Overview
Return to Work Specialist Jobs in Washington, DC at DC Department of Human Resources
Title: Return to Work Specialist
Company: DC Department of Human Resources
Location: Washington, DC
Job Summary
This position is located in the District of Columbia, Office of Risk Management (ORM). ORM provides, among other things, risk management direction, guidance, and support to District government agencies so that they can minimize the total cost of risk, resulting in improved government operations and enhanced service delivery. In addition, ORM is responsible for the public sector workers’ compensation program, the public sector safety and health management program, and claims for unliquidated damages filed against the District government.
The incumbent in the role is responsible for overseeing the Return-to-Work Program (RTWP) for the Public Sector Workers' Compensation Program (PSWCP) of the District
of Columbia government, focusing on facilitating the timely return of injured employees to the workplace while aligning with industry findings to maximize benefits for both
workers and employers.
Duties And Responsibilities
The Return to Work Specialist collaborates with employing agencies, claims staff, nurse case managers, physicians, and other stakeholders to develop and implement individualized return to work plans for employees medically released to work, with or without restrictions. The Specialist reviews medical restrictions, position descriptions, employee qualifications, work history, and training records to create and update employee work profiles. They identify and recommend transitional or modified duty assignments based on medical limitations and agency operational needs, including matching employees to positions within or outside their home agency and referring employees to vocational rehabilitation when required. The Specialist manages an active caseload, tracks available positions and return to work efforts, and issues required notices to employees, agencies, and claims personnel to ensure coordinated communication throughout the process.
The Return to Work Specialist also contributes to broader program development by participating in the creation of guidelines, policy, and strategies to improve the effectiveness of the Return to Work Program. The position gathers, synthesizes, and analyzes data to support program measurement; assists in surveys and research; compiles reports for senior management; and performs special projects as requested. The Specialist maintains cooperative relationships with District agencies, injured workers, DCHR, and external medical, rehabilitation, and vocational providers, while providing consistent customer service and problem solving support. Additional responsibilities include evaluating service provider performance, preparing oral and written reports, and performing other related duties required to support the mission and operations of the Public Sector Workers' Compensation Program.
Qualifications And Experience
Specialized Experience:
Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression.
Licenses and Certifications
None
Working Conditions/Environment
The work is performed primarily in a typical office setting but may occasionally involve activities outside of an office setting, such as agency meetings and work site visits.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0301-11
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Duration of Appointment: Career Service Term Appointment: Not-To-Exceed (NTE) 13 months.
Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation: The position has been deemed Security-Sensitive. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background checks, consumer credit check, traffic record checks, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.
Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation