Disability Specialist

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DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR JOB DUTIES
Under the direction of the Disability Manager and Disability Administrator, the Disability Specialist is responsible for managing day-to-day operations related to Wayne County's disability and medical leave-related programs, ensuring compliance with all government regulations, including Workers Compensation, ADA and FMLA, and Wayne County's Long-Term Disability Program and contractual leave benefits outlined in various applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBA) and employee benefit plans. Works towards meeting overall goals and objectives of the organization. The Disability Specialist works to minimizing financial costs by facilitating return to work and/or favorable resolution of disability claims.

• Assist the Disability Manager in managing Wayne County's workers' compensation program, including interacting with the injured employees and their department, working with the County's third-party administrator (TPA) to manage all aspects of claims, representing the County at the Workers Compensation Agency, testifying on behalf of the County when necessary for litigated cases, and working with all stakeholders for claim resolution.
• Assist the Disability Manager in managing the Wayne County Long-Term Disability Plan (LTD), including managing day-to-day aspects of claims and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBA) and employee benefit plans
• Review and process medical leave claims/requests, especially those governed by the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations and pursuant to County policies, CBAs and employee benefit plans
• Review and process requests for accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including reviewing employees' restrictions, assessing work sites, working with Personnel/Human Resources and/or departments to effectuate appropriate accommodations, following up with employee and representing the County in the event of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and/or Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) claim being filed
• Review and process Fit-for-Duty requests made by departments, including investigating the claim and assisting with resolution
• Serve as a liaison between employees and other stakeholders, including family members, supervisors, doctors, independent medical examiners, and other service providers
• Establish trusting and cooperative relationships with all employees and ensure the privacy and confidentiality of all information and data, including compliance with HIPAA
• Maintain positive, empathetic, and professional behavior towards employees at all times
• Recommend and assist in implementation of improvements to policies and procedures to ensure utilization of best practices within the Disability & Leave Unit
• Attend meetings and take part on committees related to the County's disability and leave programs and/or specific claims
• Work with Labor Relations and Corporation Counsel in grievance, arbitration and other legal or administrative hearings and proceedings as necessary
• Keep abreast of changing Federal and State legislation, regulations and case law that may affect workers compensation, FMLA, ADA or other employee disability issues; maintain up-to-date and thorough knowledge of employee benefit provisions and eligibility requirements found in CBAs
• Provide training to personnel officers and managers throughout the organization as it relates to the County's leave and disability programs
• Partner with the Occupational Health & Safety Unit and Health & Safety Committee to actively promote a health and safe work environment
• Work with P/HR to ensure accurate information is entered into the County's HRIS regarding an employee's leave status
• Assist in the drafting and publication of Requests for Proposals (RFP) related to procurement of services needed by the County's Disability and Leave Unit, including review of submitted proposals
• Assist in maintaining financial and analytical data related to the leave and disability programs
• Collaborates with management to manage customer service quality metrics
• Prioritize and organize daily responsibilities to meet all deadlines, particularly deadlines imposed by Federal laws and regulations
• Other duties as assigned as by the Disability Manager to assist in the operations of the unit

ELIGIBLE PERSONS
At the time of application, eligible persons must have:

• A high school diploma/GED (Bachelor's degree preferred); AND
• At least ten (10) years of full-time paid experience working in the worker's compensation field as a claims adjuster (knowledge and experience in FMLA, ADA and disability programs generally preferred); AND
• A valid driver's license and a safe and acceptable driving record

Equal Opportunity Employer: Wayne County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to: recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
For information regarding the Department of Justice - EEO Utilization Report, please visit .
Accommodations: If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Wayne County Department of Personnel/Human Resources at 313-224-5901 or via email at . Hearing or speech impaired persons using TDD's or similar devices may contact the Michigan Relay Center, toll free at (800) 649-3777 or 711 to communicate directly with the Department of Personnel/Human Resources during regular working hours.