L&I Vocational Services Specialist 2 (16)

Vocational Service Specialist

Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working! Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

Please Note: L&I has been very diligent in working to remain competitive with other wages and the increased cost of living. The salary posted will receive a 2 % general wage increase will be effective 7/1/2026.

This recruitment is being used to fill multiple permanent positions.

Do you want to be a part of an integral Vocational Services Specialist team that supports claims units in fulfilling L&I's mission of preventing long-term disability by returning injured workers back to employment as quickly and safely as possible? Do you long for a set salary, generous vacation, sick and holiday leave package along with a flexible work schedule that promotes work/life balance?

L&I's Insurance Services' Return to Work Partnerships program is seeking to hire a Vocational Service Specialist (VSS2) to provide professional and technical expertise to department staff, private vocational counselors, employers and their representatives, health care professionals and injured workers by effectively interpreting and implementing the statutes, administrative codes, department policies and procedures associated with vocational rehabilitation services.

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety, health, and security of Washington's workers.We help employers meet safety and health standards and inspect workplaces when alerted to hazards.As administrators of the state's workers' compensation system, we are similar to a large insurance company providing medical and limited wage-replacement coverage to workers who suffer job-related injuries and illness.

Our rules and enforcement programs help ensure workers are paid what they are owed, that children and teens' work hours are limited, and that consumers are protected from unsound business practices.

Insurance Services is the largest division within the agency and administers one of the premier workers' compensation organizations in the nation serving over 3.8 million employees working for 260,000 employers.

The Insurance Services Return to Work Partnerships program collaborates with a wide range of internal and external partners to define, enhance, and promote a culture of healing and returning to work for injured workers.

What we are looking for:

• Your ability to present complex information so others can understand it.
• Your proven knowledge or ability to conduct research, analyze policies, rules, or regulations.
• An individual who is detail-oriented, and able to effectively prioritize, and maintain a highly organized work environment.
• Your ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Knowledge and experience with workers' compensation systems. Experience with WA State's system is a plus.

Some of what you will do:

• Provide professional and technical consultation regarding vocational services to department staff, private vocational providers, employers and their representatives, health care professionals, and injured workers and their representatives.
• Effectively interpret and implement the statutes, administrative codes, department policies and procedures associated with vocational rehabilitation services.
• Authorize vocational services and benefits in keeping with the department's statutes, administrative codes, and policies.
• Staff and review Vocational Recovery Closing reports recommending further assessment and refer claims when appropriate.
• Research and respond to inquiries from external customers, claims staff and providers regarding vocational services.
• Address and resolve reported issues by interfacing with appropriate staff including Private Sector Rehabilitation Services (PSRS), Vocational Dispute Resolution Office (VDRO) and other staff.
• Document responses to private vocational providers recommendation reviews and requests for appropriate tracking.
• Research and resolve vocational billing issues as requested by medical treatment adjudicators.
• Participate in claim unit meetings as requested.
• And much more!

Required:

Master's degree AND a CRC*, or CDMS* or ABVE* certification.

AND

ONE (1) year of full-time State of Washington industrial insurance, disability management or related field experience in all phases of vocational services.

OR

Bachelor's degree AND a CRC* or CDMS* certification.

AND

TWO (2) years of full-time State of Washington industrial insurance, disability management, or related field experience in all phases of vocational services.

OR

Master's degree OR Bachelor's degree AND a CRC*, or CDMS* or ABVE* certification.

AND

Successful completion of the VSS1 training program.

*Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), or American Board of Vocational Experts (ABVE)

Required Equity Competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Desired:

Practical working knowledge and experience with Washington State's workers' compensation system, application of Title 51.32.

At L&I, your voice matters. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety, health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Watch this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

L&I provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including paid leave, tuition reimbursement, Infants at Work Program and a generous retirement package for qualified employees at the end of their career. Click on the "Benefits" tab to learn more.

We value our employees and their work-life balance. We support a hybrid work model and offer flexible custom work schedules. This position is eligible for a flexible schedule (4/10's, 9/80's, 5/8's, etc.) upon approval by management.

For this position, teleworking may be up to full time with the expectation of attending in person meetings and training occasionally or upon business needs. The assigned duty station for this position is Tumwater, WA.

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We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

Please include the following documents with your application. Your application may be considered incomplete without these attachments:

1. A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
3. A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
4. A current copy of your certification. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), or American Board of Vocational Experts (ABVE)

Please do not attach or place any medical information within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.

To learn more about our hiring process timeline at L&I please visit our L&I recruiting page at Hiring Process at L&I . If you would like to read our website in a language other than English, scroll up to the top of the page to select your language of choice from the banner.

Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history records will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.

For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.

This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a