Workers Compensation Claims Examiner III

POSITION SUMMARY: Under minimal supervision, manages all aspects of indemnity claims handling from inception to conclusion within established authority and guidelines.

This position requires considerable interaction with clients, claimants on the phone, and with management, other Claims Examiners, and other TRISTAR staff in the office; therefore, consistently being at work in the office, in a timely manner, is inherently required of this position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Effectively manages a caseload of up to 135 workers’ compensation files, including very complex claims.*
• Initiates and conducts investigations in a timely manner.*
• Determines compensability of claims and administers benefits, based upon state law and in accordance with established Company guidelines.*
• Manages medical treatment and medical billing, authorizing as appropriate.*
• Refers cases to outside defense counsel. Directs and manages as appropriate.*
• Communicates with claimants, providers, and vendors regarding claims issues.*
• Computes and sets reserves within Company guidelines. Limits are larger than those allowed for Claims Examiner I and Claims Examiner II.*
• Settles and/or finalizes all claims and obtains authority as designated.*
• Maintains diary system for case review and documents file to reflect the status and work being performed on the file.*
• Communicates appropriate information promptly to the client to resolve claims efficiently, including any injury trends or other safety-related concerns.*
• Involves TRISTAR loss control staff when appropriate.*
• Adheres to all Company policies and procedures.*
• Conduct file reviews independently.*
• Other duties as assigned.

* Essential job function.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED/USED: Computer, 10-key, fax machine, copier, printer, and other office equipment.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OR CLOTHING: Appropriate office attire

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education/Experience: High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in related field (preferred); (2-5) years’ experience handling OR and/or WA claims experience working with Self insured clients

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Technical knowledge of statutory regulations and medical terminology.
• Analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey technical details to claimants, clients and staff.
• Ability to interact with persons at all levels in the business environment.
• Ability to independently and effectively manage very complex claims.
• Proficient in Word and Excel (preferred).

Other Qualifications:

• OR certification or ability to become certified in OR

• WA certification or ability to become certified in WA

Mental and Physical Requirements: [see separate attachment for a copy of checklist of mental and physical requirements]

	MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
	1. MENTAL EFFORT a. Reasoning development: Follow one- or two-step instructions; routine, repetitive task. Carry out detail but uninvolved written or verbal instructions; deal with a few concrete variables. Follow written, verbal, or diagrammatic instructions; several concrete variables. X Solve practical problems; variety of variables with limited standardization; interpret instructions. Logical or scientific thinking to solve problems; several abstract and concrete variables. Wide range of intellectual and practical problems; comprehend most obscure concepts.
	b. Mathematical development: