Workers Compensation Specialist

Company Overview:

Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” or the “Company”) is a dynamic $850 million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity-driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long-term vision. At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

Job Description:

The Workers’ Compensation Claims Specialist role at Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” and “Company”) is responsible for effectively controlling all workers’ compensation claims within the Company from the start of claim through the resolution. This role requires a strong understanding of federal leave and accommodation laws as well as state-specific leave laws and disability plans. This role is responsible for processing complex leave requests and accommodations and working closely with OSJL’s Legal and Risk Management teams to guarantee adherence to all relevant policies.This role actively protects Company assets, participates in safety and health programs, and works closely with associates and leaders around the Company regarding all workers’ compensation claim activity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accurately calculate wage loss on indemnity cases.  
• Initiate contact with all involved parties (i.e., associates, leaders, medical providers, defense counsel, etc.)  beginning with receipt of initial claim notification to gather first notice of injury details, establish clear lines of communication, and exchange necessary information, thereby driving the claim toward a compliant, cost-effective resolution. 
• Coordinate with OSJL’s legal defense on litigated claims to execute litigation strategy and negotiate claim resolution, including full and final settlements and specific settlements for permanent impairment.
• Monitor compliance with Company safety programs and present findings and concerns to leadership.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of all applicable federal and state leave and accommodation laws to ensure compliance with the same.
• Advise associates and leaders on leave laws and their intersection with benefits, including, but not limited to, paid time off, workers' compensation, disability, and return-to-work processes.
• Manage interactive discussions with associates and physicians to determine appropriate leave restrictions and accommodations under the ADA.
• Work closely with leaders across the Company (including within retail stores and the distribution center, corporate office, and field) to monitor associate out-of-work and return-to-work statuses.
• Monitor and manage out-of-work status and light duty work assignments through case resolution.
• Facilitate the timely review of medical provider payments and legal expenses, ensuring consistent cash flow and maintenance of positive vendor and claimant relationships.
• Identify and address third-party and subrogation opportunities.
• Oversee all insurance carrier activity to ensure payments are proper and timely, reserves are adequate, and claims are handled on an effective and timely basis.
• Maintain rigorous OSHA-compliant documentation for all work-related injuries in partnership with asset protection. Utilize claims data to identify safety trends and prepare reports for the Asset Protection team.
• Utilize best practices around workers compensation claim processes, management, and resolution. 
• Effectively utilize virtual means to communicate efficiently and work independently under remote conditions. 

Qualifications:

• An Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• 2 or more years experience handling multi-state workers’ compensation claims is required.
• Knowledge of workers’ compensation insurance, medical terminology, federal accommodation regulations, and state leave laws are required. 
• Experience with both in-house and outsourced leave administration is preferred.
• Proven investigations and customer relations skills are required.
• 2 or more years of experience in a retail environment is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google platform (i.e., Sites, Slides, Drive, Docs, Sheets).
• Proficiency in writing, reading and speaking Spanish is preferred.

   

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a climate controlled environment with minimal safety and health hazard
  potential. 
• Hybrid work option: Some work may be completed outside of the Company locations, with at least three (3) days a week in the Corporate Office. The role is responsible for setting up a professional and ergonomically safe work environment and to be available during working hours.  Hybrid work options are not guaranteed and are subject to change at any time based upon Company policy, associate performance and business needs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• This job description does not list all the duties of the job.  You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other job duties and tasks, some of which may be essential to the position.  Leadership has the right to revise this job description at any time.  The job description is not a contract, either express or implied.  You are an at-will employee, meaning either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without notice.

OSJL Featured Total Rewards & Perks:

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision, and much more.
• 401K Program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Associate Store 30% Discounts
• Enjoy complimentary access to OSJL-owned vacation properties, along with discounted gym memberships and 20% off at OSJL affiliated restaurants.
• Free lunch Fridays

The annual salary range for this position is $58,000 - $65,000. Salary commensurates with years of applicable experience.

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