The Risk Management Specialist – Workers’ Compensation is responsible for the day-to-day administration and financial oversight of the City’s Workers’ Compensation program. Reporting to the Risk Manager, this position manages workers’ compensation claims from initial injury through resolution, serving as a key point of contact for injured employees, supervisors, third-party administrators, and regulatory agencies.

This role ensures timely, compliant, and customer-focused claims handling while coordinating return-to-work efforts, monitoring program costs, and maintaining accurate financial and regulatory reporting. The Specialist partners closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors, stays current on Washington State workers’ compensation regulations, and supports continuous improvement of the program through strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Manages Workers’ Compensation claims from initial report through resolution, including communication with injured employees, setting claims handling expectations, and coordinating claim activity.
• Oversees and manages the City’s relationship with the Third-Party Administrator (TPA), including claim investigation, ongoing claim activity, and resolution of work-related injuries.
• Administers the financial components of the Workers’ Compensation program, including escrow account reconciliation, bi-weekly wire transfers, and coordination with Finance to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Partners with supervisors and managers to coordinate and support the return-to-work program for injured employees.
• Ensures compliance with Washington State Workers’ Compensation regulations, MMSEA reporting requirements, and all required submissions to state and federal agencies, including quarterly reporting to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
• Develops and maintains a high level of proficiency with Riskonnect RIMS to support claims tracking, reporting, and analysis.
• Stays current on changes to Washington State Workers’ Compensation laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act (MMSEA) rules.
• Collaborates with the Risk Manager on special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Works under the general supervision of the Risk Manager
• No formal supervisory responsibilities

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration or related field.
• Four years or more of related professional Workers’ Compensation claims experience, preferable in WA State or other monopolistic state systems.
• Familiarity with industry best practices in Workers’ Compensation claims management.
• Proficiency in interpreting medical reports and medical terminology.
• Associate in Risk Management (ARM) preferred.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, competencies, and abilities to succeed in the role.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES:

• Strong customer focus.
• Ability to establish trust and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and quality decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Action-oriented with the ability to move work forward efficiently.
• Cultivates innovation and continuous improvement.

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel, or operate various objects or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Required vision abilities include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Successful candidate may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.
• The customary noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet.

FLEXIBLE/HYBRID WORKING

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.