WORKERS' COMPENSATION DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALIST 1/2

Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolution Specialist

Office of Workers Compensation Division: District 9 Location: Houma, La (Terrebonne Parish)

Louisiana Works transforms lives and drives prosperity by putting people at the center of everything we do. We provide one seamless door where individualized solutions create new possibilities, proving that when government works for people, Louisiana works for everyone.

The Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolution Specialist 1/2 will provide support services to the Workers' Compensation (WC) Judge, conduct research, as well as prepares summaries, to assist the Judge and Mediator in evaluating the legal and factual issues presented in Workers' Compensation disputes. The Office of Workers' Compensation Administration (OWCA) in Louisiana oversees the enforcement and administration of workers' compensation laws, aiming to support early return-to-work efforts and improve workplace safety. The department manages disputed claims, conducts hearings, reviews medical treatment disputes, and investigates fraud through collaborative efforts like the GAME ON task force.

An ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
• Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
• Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions.

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of experience in worker's compensation, injury investigation, insurance claims examining, insurance claims investigation, or insurance claims resolution; OR Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR A bachelor's degree. EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

Job Duties and Other Information

Job Details:

• Serves as an ombudsman for unrepresented parties by assisting with forms, defining disputes, and facilitating settlement discussions.
• Responds independently to complex written and verbal inquiries regarding case status, procedures, and administrative matters.
• Interprets state Workers' Compensation procedures for officials, insurance carriers, and members of the legal community.
• Investigates case statuses, resolves complaints, and identifies delays, making policy and procedural recommendations to the WC Judge.
• Reviews medical reports and settlements to ensure statutory compliance and determine maximum medical improvement.
• Analyzes evidence and legal principles, conducts legal research (including Shepardizing), and prepares summaries, depositions, and settlement reports to assist in drafting opinions and decisions.
• Prepares and processes legal documents, minutes, attorney fee approvals, and updates automated hearing systems.
• Monitors submission of briefs, depositions, and exhibits to ensure cases are properly submitted for decision.
• Travels statewide to support the Judge and Mediator during hearings and trials.

Position Specific Details: Location: Houma, La Appointment Type: Probational / Job Appointment / Promotional / Detail to Special Duty Career Progression Group: Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolution Specialist 1 or Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolution Specialist 2

How to Apply: No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their applications to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. All applicants selected for employment must submit to drug screening and a background check.

Contact Information: For further information about this vacancy, contact: Kedrick Kennedy View email address on click.appcast.io Louisiana Works is an equal employment opportunity employer and SAME agency that serves as a model employer for the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities TDD# View phone number on click.appcast.io

Benefits

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career. As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:

Insurance Coverage More information can be found at Parental Leave Up to six weeks paid parental leave More information can be found at Holidays and Leave State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase. Retirement State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System ( LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System ( among others