Workers Compensation Manager (Human Resources Manager)

Summary AC Transit's Human Resources Department is seeking an experienced Workers' Compensation Manager (Human Resources Manager) to oversee the District's workers' compensation and modified duty programs. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role provides strategic leadership, supervises staff, and manages the District's self-insured workers' compensation program, including oversight of the Third-Party Administrator (TPA). The position ensures regulatory compliance, effective claims management, cost containment, and return-to-work coordination. It also administers the modified duty program and oversees employee occupational injury and disability programs. This role does not handle third-party liability or property damage claims. The position also ensures injured employees receive timely WC benefits, conducts loss trend analysis, and works closely with Operations to mitigate claim costs and execute comprehensive claims investigations. This is an excellent opportunity to work for the largest bus agency in California, make a difference in our local community, and promote AC Transit as a great employer of the East Bay. In addition to working with some of the best in the business, AC Transit also has an excellent benefits package that includes pension, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending, and 457 savings plan. Representative Functions Manages staff and oversees operations within the Workers' Compensation unit of the Human Resources Department; selects, trains, develops, mentors, and guides staff in achieving goals and objectives; coaches and develops employees; provides constructive feedback on performance and behaviors; reviews and evaluates work; counsels and handles personnel actions including discipline and grievance processes for direct and indirect reports, as needed. Participates in the development and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, work standards, policies, procedures, short and long-range strategic plans for the District's self-insured workers' compensation program, ensuring compliance with California Labor Code and applicable federal and state regulations. Develops and implements performance measures and standards for the District's workers' compensation program, including claims management and return-to-work outcomes; monitors and evaluates results, presents findings, and implements corrective actions to improve program effectiveness. Establishes internal controls and quality assurance processes for claims administration and modified duty placements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and promoting efficient, cost-effective operations. Oversees and actively manages performance of the Third-Party Administrator (TPA); conducts regular file reviews, evaluates reserve levels, monitors litigation strategy, and ensures timely case progression. Collaborates across HR, Legal, Safety, and Operations to manage complex workers' compensation cases, including alternative dispute resolution and return-to-work programs. Drives early intervention and claims reduction initiatives, improving return-to-work outcomes and minimizing long-tail claims exposure. Reviews trends and injury data; develops strategies to reduce lost time and improve program effectiveness. Develops, administers, and controls the budget for the assigned unit(s); ensures fiscal compliance; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments. In conjunction with the Legal Department, interprets and communicates federal, state, local, and District laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Develops and implements personnel rules and regulations and interprets and administers human resources-related provisions of collective bargaining agreements. Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change. Confers with, and serves as a resource to, District departments on the planning, development, and implementation of personnel-related programs, projects, policies, and procedures, to enhance service delivery and optimize staff efficiencies; responds to difficult and sensitive inquiries; assists with resolutions and formulating alternative recommendations; ensures the provision of optimal customer service to departments. Establishes collaborative relationships with various functional and departmental areas of the District; serves as a liaison for the assigned unit(s) to other District departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings as necessary; provides staff support to committees and task forces as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and potentially controversial issues. Provides highly complex staff assistance to an assigned Director or Executive; develops and reviews staff reports related to assigned activities and services; may present information to the Board of Directors and various commissions and committees. Monitors and interprets changes in workers' compensation laws, regulations, and best practices, communicating implications and impacts to the Board of Directors, executive management, District staff, and relevant external stakeholders to ensure compliance and informed decision-making. May participate in labor negotiations and/or recommend preliminary proposals, including cost implementation projections. May be required to temporarily replace or act in the position of the senior District staff member to whom this position normally reports; may be required to perform some or all of the senior staff member's essential functions in such situations. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field.

Experience:

Six years of increasingly responsible experience in human resources administration, labor administration, workers' compensation administration, disability management administration, or a closely related field, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

Experience managing a self-insured workers' compensation program in a public agency, transit, utility, construction, or other high-exposure environment. Experience overseeing Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) including reserve review, litigation strategy coordination, and performance accountability. Experience leading a modified duty / return-to-work program Experience working collaboratively with other departments on complex or high-risk cases. Experience analyzing injury trends, lost time data, and claim cost drivers to develop prevention and cost containment strategies. Experience with Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including coordinating or participating in mediation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution processes related to workers' compensation claims.

Additional Information Special Environmental Conditions:

Must be willing to: (1) work outside regular business hours as required and (2) travel between the various District divisions.

Physical Requirements:

Must maintain the physical condition necessary to: (1) perform tasks in an office setting operating a personal computer, keyboards, and other peripheral equipment; and (2) possess physical mobility in order to direct or conduct field studies and attend external meetings and events.

THIS POSITION IS UNREPRESENTED AT WILL

The Selection Process:

The Human Resources department must receive a completed online application by the filling date. If this recruitment is "Continuous," it may be closed at any time without notice. Applications will be screened for job related qualifications, and those candidates who best meeting the qualifications listed on this Job Announcement will be invited to participate in an examination process that may include written, oral and/or performance segments. Current District employees must have satisfactory attendance and performance records. Finalists will be placed on an Eligibility List. When filling vacancies, the Human Resources Department will refer the top candidates to the hiring department for final screening and recommendation.

Benefits:

The transit professionals who call AC Transit home represent the rich cultural diversity of the Bay Area. For more than 60 years, we have been an equal opportunity employer honoring religion, ethnic background, national origin, gender, gender expression, genetic information, disabilities, age, and veteran status. We are not only an inclusive employer but also offer a comprehensive benefits package rooted in choice, flexibility, and affordability. Most Benefits are effective the first of the month following your hire date. Employees and eligible dependents have access to the following benefits

• : Medical
• Choice of two Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): Kaiser Permanente and Health Net. $10.00 office visit co-pays; $5.00
• $35.00 prescription co-pays. Dental
• MetLife Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) $50 annual deductible per person/$150 per family; $3,000 per person annual maximum; preventative care covered at 100%; basic and major care covered at 90%; $4,000 lifetime maximum orthodontia covered at 50%. Vision
• Vision Service Plan
• $10.00 copay; eligible for an exam, lenses, frames or contact lenses every 12 months
• based on the last date of service.

$200 frame allowance or $120 allowance for contact lenses. Employer paid Basic Life Insurance Employee paid Voluntary Term Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health Care, Dependent Care, Parking, Transit AC Transit contributes up to $50.00/month towards an employee's FSA Transit costs Free AC Transit Bus Pass Federal Credit Union Vacation and Sick Leave or Personal Time Off Ten (10) paid holidays; 2 paid floating holidays; 1 paid birthday holiday Tuition Reimbursement

• up to $2500 per fiscal year on approved courses Wellness Program AC Transit benefits are negotiated and subject to change based on collective bargaining agreements.

Pension:

All AC Transit employees participate in a lifetime defined benefit pension. All employees hired on or after January 1, 2020, may be in the District's Tier II pension plan covered by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). As such, he/she may be required to contribute a small portion of annual income towards the cost of his/hers District pension.

ADA Compliant and Drug Free Workplace:

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you have a need for an accommodation, please call Human Resources at (510) 891-4783. The Alameda Contra Costa Transit District has established the goal of a 100 percent drug and alcohol-free workplace. Applicants will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment and those in safety sensitive positions will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing through their period of employment, including random drug and alcohol testing. In accordance with federal requirements, all job applicants selected for appointments in a safety sensitive position are subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. A final job applicant will be tested for five prohibited drugs: Cocaine, PCP, Amphetamines, Marijuana and Opiates. During employment, employees holding safety sensitive positions are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing. Additionally, in the event of an absence of more than 90 days from a safety sensitive position, pre-employment drug testing will be performed.

Equal Opportunity Employer PEPRA:

All employees hired on or after January 1, 2020, will be in the District's Tier II pension plan covered by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). As such, he/she may be required to contribute 7% or more of annual income towards the cost of his/hers District pension. Medical, dental, orthodontic, vision, and prescription insurance coverage for employees and qualified dependents; plus regular pension with a five (5) year vesting. Depending on length of service, up to six (6) weeks of vacation and up to twelve (12) days of sick leave per year.

Holidays:

eleven (11) per year. Free transportation on AC Transit system. Group Life Insurance.