Legal Staff Paralegal in Corpus Christi, TX

Government

Corpus Christi, TX

Legal Staff Paralegal in Corpus Christi, TX

Legal Staff

1-1 yrs required

No

Job Title: Early Assistance Advocate for Injured Employees (Ombudsman I) - Statewide (Temporary)

Job Responsibilities:
An Early Assistance Advocate, also referred to as Ombudsman I, plays a crucial role in assisting injured employees in Texas with their workers’ compensation claims. The advocate works closely with senior Ombudsmen to provide support, guidance, and education to employees. The main responsibilities include:

- Utilizing early intervention strategies to help injured employees before hearings.
- Providing one-on-one assistance to injured employees and answering their questions.
- Reviewing claims related to medical and income benefits.
- Analyzing case backgrounds for each claim and gathering necessary information, such as medical records and letters from doctors.
- Preparing and responding to requests for Designated Doctor examinations.
- Evaluating and implementing strategies to resolve claims early.
- Reporting and referring complaints and tracking claim status.
- Educating injured employees about the workers’ compensation dispute process and relevant laws and rules.
- Advocating for the expedient resolution of claims by assembling evidence needed 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.
- Answering general customer service questions.
- Performing other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Information:
The position requires the following qualifications:

- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
- One year of experience in claims management, insurance, casework, healthcare, social work, law office (paralegal/legal assistant), or workers’ compensation. Education and relevant experience can be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

The position also requires knowledge and skills in:

- Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Assisting the public, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
- Report writing and records maintenance principles and practices.
- Interpreting and explaining laws and regulations.
- Data entry and retrieval, customer service, and use of correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

The 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:
The salary for this position is set at a monthly rate of 3,. The position is classified under the State Job Code: 3660, Salary Admin Plan: B, Grade: 17.

Additional Information:
This is a temporary position lasting up to one year from the date of hire, with the potential to transition to a regular position based on performance and agency business needs. Regular attendance is an essential function of every job at the **Members Only**.

The position requires travel up to 25% of the time. The job posting is ongoing, and the position is exempt from overtime status.

Applicants are encouraged to apply if they have a passion for public service and enjoy making a difference. The OIEC offers various benefits, including accrued vacation and sick leave, numerous holidays, career advancement opportunities, free parking, and comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees.

The OIEC is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability. Reasonable accommodation requests during the application process should be directed to the provided contact email.

Employment Preferences:
The OIEC provides employment preferences to former foster youth and individuals with military service. Specific documentation is required to be submitted with the application to receive military employment preference.

Applicants must submit complete job histories, including job title, dates of employment, employer details, and a description of duties performed. Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates, and those with relevant criminal offenses may be disqualified from employment.