:
 

• Ability to present complex information so others can understand it.
• Proven knowledge or ability to conduct research, analyze policies, rules, or regulations.   
• Detail-oriented, effectively prioritize, and maintain a highly organized work environment. 
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Provide professional and technical consultation regarding vocational services to department staff, private vocational providers, employers, health care professionals, and injured workers.
• Effectively interpret and implement the statutes, administrative codes, department policies and procedures associated with vocational rehabilitation services.
• Authorize vocational services and benefits in keeping with the department’s statutes, administrative codes, and policies.
• Staff and review Vocational Recovery Closing reports recommending further assessment and refer claims when appropriate. 
• Research and respond to inquiries from external customers, claims staff and providers regarding vocational services.  
• Address and resolve reported issues by interfacing with appropriate staff including Private Sector Rehabilitation Services (PSRS), Vocational Dispute Resolution Office (VDRO) and other staff.
• Participate in claim unit meetings as requested.
• Provide education and training regarding vocational services to department staff and vocational providers needed.
• Staff and review Vocational Recovery Closing reports recommending further assessment and refer claims when appropriate. 
• Research and respond to inquiries from external customers, claims staff and providers regarding vocational services.  
• Address and resolve reported issues by interfacing with appropriate staff including Private Sector Rehabilitation Services (PSRS), Vocational Dispute Resolution Office (VDRO) and other staff.
• Participate in claim unit meetings as requested.
• Provide education and training regarding vocational services to department staff and vocational providers as needed.
• And much more!

Required:
 
Bachelor’s degree AND a CRC* or CDMS* certification ANDat least TWO (2) years of full time State of Washington industrial insurance, disability management, or related field experience in all phases of vocational services.    
 Master’s degree AND a CRC*, or CDMS* or ABVE* certification AND ONE (1) year of full time State of Washington industrial insurance, disability management or related field experience in all phases of vocational services     
 Master's degree or Bachelor's degree AND a CRC*, or CDMS* or ABVE* certification AND successful completion of the VSS1 training program.  
 

• Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation theory and practice.
• Sufficient internet access enabling remote work.
• Ability to travel to Department headquarters for orientation, conferences, or training.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret Washington Worker Compensation statutes, rules and policies.

Things You Need To Know  
 
To help you maintain a proper work-life balance, teleworking is one of the work schedule options for this position. L&I also offers flexible custom work schedules.
 
State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.
 
At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.
 
For this position, telework is permitted full time with in-person meetings occasionally. In person meetings and trainings will be held at the Tumwater, WA location.
 
For positions where in-office work is necessary, the frequency of telework will be discussed with the supervisor of the position at the time of offer.
 
To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for GovDelivery and select L&I job alerts.
 
Application process
 
We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.
 
Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
3. A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

 
Please do not attach or place any medical information (vaccination status included) within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.
 
Background Check Notice 
 
Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.  
 
Other information
 

• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

 
Did You Know?
 
Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.
 
In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers.
 
 
Veterans Preference

 
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s Jobs@lni.wa.gov.
 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
 
L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
 
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.
 
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
 
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
 
For more Information
 
If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact the hrbtu@lni.wa.gov.