GENERAL SUMMARY:
Manage the Agency-wide Alternative Duty Program to facilitate reduction in the cost of Workers' Compensation and disability claims by safely bringing employees back to productive work while they are recuperating from a temporary disability. Acts as a key liaison with outside benefit administrators to ensure that Integrated Disability Programs comply with internal service standards, policies, State and Federal statutory requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develops, interprets, and implements policies and procedures supporting the Integrated Disability Programs.
2. Monitors and alerts management of changes impacting compliance with applicable State and Federal statutes, policies and rules.
3. Provides employees, senior management and outside vendors with information regarding requirements and responsibilities associated with the Integrated Disability Programs.
4. Evaluates and establishes eligibility for participation in the Alternative Duty Program for any employee with a temporary disability following an injury or illness.
5. Key DART contact with the Workers Compensation 504 Medical Care Program physicians, 504 Medical Care Program Administrator, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists, and disability Third Party Administrators, to monitor and assess the progress of rehabilitation efforts, adherence to treatment plans, and to facilitate either return to work or placement into appropriate alternative or modified positions.
6. Works with management throughout the agency to identify and develop meaningful work through physical capabilities assessments and evaluation of safety requirements to insure that all alternative and modified duty positions comply with requirements established by the Department of Labor.
7. Creates and leads Integrated Disability Programs training and presentations provided to internal and external customers.
8. Conducts audits, compiles and analyzes statistical information to analyze compliance and the effectiveness of the integration of Alternative Duty, Workers Compensation, Short Term Disability and Family Medical Leave, Employee Assistance Program policies and procedures.
9. Participates in claim review meetings aimed at reducing disability durations, identifying strategic response to reducing unscheduled absences, and returning employees to work.
10. In conjunction with Information Technology, takes the lead in evaluating the effectiveness and compliance with the Injury/Illness Reporting workflow application and the Integrated Disability management tools. Makes recommendations for program improvements and oversees implementation of technology enhancements.
11. Serves as a key liaison on external issues, including vendor disputes pertaining to the Integrated Disability Programs.
12. Represents DART as the Integrated Disability Programs subject matter expert in arbitrations and other grievance proceedings.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

1. Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Insurance, Claims Management or a related field.
2. Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in managing full cycle leave of absence benefits to include one (1) year of experience developing and monitoring project management plans to ensure completion of projects and one (1) year of experience with a high volume of claims and leave of absence training.
3. Comprehensive working knowledge of Workers Compensation regulations and Workers Compensation claims management.
4. Current State of Texas Workers Compensation Claims Adjuster license preferred.
5. Familiarity with applicable laws, policies and statues governing Short and Long Term Disability and Family and Medical Leave Act, and Employee Assistance Programs.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and Power Point.)
7. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
8. Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
9. Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment). Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
10. Ability to pick up on technical things quickly. Can learn new skills and knowledge. Is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge. Does well in technical courses and seminars.
11. Ability to be able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect.
12. Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration. Can be candid with peers.
13. Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Can see hidden problems. Is excellent at honest analysis. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V