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Project Manager I - Risk Management (City of Richmond)

The City of Richmond’s Human Resources Management Department invites your interest in the position of Project Manager I (Risk Management). This is a management-level classification which is exempt from the classified service. Incumbents in this classification are typically hired for the duration of a project, up to three years.

THE POSITION

Under the direction of the Risk Manager, the incumbent will serve as a high-level senior manager that will oversee the Workers’ Compensation program, Return-To-Work, and Ergonomic programs, administer the FMLA/CFRA (Family Medical Leave Act/California Family Rights Act) Policy, assist with administration of the ADA/FEHA (Americans with  Disabilities Act/Fair Employment and Housing Act) Policy and the oversight and expansion of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)/Carve-out agreement for public safety and general employees. The incumbent will also act in the Risk Manager’s absence as needed.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Risk Management Project Manager I must have in-depth knowledge of Workers’ Compensation. Core responsibilities involve excellent claims-handling skills and management of 3^rd Party Workers’ Compensation Administration contract (TPA). The incumbent must have exceptional interpersonal skills, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and have the ability to manage and work with conflict, including interacting with individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress. The preferred candidate must also possess the desire to work actively, collaboratively and creatively as part of a team, and have the skills and knowledge to seamlessly take on a leadership role as required.          

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:  Graduation from a four (4)-year college or university, with major coursework in public or business administration or other relevant degree for project assignment. A Master’s degree is desirable.

Possession of an Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Risk Management for Public Entities (ARM-P) or Associate in Claims (AIC) and/or possession of a Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) certification is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE:  Two years of progressively responsible public sector experience in relevant project management, or two years in a supervisory role in management.

Six years of progressively responsible administrative experience in one or more of the following program areas: Workers’ Compensation claims, FMLA/CFRA and ADA/FEHA compliance; wellness and/or safety/accident prevention is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: Possession of an appropriate, valid Driver’s License from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Thorough Knowledge of:

• California Workers’ Compensation and self-insurance legislations.
• CalPERS Industrial Disability Retirement procedures and requirements.
• Practices and procedures of claims evaluation, including investigation.
• Technical terminology used in the medical profession related to the treatment of occupational injuries.
• Occupational injury loss prevention and control techniques.
• Third-party administrator practices, procedures and performance standards.
• Public entity legal defense practices and procedures.
• Basics of ergonomic principles and practices.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 502, 503, 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and of the interactive process.
• The Family Medical Leave Act.
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment, including personal computers.

Ability to:

• Manage all aspects of the Workers’ Compensation and Return-To-Work programs. Oversee TPA management of Workers’ Compensation claims, including  monitoring, evaluating and addressing technical and financial performance.  Ensure that claims are being processed in an expeditious manner.  Act as liaison between the TPA and the employee. Work with legal counsel on litigated claims, including serving as liaison between counsel, the TPA, and the employee. Review litigated cases and settlement offers with the Risk Manager. Performs regular loss and trend analysis of workers’ compensation claims to determine risk control opportunities. Prepare and submit Self-Insurance Annual Report and OSHA 300 forms.
• Manage the City’s Return-To-Work program. Develop and administer training and support programs to ensure effective implementation and administration of the Return-To-Work program.
• Manage the City’s Ergonomic program; coordinate and facilitate employee ergonomic needs, trainings, etc. 
• Oversee the City’s FMLA/CFRA program to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Duties will include, but not be limited to, establishing and tracking claims, analyzing claims to determine eligibility and benefits, and perform timely case decisions.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on the development, implementation, and maintenance of the City’s ADA/FEHA plan and related policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the City is in compliance with COBRA and HIPAA regulations.
• Keep abreast of legislation and trends in Worker’s Compensation and other programs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, staff, employees, in-house and third-party claims administrators and legal counsel. Work collaboratively with labor groups, Ombudsperson, and ADR Administrator in oversight of the ADR program.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee records and benefit utilization.
• Compile data, perform statistical analyses, and prepare clear and concise reports, including but not limited to, using and manipulating data within spreadsheets.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

TO APPLY:  APPLICANTS QUALIFYING FOR POSITIONS ON THE BASIS OF COLLEGE DEGREES AND/OR COURSES NEED TO INCLUDE DOCUMENTATION OF STATED EDUCATION.  Each applicant must submit online a City of Richmond Employment Application, and responses to the Supplemental Qualifications by the final filing date online.  Failure to submit the Employment Application, résumé and responses to the Supplemental Qualifications Questionnaire will disqualify the candidate from further consideration.  Please fill out the Employment Application completely (including places of employment with complete addresses; i.e., number and street name, city and state, names of supervisors with telephone numbers, etc.).  INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE SUBJECT TO REJECTION. 

Candidates may apply online here: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us

EOE