Job Title: Early Assistance Advocate for Injured Employees (Ombudsman I) - Statewide
Job Responsibilities:
An Early Assistance Advocate (Ombudsman I) works collaboratively with senior Ombudsmen to support, advocate for, and educate injured employees in Texas. The role involves utilizing early intervention strategies to assist injured employees before their cases reach the hearing stage. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting injured employees on a one-on-one basis by answering their questions and providing guidance.
- Reviewing claims for medical and income benefits, and analyzing the background of each case.
- Gathering and evaluating information, including medical records and correspondence from doctors.
- Preparing for and responding to requests for Designated Doctor examinations.
- Evaluating and implementing strategies to resolve claims early.
- Reporting and referring complaints as necessary.
- Tracking claim status and providing information to the injured employees.
- Educating injured employees about the workers' compensation dispute process and relevant laws and rules.
- Assembling evidence, such as medical records and causation letters, to advocate for quick claim resolution.
- Contacting insurance carriers and medical providers to identify and resolve disputes.
- Assisting with referrals to social services and other state agencies when needed.
- Providing assistance in filing claims and obtaining supporting documentation from doctors.
- Regularly 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:
- A graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is required.
- A minimum of one year of experience in fields such as claims management, insurance, casework, healthcare, social work, law office (paralegal/legal assistant), or workers’ compensation is necessary. Education and relevant experience can 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 skill in:
- Assisting the public and providing excellent customer service.
- Conflict resolution and solving problems.
- Report writing and records maintenance principles and practices.
- Interpreting and explaining laws and regulations.
- Data entry and retrieval.
- Using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
This position requires the demonstrated ability to:
- Manage multiple, competing priorities efficiently.
- 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 position offers a monthly salary of $3,, with a salary administrative plan under Grade 17.
Additional Information:
- The job is a full-time role, requiring 40 hours per week, with a travel requirement of 25% of the time.
- The position is exempt from overtime.
- The role is based in Texas, with multiple statewide locations.
Benefits of Working at the Organization:
- Hybrid work schedule, if applicable.
- 96 hours of accrued vacation per year.
- 96 hours of accrued sick leave per year.
- 20+ holidays every year.
- Opportunities for career advancement.
- Free parking.
- Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees, with 50% off premium costs for dependents (the state covers the other 50%).
Application Process:
- Interested candidates can apply through the Work in Texas platform. Applications must include complete job histories, including job title, dates of employment, employer name, manager’s name, and a description of duties performed. Resumes do not replace this required information.
- Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. Applicants convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position may be disqualified.
- Equal employment opportunity is provided, and the organization does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability. Reasonable accommodation requests during the application process can be directed to the organization's HR department.
Employment Preferences:
- Former Foster Youth Preference: Individuals under the permanent managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services before their 18th birthday are entitled to employment preference.
- Military Employment Preference: Military employment preference is provided as required by Senate Bill 1376. Relevant documents such as DD Form 214, marriage certificates, and birth certificates should be submitted for preference consideration.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes applicable to this position include, but are not limited to:
- 27A, 250X, LGL10, 4421, 4402, 4430, 51JX, 92J0.
