Job Title: Early Assistance Advocate for Injured Employees (Ombudsman I)
Job Responsibilities:
An Early Assistance Advocate for Injured Employees, also known as Ombudsman I, plays a crucial role in assisting injured employees in Texas with their workers' compensation claims. This position involves working under moderate supervision and requires limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting injured employees one-on-one, answering their questions, and reviewing claims for medical and income benefits.
- Studying and analyzing the case background of each claim and gathering and evaluating information, including medical records and letters from doctors.
- Preparing and responding to requests for Designated Doctor examinations.
- Evaluating and implementing strategies to resolve claims early and reporting and referring complaints while tracking and providing information and claim status.
- Educating injured employees about the workers' compensation dispute process and workers' compensation law/rules.
- Advocating for expedient resolution of claims by assembling necessary evidence, such as medical records and causation letters, for insurance carrier determinations or benefit proceedings.
- Contacting insurance carriers and medical providers to identify and resolve disputes.
- Assisting with referrals to social services with other state agencies.
- Providing assistance in filing claims and obtaining supporting documentation from doctors.
- Routinely contacting injured employees to provide status updates and discuss upcoming events.
- Documenting customer contact in the computer system and answering general customer service questions.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Information:
- .
- One year of experience in claims management, insurance, casework, healthcare, social work, law office (paralegal/legal assistant), or workers’ compensation. Education and relevant experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.
This position requires knowledge of:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
This position requires demonstrated skills in:
- Assisting the public.
- Conflict resolution.
- Handling and solving problems.
- Report writing and records maintenance principles and practices.
- Interpreting and explaining laws and regulations.
- Data entry and retrieval.
- Customer service.
- Use of correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
This position requires the demonstrated ability to:
- Manage multiple, competing priorities.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups, including injured employees and fellow staff members.
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with all levels of employees and the public.
Salary Information:
- Salary Admin Plan: B
- Grade: 17
- Salary (Pay Basis): $3, monthly
Additional Information:
- Employee Status: Regular, Full-time
- Standard Hours Per Week:
- Travel: Yes, 25% of the time
- State Job Code: 3660
- Overtime Status: Exempt
- Job Posting Date: June 12, 2025
- Closing Date: Ongoing
Benefits of Working at the Organization:
- Hybrid work schedule, if applicable.
- 96 hours of accrued vacation and 96 hours of accrued sick leave annually.
- 20+ holidays every year.
- Career advancement opportunities.
- Free parking.
- Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees and 50% premium costs for dependents (state pays the other 50%).
Employment Preferences:
- Former Foster Youth Preference: Individuals under the permanent managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services on the day preceding their 18th birthday are entitled to a preference in employment with a state agency over other applicants for the same position who do not have greater qualifications.
- Military Employment Preference: State agencies must give military employment preference in employment and retention as per Senate Bill 1376, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, Section .
How to Apply:
- All applications must include complete job histories, including job title, dates of employment, name of employer, manager’s name, and a description of duties performed. Resumes do not substitute for this required information.
- Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. An applicant convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position may be disqualified from employment.
- Equal employment opportunity: The organization does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. Requests for reasonable accommodation during the application process should be directed to the appropriate email address provided in the original job posting.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes applicable to this position include, but are not limited to, 27A, 250X, LGL10, 4421, 4402, 4430, 51JX, 92J0. For more information on translating military work experience into civilian job terms, visit the provided links in the original job posting.
