Workers Compensation Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Help Injured Employees Recover, Return to Work, and Stay Safe

At OPCO Skilled Management, we believe that taking care of our employees is just as important as taking care of our residents. We are seeking an experienced Workers' Compensation Specialist who can confidently manage work-related injury claims from the initial incident through return-to-work while partnering with facility leadership to strengthen workplace safety across our New Mexico operations.

This is more than a claims administration role. The ideal candidate is a relationship builder, problem solver, investigator, trainer, and advocate who understands how workers' compensation, leave management, accommodations, and workplace safety work together to support employees and operations.

Position Summary

The Workers' Compensation Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for all work-related injuries within an assigned portfolio of healthcare facilities throughout New Mexico. This position manages claims from injury reporting through claim closure, coordinates leave and accommodation processes, partners with insurance carriers and medical providers, and supports safe and timely return-to-work efforts.

The role also analyzes injury trends, conducts facility visits, performs incident investigations, delivers safety training, and collaborates with operational leaders to reduce workplace injuries and improve employee safety outcomes.

Essential Responsibilities

Workers' Compensation Claims Management

• Manage workers' compensation claims from initial injury report through claim resolution.

• Serve as the primary liaison between employees, facility leadership, insurance adjusters, medical providers, and third-party administrators.

• Ensure timely reporting and documentation of workplace injuries.

• Monitor claim status, treatment plans, work restrictions, and return-to-work progress.

• Maintain accurate claim records and case management notes.

• Assist employees in understanding the workers' compensation process and available resources.

• Identify barriers to recovery and collaborate with stakeholders to facilitate claim resolution.

Leave Management & Accommodations

• Coordinate workers' compensation leaves of absence and related leave programs.

• Review medical restrictions and collaborate with operations to identify transitional duty opportunities.

• Facilitate the interactive process for employees requiring accommodations.

• Partner with Human Resources to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state leave and accommodation requirements.

• Support safe and successful return-to-work planning.

Safety & Risk Management

• Analyze injury trends and claim data to identify opportunities for injury prevention.

• Conduct workplace investigations related to employee injuries and high-frequency claims.

• Perform facility safety assessments and observations.

• Develop recommendations to reduce workplace injuries and improve safety practices.

• Partner with center leadership to implement corrective actions and risk reduction initiatives.

• Track and report safety metrics and workers' compensation trends.

Training & Education

• Travel throughout New Mexico to provide training to administrators, department leaders, and employees.

• Educate leaders on injury reporting, claim management, accident investigations, return-to-work practices, and workplace safety expectations.

• Develop and facilitate safety and risk management programs.

• Support company-wide initiatives focused on injury prevention and employee well-being.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of experience managing workers' compensation claims, return-to-work programs, occupational health, risk management, or related experience.

• Knowledge of workers' compensation laws and claims processes.

• Experience coordinating medical restrictions, return-to-work plans, and workplace accommodations.

• Strong investigation, documentation, and case management skills.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

• Ability to analyze trends and develop practical solutions.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management systems.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly throughout New Mexico.

Preferred

• Experience in healthcare, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or senior living environments.

• Experience working directly with insurance carriers, adjusters, and third-party administrators.

• Occupational health, safety, risk management, HR, or claims certifications.

• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

• You are comfortable having difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism.

• You can balance employee advocacy with operational needs.

• You enjoy being in the field and building relationships with leaders.

• You are naturally curious and investigate issues thoroughly.

• You can identify patterns and turn data into action.

• You believe every injury deserves attention and every employee deserves support.

Travel Requirements

This position requires regular travel to healthcare facilities throughout New Mexico. Occasional overnight travel may be required based on business needs.

Why Join OPCO?

You'll be part of a growing healthcare organization where your work directly impacts employee well-being, workplace safety, and operational success. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while partnering with leaders across multiple facilities to create safer workplaces and stronger return-to-work outcomes.

If you're passionate about helping employees recover, reducing workplace injuries, and building a culture of safety, we'd love to hear from you.

#WorkersCompXX