Job Summary:

Provides professional and technical expertise to department staff, private vocational counselors, employers, health care professionals, injured workers and their representatives to effectively interpret and implement statutes, administrative codes, department policies and procedures associated with vocational rehabilitation services.

Vocational Services Specialist will:

• Make determinations on eligibility for plan development service and approves vocational retraining plans.
• Identify and problem solve in all phases of vocational services provided to injured workers to include early intervention, ability-to-work assessment, plan development, plan implementation and forensic reviews.
• Staff, review and approve vocational re-training plans.
• Review vocational reports and recommendations submitted by vocational providers for appropriateness and provide written recommendations to Claim Managers.
• Research and resolve complaints from customers, claims staff and providers regarding vocational services.
• Provide education and training regarding vocational services to department staff and vocational providers.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

A Master's Degree and a CRC, CDMS or ABVE certification and one year of industrial insurance experience.
OR
A Bachelor's Degree and a CRC or CDMS certification and two years industrial insurance experience

CRC = Certified Rehabilitation Counselor; CDMS = Certified Disability Management Specialist; ABVE = American Board of Vocational Experts.

Knowledge of:

Laws, codes (i.e., WAC 296-19A), rules and policies regarding vocational rehabilitation services

Skills and Abilities:

• Consult and employ expertise, credibility and partnering to help clients identify, evaluate, and resolve issues and service needs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective interviewing techniques, asking questions to enhance clarity and reliability of information.
• Build effective relationships and partnerships.
• Use and collect data and information to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form conclusions and make decisions.
• Creating a cooperative and productive environment to resolve problems, develop and implement plans.
• Review written or verbal information for the purpose of recognizing and correcting deficiencies, errors, omissions, etc.
  
  
  

Special Note:

• Prior to any new appointment into L&I, a background check, including criminal record history, will be conducted.
• Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license.
• Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately-owned vehicle.

Application Process:

We are looking for evidence that you have the skills and abilities required for this job. The information you provide will be used to decide who will be selected for the next step in the process.

1. Fill out the L&I Employment Application and or submit a resume.
2. Include a letter of interest describing how you meet the qualification, skills and abilities for this position.
   

Submit your completed Labor & Industries Job Application form and or Resume and Letter of Interest by July 18, 2008, using one of the following methods:

NOTE: We are unable to accept .ZIP attachments.

Some locations where you may access computer terminals:

• Work Source Centers
  (See locations at: http://www.wa.gov/esd/work/localconnections.htm)
• Public libraries
  (See locations at: http://wlo.statelib.wa.gov/libsearch.cfm)
• Department of Personnel, 600 S. Franklin, Olympia, Washington
  

As a condition of employment the successful candidate accepting this position will be required to comply with the Union Security clause contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees or the Coalition.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance in the application or assessment process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 902-9152. Applicants that are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1.

The State of Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer