Adjudicator

Job Summary:

Up to 3 Permanent Positions

The Adjudicator is responsible for adjudicating and managing Time Loss claims up to 8 weeks duration; Medical Treatment claims up to 14 weeks; Occupational Disease claims up to 8 weeks and Hearing Loss claims for the duration of the claim. As well, they are responsible for adjudicating Fatality claims.

Job Duties:

Determines which claims are acceptable and authorizes/denies entitlement to compensation on an ongoing basis; communicates the decision and rationale to injured workers, employers, representatives, and healthcare practitioners.

Gathers, assembles, reviews, develops, and assesses information and opinions through written correspondence, in-person meetings, and telephone to establish initial and ongoing entitlement to compensation.

Communicates with injured workers, employers, representatives, healthcare practitioners, witnesses, and other involved parties to obtain/provide information, respond to enquiries and explain decisions, in writing or verbally.

Gathers appropriate wage information and provides direction to Payment Assessors re: payment of a claim and duration.

Identifies claims where a pre-existing condition exists, establishes entitlement accordingly, and authorizes or denies cost relief to employers.

Manages and facilitates the overall claim process (ie. assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and terminating) including Time Loss claims up to 8 weeks duration; Medical Treatment claims up to 14 weeks; Occupational Disease claims up to 8 weeks and Hearing Loss claims for the duration of the claim.

Acts as a primary contact for injured workers, employers, representatives, healthcare practitioners, and specialized service providers to ensure the coordinated management of claims through the recovery and return to work processes or other resolutions.

Facilities established protocols for potential stress/crisis situations including involvement with the Special Services Unit.

Implements Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Protocol by identifying the appropriate category and coverage period and notifies all parties in writing. Monitors no time loss claims involving physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment for up to 14 weeks from date of injury. Manages noise induced hearing loss claims for the entire duration of the claim.

Adjudicates Fatality claims and determines spousal and dependent's entitlement on fatality claims and refers files to appropriate internal resources for ongoing management.

Delivers presentations or attends information/discussion sessions on behalf of the WCB with external stakeholders.

Provides service both independently, or in consultation with internal/external service providers, to injured workers by assessing and facilitating return to work on an individual basis. This includes development of a strategy to bring each claim to resolution.

Promotes and supports workplace-based disability management programs.

Initiates recovery of overpayments within guidelines.

Authorizes medical aid expenditures on files up to $25,000 and lump sum benefits related to fatalities up to $75,000 (spousal benefits) and makes recommendations of payments beyond their authorization limit to the Supervisor/Manager/Director.

Identifies claims where cost allocation/relief is appropriate per legislation and policy.

Gathers/assembles information requested, implements decisions and reviews information received from senior staff, the Review Office, Medical Review Panel, and Appeal Panel.

Ensures proper recording of claims involving inter-provincial and third party, as well as coding of all occupational disease claims.

Identifies and recommends improvements in service or system/policy changes related to adjudication and case management.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Completion of a two (2) year diploma in a related discipline

Minimum three (3) years' experience in a similar environment making entitlement decisions based on a defined set of criteria (ie. policies, procedures, legislation, etc.) including client service experience

Proficiency in the use of personal computers and software in a Windows environment

Ability to obtain, assess and evaluate information to support claims decisions

Ability to interpret and apply provisions, policies, procedures and legislation

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

Ability to deliver presentations to external clients

Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines while providing excellent client service in sometimes confrontational and sensitive situations

Ability to organize prioritize and prioritize workload

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Knowledge of adjudicative, disability management, vocational rehabilitation, case management and workplace-based programs, policies, procedures and principles would be an asset

Knowledge of medical terminology/issues would be an asset

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $64,191 - $80,236

Please note that this position is expected to begin on February 24, 2025 with a 10 week training class. During the period of your training, you will not be eligible to take vacation and hours of work will be Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Ability to communicate proficiently in both official languages (English & French) is an asset.

A satisfactory criminal record check and verification of education will be required for the successful candidate.

The WCB is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce with equitable representation of Indigenous persons, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and members of other equity-seeking groups. Applicants are encouraged to indicate in their covering letter or resumé if they are a member of these groups.

The WCB recognizes that individuals may face barriers that hinder their full and equal participation in the workplace, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all employees and candidates who are or may be disabled by one or more barriers in the workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

About WCB:
The Workers Compensation Board promotes safety and health in Manitoba workplaces and aims to help prevent and reduce the occurrence of workplace injuries and disease. Working with its partners, the WCB promotes safe and healthy workplaces, facilitates recovery and return to work, provides compassionate and supportive compensation services for workers and employers, and ensures responsible financial stewardship.

WCBdoes encompasses what it means to work at the WCB. The WCB is proud to have employee benefits and programs that support financial and personal security, foster health and well-being, encourage involvement and support growth as an individual and member of the WCB community. The four categories of WCBdoes include: Security, Wellness, Engagement and Growth.