Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager Job Description
Table of Contents
A Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager develops and runs an organization’s workers’ compensation program.
Workers’ Compensation is a government-approved insurance scheme under which employees can be compensated for injuries sustained at work. A Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager needs to understand the legalities of the organization’s scheme, assess each claim, and negotiate a fair and equitable settlement for the employee.
The role requires empathy, resilience, and a sound business sense. A successful Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager can advance into an HR Manager or HR Consultant role.
Similar Job Titles:
HR Specialist, Compensation and Benefits Manager, HR and Administration Manager, HR Employee Relations Manager
What Does a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager Typically Do?
A Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager creates an organization’s Workers’ Compensation plan and manages it to deliver fair insurance coverage for employees who suffer injuries at work.
The role involves:
- Designing a Workers’ Compensation system
- Finding a suitable insurance provider
- Investigating claims
- Negotiating settlements
- Litigating when required
- Managing returns to work
- Analyzing health and safety incidents
- Reporting to management on safety and claims
Designing a Workers’ Compensation System
Workers’ Compensation schemes are governed by federal and state law, so a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager ensures that the organization’s system is compliant, easy to access, and capable of handling claims efficiently and quickly.
The system requires many elements to be in place, but a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager can solicit help from local government and insurance scheme providers.
Finding a Suitable Insurance Provider
Many insurance providers offer fully-managed, one-stop-shop schemes, but a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager weighs the packages offered against the costs and benefits each provider offers.
Depending on the organization’s specific needs, a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager chooses the best provider and manages the ongoing relationship to ensure the provider continues to meet the organization’s requirements.
Investigating Claims
Every claim lodged against the Workers’ Compensation scheme must be thoroughly investigated before a settlement can be reached. A Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager runs each claim investigation to ensure all the facts are collected and verified, no bias is shown, and impartiality is exercised throughout the investigation.
Claim investigations can be highly complex, and a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager may have to engage with fraud investigators, safety experts, medical authorities, and security staff during the process.
Negotiating Settlements
A Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager is the lead negotiator in deciding settlement amounts after a claim has been accepted. The role involves negotiating with the insurance provider, the organization, and the affected employee to reach a settlement amount that is acceptable to all parties.
Negotiations can be difficult and protracted, and a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager requires expert negotiation and mediation skills to ensure a win-win is achieved.
Litigating When Required
If a claim is disputed, or if fraud is proven, a claim may advance to litigation, in which case a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager represents the organization and presents all the facts of the case.
A Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager needs in-depth knowledge of Workers’ Compensation legislation and must have every step of the claim process documented. This role requires complete attention to detail and thoroughness to ensure a successful outcome.
Managing Returns to Work
Having completed recovery and rehabilitation, an employee who has suffered an injury at work has to be helped through the process of returning to work. A Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager is the employee’s first point of contact and ensures that all the employee’s requirements for a successful return are in place.
In some cases, the employee may need special equipment or disability aids, in which case a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager ensures that these are organized in advance of the employee’s first day back.
Analyzing Health and Safety Incidents
The organization’s Health and Safety Officer works together with a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager to investigate any incidents in the organization and determine whether any action is required to prevent reoccurrence.
Reporting to Management on Safety and Claims
A Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager provides regular reports to senior management on the status of open claims, any recurring safety issues in the organization, and any concerns with the insurance providers.
Roles a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager Typically Collaborates With
A Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager is closely linked with the following roles:
Collaborative Roles | ||
HR Director | Senior HR Business Partner | HR Executive |
Benefits Manager | HR Development Manager | HR Operations Manager |
HR Strategist | Senior HR Specialist | HR Compliance Specialist |
Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager Salary
Human Resources Workers Compensation Managers in the U.S. can earn between $86,000 and $116,000 a year, with the median being $102,558.
What Is the Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager Pay Difference by Location?
Location will affect a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager’s pay as follows:
City | Average Salary |
Milwaukee, WI | $101,501 |
Seattle, WA | $112,137 |
Washington, D.C. | $114,168 |
New York, NY | $123,377 |
San Francisco, CA | $128,197 |
Denver, CO | $103,717 |
Boston, MA | $115,552 |
Austin, TX | $100,866 |
What Is the Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager Pay Difference by Experience Level?
Experience has the following effect on a Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager’s salary:
Experience Level | Average Salary |
< 1 year | $96,307 |
1–4 years | $97,557 |
5–9 years | $100,058 |
10–19 years | $103,984 |
20+ years | $105,614 |
Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager Job Description Template
We at [Company] are committed to the welfare of our employees and are looking to hire a dedicated and thorough Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager to oversee our Workers’ Compensation scheme.
We are looking for an expert mediator, negotiator, and administrator who can ensure claims are handled fairly, efficiently, and to everyone’s satisfaction.
Human Resources Workers Compensation Manager Job Responsibilities
- Implementing and overseeing a Workers’ Compensation scheme
- Handling and investigating claims
- Managing insurance and medical providers
- Negotiating settlements
- Liaising with our Health and Safety Manager to reduce incidents
Required Skill Set
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Employee Relations, or Mediation
- At least five years’ experience in benefits management
- At least two years’ experience in a Workers’ Compensation role
- Expert conflict resolution skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proven negotiating expertise
- Strong leadership abilities
- Impeccable trustworthiness and discretion
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