Workers' Compensation - Pleasant Prairie - Fair Oaks Foods

Description

Position Summary

Under general direction of the Human Resources Operations Manager, ensures timely processing of workers' compensation claims; and all other medical leaves of absence (FMLA/ADA, etc.). In all cases of Worker's Compensation, evaluates accident reports in partnership with Safety team to determine accuracy and completeness and to ensure adequate investigation; ensures that Fair Oaks Foods follows applicable laws and regulations; provides training and guidance to claims coordinators in all departments.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates accident reports, in partnership with our insurer ensures the timely processing of medical bills and temporary total disability benefits, reviews medical reports, witness statements, department investigation results and other documentation. Compiles facts and data regarding accident reports and filed cases.
• Reviews accident reports with Safety to identify patterns of injury and to determine whether unsafe conditions contributed to the accident; advises departments of trends in injuries and proper safety procedures that may result in reduction of injuries; provides department with information that will aid in reducing accidents and improve safety.
• Handles the FMLA leave administration process from the employee's initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and their managers during leave within reason.
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Attends seminars, conducts research and maintains liaison with individuals in the medical community and health care fields to keep abreast of current medical procedures and medications.
• Oversee the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s).
• Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA.
• Administers other company time-off programs as assigned in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
• Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the Workers' Compensation Act, city regulations and other applicable state/federal statutes and regulations.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology, body systems and/or impairments and their disabling effects.
• Working knowledge of office procedures and files.
• Ability to obtain facts that ensure that claims information is complete and accurate.
• Ability to balance casework loads and efficiently process claims.
• Ability to evaluate all medical and time-loss claims information to make determinations regarding payment of temporary total disability benefits and medical bills.
• Good judgment in interpreting medical facts presented by a physician and applying these facts in determining an individual's capacity to engage in gainful occupation.
• Ability to read, assimilate and recall with marked proficiency facts, figures and descriptions, and to search for and obtain information.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with co-workers, the general public and other agency personnel.
• Working knowledge of the tenets of supervision and motivation of employees.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office environment and occasionally on the plant floor. The conditions may require cold and warm environments to -10 to +100 degrees. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Fair Oaks Foods assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices, which include all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to "legally protected categories" such as: race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.