Workers' Compensation and Occupational Health Program Manager

Workers' Compensation and Occupational Health Program Manager Job no: 559573 Work type: Management (MPP), Staff Location: Pomona Categories: MPP, At-Will, Compliance/Legal, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location) Type of Appointment: Full-Time, At Will Job Classification: Administrator I Anticipated Hiring Range: $105,000 - $113,136 annually (Commensurate with skills and qualifications) Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am -5:00 pm The Department Within the President's Office, the Office of Employee/Labor Relations & Compliance serves the University as a strategic partner and a cluster of key resource offices in support of the University's strategic initiative to advance organizational development and employee excellence. The department develops proactive strategies and solutions to address Employee/Labor Relation and HR compliance opportunities, integrates compliance strategy with workforce sustainability and operational excellence, and delivers on CSU Forward’s vision of a transformed public university system. By integrating compliance, labor strategy, policy governance, accessibility, and risk mitigation, the department strengthens operational effectiveness while proactively reducing legal and financial exposure. Duties and Responsibilities Workers' Compensation Program Administration Operates independently as the primary administrator and overseer of the University’s Workers’ Compensation, Pre‑employment, and Fitness‑For‑Duty health programs. Leads initiatives, projects, and implementation efforts using advanced communication and listening skills; evaluates priorities, schedules and assigns work, reviews work against standards, provides performance feedback, and determines training needs. Provides functional leadership through program governance, strategic direction, and influence across departments. Establishes and oversees workers’ compensation procedures and processes for employee groups as determined by CSURM/CPP. Provides regular executive‑level reports on program performance, claim trends, cost drivers, and progress toward strategic objectives. Advises the AVP on workers’ compensation strategy, risk exposure, policy development, and complex case matters. Partners with Employee/Labor Relations & Compliance and campus stakeholders to align policies and practices with California workers’ compensation laws and best practices. Analyzes, interprets, and applies new and/or existing employee group terms and conditions of employment to ensure accurate application of the workers’ compensation process. Develops and implements programmatic and policy changes as necessary. Maintains compliance with applicable state laws, regulations, and technical guidance issued by the Office of the Chancellor. Oversees and manages the University’s workers’ compensation claims portfolio, including complex and litigated cases. Investigates claims, advises the third‑party claims administrator, represents the University at depositions, hearings, and trials, and communicates temporary work restrictions to managers and supervisors. Evaluates temporary work restrictions and develops Transitional Work Plans; initiates and guides the interactive process for employees with temporary restrictions. Prepares managers and supervisors for interactions with injured workers and develops strategic communications as necessary. Develops documentation to support settlement authorization requests and advises leadership on resolution strategies. Collaborates with claims adjusters, legal counsel, and medical providers to coordinate case strategy and settlement negotiations. Coordinates the university’s workers’ compensation caseload with the third‑party claims administrator. Manage Pre‑Employment Health Screening Program and Fitness‑For‑Duty Develops and oversees the Pre‑Employment and Fitness‑For‑Duty Health Screening Program. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws and bargaining agreement policies; monitors regulatory changes and updates program accordingly. Maintains policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure consistent, equitable, and defensible screening practices across units. Serves as a consultative resource to EODA and hiring managers on eligibility determinations, liability considerations, and complex screening outcomes. Evaluates and adjudicates sensitive or high‑risk screening results with EODA leadership and legal counsel. Oversees vendor relationships to ensure service quality, confidentiality, data security, and contractual compliance. Establishes reporting metrics and monitors processing timelines, clearance rates, and compliance indicators. Conducts periodic program reviews and audits to strengthen compliance and enhance the candidate experience. Develop and Provide Program Communications Serves as the primary point of contact for sensitive workers’ compensation, pre‑employment, and fitness‑for‑duty matters. Advises managers and supervisors on employee communications, work restrictions, interactive process, and return‑to‑work expectations; maintains strict confidentiality of health records and claim information. Facilitates communication among injured employees, supervisors, Payroll, and other units on benefits, leave, transitional work, and case status; develops executive‑level summaries and reports on claims activity and trends. Designs and delivers training on Workers’ Compensation, Return‑to‑Work, and Fitness‑For‑Duty programs, including targeted training for stakeholders overseeing live‑in student leaders. Maintains current knowledge of program developments and develops reference guides and orientation materials on employee rights and supervisory responsibilities. Manage the University’s Return‑to‑Work Program Interprets medical documentation and work status reports to determine accommodations and transitional assignments; leads RTW planning with HR, supervisors, providers, legal counsel, Payroll, and EH&S. Coordinates with EH&S on OSHA reporting, workplace/ergonomic evaluations, and occupational hazard mitigation; advises leadership on high‑risk RTW cases. Serve as backup ADA Coordinator Helps ensure University compliance with ADA, Sections 503/504 of the Rehabilitation Act, FEHA, and related disability‑access laws; provides guidance to managers, supervisors, and faculty on accommodations, develops individualized accommodation plans, and maintains accurate ADA records. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, human resources, public administration, occupational health, industrial relations, risk management, healthcare administration, nursing, public health, or a related field. Five years of progressively responsible experience administering Workers’ Compensation claims, Pre‑Employment Exam Programs, and Fitness‑for‑Duty coordination, including independent management of complex cases. Experience leading an integrated workers’ compensation, disability management, occupational health, leave administration, or accommodation program, including policy development and regulatory compliance. Experience coordinating return‑to‑work/disability management processes, interpreting applicable laws, and consulting with management on complex health and injury matters. Experience managing vendor relationships with third‑party administrators, occupational health providers, and consultants. Experience analyzing program performance data, including claims analytics, KPIs, dashboards, and preparing management reports. Knowledge of California Labor Code, FEHA, ADA, FMLA/CFRA, OSHA reporting, IDL/TD, disability benefits administration, utilization review, and California workers’ compensation practices. Knowledge of occupational health administration, medical confidentiality requirements (HIPAA, CMIA, record retention), collective bargaining impacts, claims analytics, risk/loss‑prevention methodologies, CSU policies, and project/change management principles. Ability to interpret and apply laws and policies; analyze complex medical, legal, and operational information to develop compliant solutions balancing employee well‑being and institutional needs. Ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives, build partnerships across leadership, labor, legal, medical, and administrative stakeholders without direct authority. Ability to prepare and present executive‑level reports and data‑informed recommendations; serve as a trusted advisor on regulatory compliance, risk exposure, and program strategy. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a highly regulated environment with accuracy and confidentiality; exercise diplomacy and sound judgment on sensitive employee and labor relations matters. Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills; strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; demonstrated independence, initiative, discretion, and collaboration. Preferred Qualifications Experience within a California State University or similar public multi‑institutional environment; professional designation such as Workers’ Compensation Claims Professional (WCCP), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), or similar occupational health credential. Five years of progressively responsible experience managing Workers’ Compensation claims in a large, complex, unionized, public‑sector, higher education environment. Knowledge of viaOne Claims Management System, CSU collective bargaining agreements, CMS PeopleSoft, and CHRS applications; Hands‑on experience with PeopleSoft Workforce Administration and Absence Management processes preferred. Experience administering comprehensive return‑to‑work, transitional work, disability management, occupational health, or fitness‑for‑duty programs. Experience collaborating with CSU third‑party administrators, legal counsel, occupational health providers, and risk management professionals on complex and litigated claims; experience delivering management training related to workers’ compensation, return‑to‑work obligations, disability management, and regulatory compliance. Experience leading an integrated disability management, occupational health, or workforce health program within a complex organization. Equal Employment Opportunity Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. The university complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209, and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona will not discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Reasonable Accommodation We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Conflict of Interest This position is a designated position in the California State University’s Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate must file financial interest disclosure forms subject to state regulations. Advertised: June 26, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time Applications close: Open Until Filled #J-18808-Ljbffr California State Polytechnic University-Pomona