Workers' Dispute Resolution Specialist

Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolution Specialist 1/2, Office of Workers' Compensation

Location:

Houma, La (Terrebonne Parish)

Louisiana Works transforms lives and drives prosperity by putting people at the center of everything we do. We provide one seamless door where individualized solutions create new possibilities, proving that when government works for people, Louisiana works for everyone.

The Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA) in Louisiana oversees the enforcement and administration of workers’ compensation laws, aiming to support early return-to-work efforts and improve workplace safety. The department manages disputed claims, conducts hearings, reviews medical treatment disputes, and investigates fraud through collaborative efforts like the GAME ON task force.

The Workers’ Compensation Dispute Resolution will provide support services to the Workers' Compensation (WC) Judge, conduct research, as well as prepares summaries, to assist the Judge and Mediator in evaluating the legal and factual issues presented in Workers' Compensation disputes.

• Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
• Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
• Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions.

Three years of experience in worker’s compensation, injury investigation, insurance claims examining, insurance claims investigation, or insurance claims resolution; OR six years of full-time experience in any field; OR a bachelor’s degree.

Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field. The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

• Serves as an ombudsman for unrepresented parties by assisting with forms, defining disputes, and facilitating settlement discussions.
• Responds independently to complex written and verbal inquiries regarding case status, procedures, and administrative matters.
• Interprets state Workers’ Compensation procedures for officials, insurance carriers, and members of the legal community.
• Investigates case statuses, resolves complaints, and identifies delays, making policy and procedural recommendations to the WC Judge.
• Reviews medical reports and settlements to ensure statutory compliance and determine maximum medical improvement.
• Analyzes evidence and legal principles, conducts legal research (including Shepardizing), and prepares summaries, depositions, and settlement reports to assist in drafting opinions and decisions.
• Prepares and processes legal documents, minutes, attorney fee approvals, and updates automated hearing systems.
• Monitors submission of briefs, depositions, and exhibits to ensure cases are properly submitted for decision.
• Travels statewide to support the Judge and Mediator during hearings and trials.

Location: Houma, La

Appointment Type: Probational / Job Appointment / Promotional / Detail to Special Duty

Career Progression Group: Workers’ Compensation Dispute Resolution Specialist 1 or Workers’ Compensation Dispute Resolution Specialist 2

Please click on the links below to learn more about each job level:

WORKERS' COMPENSATION DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALIST 1

WORKERS' COMPENSATION DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALIST 2

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for…