OIEC - Early Assistance Advocate for Injured Emplo

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=100931andPostingSeq=1Agency InformationDo you have a passion for public service and enjoy making a difference? Don't miss out on this opportunity. The Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) is hiring! Apply now if you're looking for a rewarding career in public service. You'll love the Benefits of Working at OIEC: 96 hours of accrued vacation a year 96 hours of accrued sick leave a year 20 holidays every year Career advancement opportunities Free parking Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees and 50% off premium costs for dependents (state pays other 50%) Public Service Loan Forgiveness program OIEC is the state agency that helps injured employees with their Texas workers' compensation claims. The agency assists, educates, and advocates on their behalf. OIEC provides services in 20 offices across the state. Agency services include advocacy, customer service, and dispute assistance through OIEC's Ombudsman Program.Job DescriptionEarly Assistance Advocate for Injured Employees (Ombudsman I) - DentonAn Early Assistance Advocate (Ombudsman I) works with senior Ombudsmen who advocate, assist, and educate injured employees of Texas. The Early Assistance Advocate will utilize early intervention strategies to assist injured employees prior to hearings. Being an Early Assistance Advocate involves: assisting the injured employee one-on-one; answering questions from the injured employee; reviewing claims for medical and income benefits; studying and analyzing the case background on each claim; gathering and evaluating information (including medical records and letters from doctors); preparing and responding to requests for Designated Doctor examinations; evaluating and implementing strategies to resolve a claim early; reporting and referring complaints; and tracking and providing information and claim status. The Early Assistance Advocate works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Travel Required: 25%Essential Job DutiesThis position:educates the injured employee about the workers' compensation dispute process and workers' compensation law/rulesadvocates for expedient resolution of a claim by assembling evidence (e.g., medical records, causation letters, etc.) needed for insurance carrier determinations and/or in anticipation of benefit proceedingscontacts insurance carriers and medical providers to identify and resolve disputes assists with referrals to social services with other state agenciesprovides assistance in filing claims; assists with obtaining supporting claim documentation from doctorsroutinely contacts injured employees to provide status updates and discuss upcoming events documents customer contact in computer systemanswers general customer service questionsperforms other duties, as assignedQualificationsQualifications:associate's degree from an accredited college or universityone year experience in claims management, insurance, casework, healthcare, social work, law office (paralegal/legal assistant) or workers' compensationNote: Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.Orgraduation from high school or equivalenttwo years of experience working for the Office of Injured Employee CounselIf you hold a current law license, you must surrender it upon hire. Candidate must reside in Texas or be able to relocate to Texas by the start date. OIEC does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa.Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesThis position requires knowledge of:Microsoft Word, Excel, and OutlookThis position requires demonstrated skill in:assisting the publicconflict resolutionhandling and solving problemsreport writing and records maintenance principles and practicesinterpreting and explaining laws and regulationsdata entry and retrievalcustomer serviceuse of correct grammar, punctuation, and spellingThis position requires the demonstrated ability to:manage multiple, competing prioritiesestablish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups including injured employees and fellow staff memberscommunicate effectively both verbally and in writing with all levels of employees and the publicAdditional InformationMilitary employment preference Senate Bill 1376, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, Section 657.002 requires State agencies to give military employment preference in employment and retention. Please see more details on our job page. Documentation must be attached before military preference can be granted, and all personal and/or sensitive information (i.e. Social Security Number, DOB) must be redacted from any attached documents. To receive a military employment preference for any position, the following documents are required to be submitted with your application, as applicable: Veteran: DD Form 214 Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried: Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty: Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty: Marriage Certificate and copy of spouse's active-duty military orders Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household: Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD Form 214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating For help translating your military work experience, including training courses on civilian job terminology, skill sets, and qualifications or requirements, click or copy this URL into your browser: www.texasskillstowork.com Applicable Military Occupational Specialt