Job Summary:

This position resolves vocational disputes on behalf of the Director of Labor and Industries. Responsibilities include fact finding, analysis, and writing recommendations for the Director regarding injured workers' eligibility for vocational services.

As the Vocational Services Specialist– Dispute Reviewer you will:

• File review, fact finding, analysis of information, decision making, writing clear and objective summaries and letters, customer service and applying Department policies and rules to complex vocational issues and claims.
• Research dispute issues by conducting fact finding and investigations.
• Write clear and objective summaries, letters and reconsiderations to support decisions.
• Analyze claim files and synthesizes information and make final decision of vocational dispute issues for Director.
• Apply Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and policies to vocational dispute issues.
• Respond to inquiries from disputing parties and internal and external customers.
• Refer problems on Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants performance to appropriate parties.
• Testify on behalf of the Director on vocational dispute decisions.
  
  
  

Required Vocational Services Specialist Qualifications Include:
A Master's Degree AND a CRC, CDMS or ABVE certification AND a least one year of full time industrial insurance experience
OR
A Bachelor's Degree AND a CRC or CDMS certification AND at least two years full time industrial insurance experience.

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

Additional Desired Experience:
The above required Vocational Services Specialist Qualification and demonstrated experience in delivering or reviewing vocational work products, including assessment reports, and rehabilitation plans.

Working Knowledge of:

Laws, codes (i.e., WAC 296-19A), rules and policies regarding vocational rehabilitation services and Washington Workers Compensation claim adjudication as it relates to vocational rehabilitation.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret statue, rule and policies to complex situations.
• Effectively identify, collect, organize and document data and information.
• Interviewing skills with ability to use effective techniques for communication and asking questions in ways that enhance clarity, information flow, and the reliability of the information.
• Analyze data and information, evaluate options, form conclusions and make decisions.
• Build voluntary cooperation through credibility, expertise, influence and persuasion.
• Consult and employ expertise, resolve complex or sensitive issues.
  
  
  
  

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.

It is to your advantage to provide us with a complete application package, which consists of all the requested items below:

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

Submit your application materials 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