Workers' Compensation Manager

Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000
Costco Wholesale offers a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance, health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase plan to eligible employees.

Description of Position
The Workers' Compensation Manager will be responsible for managing multiple dedicated states. Oversees the Third-Party Administrator for compliance and assists in helping injured workers return to work. Monitors reserves for compliance, reviews settlement and surveillance requests in order to move the claim forward. Must understand medical and legal terminology and have knowledge of the requirements of what it means to be self-insured.

Job Duties/Essential Functions

• INTEGRITY: When achieving benchmarks and goals, use methods/strategies that are consistent with the Code of Ethics and the Standard of Ethics for Managers and Supervisors. Always leads by example. Appropriately handles employee concerns and follows through to resolution.
• MEMBER SERVICE: Provides and ensures staff provides an exceptional member experience.
• ADMINISTRATION: Ensures proper department coverage (writing schedule and break aids if needed). Understands department budget, able to research and explain budget variances.
• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Coaches and mentors' employees to provide support and guidance. Has regular open and honest conversations with employees to discuss work performance and career development. Identifies learning opportunities to strengthen employee knowledge, skill and ability.
• COMMUNICATION: Regularly shares information with employees via meetings and one-on-one conversations. Successfully navigates difficult conversations with employees, members, and suppliers. Listens, expresses empathy and adapts to get points across. Addresses issues immediately to ensure a timely resolution and to avoid escalating the situation. Consistently demonstrates business knowledge during interactions with senior management.
• SELF-MANAGEMENT: Demonstrates sound judgement, taking a partner when necessary. Ability to maintain self-control in the face of hostility or provocation or in intense, hectic situations.
• INCLUSION: Encourages different approaches and ideas to work and to accomplish goals. Seeks employee input. Takes the time to get to know or reach out to candidates who show potential that may not come forward on their own.
• COMPLIANCE AND SAFETY: Takes measures to ensure employee and member information is kept confidential and adheres to IS security policy. Manages the workers' compensation program according to federal and state specific guidelines and in compliance with Costco policies and procedures. Manages a team of assigned personnel to complete the expected amount of work and to achieve department goals set by the Directors. Completes performance reviews for assigned personnel and provides recommendations to Directors regarding the hiring, performance plans or termination for assigned personnel. Uses independent judgment and discretion to interpret and apply Costco policy and procedures. Develops and/or administers training to Costco locations and works closely with them to answer questions and act as liaison between them and various vendors. Works closely with vendors to provide direction on specific projects or claims. Participates in focus calls and claims reviews as required. Performs audits of supplier partners. Analyzes regulatory and statutory changes and establishes a plan of action to address issues. Completes special projects or other duties assigned. Actively review for process improvements and make recommendations for changes that will provide cost savings. Ability to work independently and complete special projects or other duties assigned. Willingness to continue professional education by completing internal/external training as requested. Ability to manage priorities and workflow. Ability to maintain thoroughness and accuracy while meeting deadlines. Ability to maintain confidentiality; successful past performance in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters. Ability to offer guidance to the Third-Party Administrator (TPA) on Costco's policies and procedures regarding timely and effective claims handling. Work with attorneys to minimize litigation. Utilize analytics to control program costs, outcomes and trends. Scheduling flexibility to meet the needs of the business and ability to travel as needed. Positive professional demeanor, dependable, and self-motivated; ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Excellent written skills; ability to think and write analytically. Excellent verbal and telephonic communication skills; ability to articulate company policies and procedures effectively, either over the phone or in person.

This is a full-time management/leadership position (45+ hours per week).

Experience, Skills, Education & Licenses/Certifications Required:
3+ years handling workers' compensation claims. Experience supervising claim specialists, including understanding reserve requirements in the different jurisdictions. HIPAA Training and Supervisors Orientation (within 30 days of hire); Leadership Development 101 (within one year); Costco Pay Policies (within 90 days of promotion). Must have knowledge of state regulations. Proficient with Google software programs. Recommended: Knowledge or experience of California Claims Handling. College degree preferred.