Job Specification Details

Managerial, supervisory, planning, fiscal, and administrative work for the Workers' Compensation Program within the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL). This position involves oversight of day-to-day operations of the WCP informal dispute resolution unit and other functions of the Workers' Compensation Program (WCP). Significant interaction with injured workers, attorneys, and insurance representatives is required, as well as with staff within other Divisions of VDOL and within other state agencies. This position will manage multiple databases; ensure accuracy of content; design, generate, and analyze various reports; and coordinate with vendors to ensure smooth data exchange and vendor transitions. Duties are performed in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Supervision is exercised over professional, technical and clerical employees. Work is performed under the direction of the Director of the Workers' Compensation and Safety Division.

Develops and oversees the implementation of policy and procedures to ensure compliance with the Workers' Compensation Act and related rules. Supervises and directs the activities of WCP staff to ensure timely, fair and effective provision of Workers' Compensation informal dispute resolution services to WCP clients. Oversees WCP staff involved with insurance coverage tracking, provision of Vocational Rehabilitation services, administration of the Electronic Data Interchange. Monitors quality and timeliness of staff work and adjusts staff allocations when necessary to achieve a more equitable distribution of work. Coordinates staff development and training in the areas of Workers' Compensation law and practice, customer service skills, and information technology for new and experienced staff. Makes recommendations to the Director regarding budgets and expenditures and approves employee time reports, travel and reimbursement requests, and training expenditures. Develops program performance metrics and assists in the modernization of internal systems; and oversees efforts to improve insurance adjuster training and examination/ licensing requirements. 
Provides professional level outreach and education to employer groups through the development of training information and educational programs. Approves attorney withdrawal requests and issues attorney lien acknowledgements, subpoenas, and interim orders. Advises the Director and the Commissioner as to necessary and/or desirable program changes to maintain conformance with applicable laws and/or to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness. Serves as liaison between the WCP/VDOL and other state agencies and professional organizations to enhance public understanding of occupational safety and health issues and WCP services and to support research and public outreach in these areas. Assists with rulemaking and development of new policies, procedures and forms. Serve as Acting Director of the Division in the Director's absence. Performs related duties as assigned.

Duties are performed largely in an office setting. Work outside of the regular work schedule and some travel may be required for which private means of transportation must be available. Phone and written contacts with employers, injured workers, insurance carriers, and parties' legal counsel, are frequent; face-to-face meetings with different client groups are occasionally required. Well-developed communication skills are needed to deal with upset or irate parties to disputed claims and other individuals. Short notice of critical meetings, tight deadlines and the need for rapid response can be assumed.

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, including awareness of concepts and strategies for continuous improvement.
Considerable knowledge of state administrative law and practice.
Considerable knowledge of Vermont Workers' Compensation Act, related rules, and case law.
Knowledge of basic medical terminology that frequently characterizes workers' compensations cases.
Knowledge of enforcement procedures available for achieving conformance with workers' compensation obligations.
Ability to exercise independent judgment.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to prepare a variety of program reports and records using commercially available or proprietary software.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, assign work, and ensure adequate performance and completion of work under all areas of programmatic responsibility.
Considerable ability to deal effectively with claimants, employers and others with a wide variety of different backgrounds, in a courteous and knowledgeable manner through telephone contact and written communications.

Bachelor's degree or higher AND five (5) years or more of relevant professional level work in the fields of workers' compensation or personal injury law, administrative law, or insurance adjustment with a concentration in workers' compensation, and two (2) years of professional level supervisory experience.

Admission to the Vermont Bar
Valid Vermont Worker’s Compensation Adjudicator License
J.D. or medical degree

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