This is the senior, specialist, or lead-worker level of the series.  In the Department of Labor and Industries, performs senior-level mentoring and specialty work regarding vocational return to work services provided to injured workers, providers, employers, claims management staff, and lower level vocational services specialists.

Incumbents serve as lead, technical, regulatory, or compliance specialists.

As a Lead:

Assigned direct oversight of trainee work products and on-the-job training; independently leads, mentors, coaches, and monitors trainee work performance;

As a specialist:

Performs complex consultative services, unique audit, or regulatory oversight of return to work vocational services in the program areas of Private Sector Rehabilitation Services (PSRS), Vocational Dispute Resolution Office (VDRO), or Early Return to Work (ERTW) and WorkSource:

Conducts audits of private vocational providers to determine compliance with customer expectations of the Department, RCWs, WACs, policy, and procedures; educates providers through the audit process; conducts entrance and exit conferences as needed; produces audit reports with findings and corrective action; investigates complaints about vocational providers;

Makes recommendations to the Director to resolve vocational disputes; negotiates agreements between parties to resolve vocational disagreements using mediation conferences, fact-finding, and information gathering;

In partnership with the Department of Employment Security and other partner agencies, independently provides return to work services at WorkSource location(s); identifies customer needs, provides job readiness training, resume’ development, and referrals for job openings; provides outreach and education to stakeholders, other vocational service providers, and WorkSource partners;

May perform the work of Vocational Services Specialists 1 and 2;

Provides expert testimony on vocational issues;

Knowledge of: vocational rehabilitation theory and practice; applicable Federal and State laws related to vocational rehabilitation; worker's compensation laws and practices; techniques of rehabilitation plan review; job training or educational preparation for employment; community resources; implications of physical and emotional disabilities; vocational testing/assessment as related to specific occupational information; physical and environmental aspects of occupational settings; basic ergonomics and job analysis; employer and worker incentives to return to work; motivational interviewing; ergonomics and job modification techniques.

Ability to: review and analyze complex case related information to make determinations regarding benefits; facilitate case management; produce reports and documents in accordance with established guidelines; communicate effectively with medical professionals, attorneys, claims staff, unions, employers and others to facilitate case management; conduct reviews and audits using established methods and procedures; negotiate and mediate among involved parties; review and analyze vocational assessment products; review and analyze issues or subjects related to vocational rehabilitation; develop training modules; present educational workshops; develop comprehensive return to work programs; utilize established methods of disability management to reduce absence to work; coach, mentor, and guide others work; advanced level communication skills; and professional interpersonal skills; perform educational workshops with the public, use persuasive communication skills to influence employer and work behavior regarding return to work.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Master’s Degree AND a CRC, CDMS, or ABVE certification AND TWO years of full time industrial insurance, disability management, or related field experience;

OR

A Bachelor’s Degree AND a CRC or CDMS certification AND THREE years full time industrial insurance, disability management, or related experience;

OR

One year of experience as a Vocational Services Specialist 2.

New class; adopted June 30, 2017; effective July 1, 2017.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.