WORKERS COMPENSATION ATTORNEY

WORKERS COMPENSATION ATTORNEY
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for a Workers Compensation Attorney (Labor Relations Specialist) for the Labor Relations Division in the Human Resources Department. Under the direction of the Director of Labor Relations, the position is responsible for all aspects of Workers' Compensation and Injured on Duty functions of the Human Resources Department, including claims management and litigation. This position is responsible for the coordination of employee leaves and accommodations, including employer obligations under Workers' Compensation, Family Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities, and unemployment matters. This position is responsible for Labor Relations, including, interpretation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements with the various city unions, advising department heads regarding all aspects of labor relations, including employee discipline and investigations.

Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Responsible for all aspects of workers' compensation and injured on duty functions of HR department.
• Manage the claims review process for all injured employees, collaborating with adjusters and payroll personnel. Investigate claims.
• Review medical issues with nurse case manager.
• Approve and deny claims.
• Litigate workers compensation cases from initial denial through hearing and appeal.
• Draft, file and argue motions, closing arguments and appellate briefs. Examine witnesses.
• Conduct depositions.
• Negotiate settlements, and present settlement proposals to the School Committee and City Department Heads.
• Review all claims to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations and collective bargaining agreements.
• Oversee disability retirement claims. Conduct research on various legal issues, Monitor involuntary and voluntary retirement application process, Present legal and factual arguments to the Worcester Retirement Board, Reviews medical documentation. Appeals as necessary.
• Participate in interactive conferences regarding workplace accommodations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, regulations and contractual provisions.
• Proficient business writing and organizational skills; strong time management skills.
• Ability to meet and deal with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community and ability to maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively.
• Ability to maintain sensitive, confidential information, manage and organize complex records.
• Ability to deal appropriately on behalf of Human Resources with department employees, the public as well as local and state officials.
• Ability to multitask in order to complete assignments in a detailed, timely and organized manner.
• Ability to speak and communicate privately and/or publicly in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to independently investigate issues in an organized, detailed, and timely manner.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues and situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and have the ability to access and navigate portals.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctorate Degree
• Licensed Attorney in Massachusetts with admittance to the Bar of the Supreme Judicial Court.
• Knowledge of Workers Compensation.
• Strong communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with medical conditions and terminology.
• Six (6) months of experience with Employment and Labor laws.
• Six (6) months of experience with Family Medical Leave law (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Once (1) year of experience litigating claims before either the Trial Court or state agencies, including hearings and motion practice.
• Six (6) months of experience with employment investigations and/or related litigation.
• Experience involving matters pertaining to discrimination and harassment.
• Experience with unemployment claims.

SALARY RANGE: $78,434- $103,104 annually, commensurate with qualifications, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter : City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applicants received on or before Friday, May 17, 2024, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov.