Workers Compensation and Occupational Disability Manager - CAMPUS ONLY

This is a CAMPUS ONLY recruitment. Only current employees, or former employees with current Preferential Rehire rights will be considered for this position. Former employees with Preferential Rehire rights should apply through the external candidate gateway and identify themselves as such in their application to be considered for this position.

Current UCSC employees must apply to the job posting in the Internal Candidate Gateway. If you accessed this recruitment through the Internal UCSC gateway, you can apply via the "Apply" button at the bottom of this job posting. If you accessed this recruitment through the external gateway, you should access the internal job posting by going to the jobs.ucsc.edu weblink and clicking the "Internal UCSC Applicants" button.

If you are a current UCSC employee and apply through the External Candidate Gateway, you will not be considered for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 02/19/2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The UCSC Office of Risk Services and Occupational Health supports the campus community by identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring risks that could impact the institution's faculty, staff, students, operations, assets and reputation. The department recommends strategies to reduce or eliminate risks, and administers the university's insurance programs to facilitate maximum recovery from accidental losses. The UCSC Risk Services and Occupational Health Office advises the campus community through an enterprise risk management framework to provide a holistic approach to institutional risks. By strategically managing risk we can strengthen the campus safety culture, protect the campus community and support the university's mission by minimizing potential losses and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. By strategically managing risks, we can strengthen the campus safety culture.

More information can be found at: https://riskservices.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Risk Services and Occupational Health, the Workers' Compensation and Occupational Disability Manager is a member of the Office of Risk Services. The Workers' Compensation and Occupational Disability Manager manages the workers' compensation claims and occupational disability cases. Uses skills as an experienced professional with a full understanding of industry best practices and assists in identifying and minimizing risks.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $97,200 - $111,000/annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Scotts Valley Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: ENTERPRISE RISK SUPV 2 (000294), Grade 24

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

60% - Program Administration

• Designs, develops, and delivers training and presentations related to workers' compensation, injury prevention, injury management, and transitional return-to-work programs; develops and recommends procedures, guidelines, training materials, and forms to support program effectiveness.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement in injury prevention, injury management, and loss control practices within campus units; communicates recommendations to supervisors and stakeholders.
• Develops, implements, and administers risk management programs, including insured and self-insured programs related to insurance claims administration and loss prevention.
• Manages the administration of workers' compensation claims and oversees the return-to-work/stay-at-work program, including occupational disability accommodations.
• Evaluates the need for ergonomic assessments and referrals to wellness and injury prevention programs, including the campus WorkStrong program.
• Implements, monitors, and evaluates risk control strategies related to claims management, claim payments, and loss prevention to reduce costs and improve outcomes.
• Conducts advanced risk and loss analyses to identify areas of potential significant loss; recommends and implements appropriate loss protection measures using enterprise risk management principles.
• Applies advanced risk management and risk financing concepts to develop loss forecasts, establish self-insured retention accruals, and support strategic decision-making in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Assists with complex financial accounting and risk financing activities, including monitoring risk control strategies, implementing loss prevention initiatives, and reducing insurance premiums.
• Designs and implements financial recovery strategies and tailored financial training programs to improve program effectiveness and optimize workers' compensation outcomes.
• Conducts ongoing evaluation of loss prevention and training efforts to assess past performance, identify current risks, and guide future risk management strategies.
• Assists in overseeing campus-wide public health response programs, including COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing for faculty and staff, ensuring compliance with protocols, effective coordination with stakeholders, and timely communication to protect campus health and safety.
• Operates with a high degree of autonomy, serving as a subject matter expert or project manager on highly complex and diverse issues requiring advanced analysis, judgment, and evaluation.
  

40% - Supervision and Case Management

• Provides direct supervision and leadership to staff, overseeing daily operations to ensure compliance with departmental policies and program requirements.
• Manages performance management processes, including setting expectations and goals, conducting performance appraisals, recommending promotions, salary actions, and terminations.
• Recommends and assists with hiring, onboarding, training, and career development of employees.
• Coordinates and assigns projects and program responsibilities to staff to support departmental objectives.
• Develops and facilitates ongoing training, coaching, skill development, and continuing education opportunities for staff.
• Fosters open communication and a collaborative, respectful work environment by encouraging employee feedback and conducting regular standing meetings.
• Develops, monitors, and manages operational processes, staffing, budget allocation, financial resources, and internal human resources.
• Manages workers' compensation claims, including claims reporting, work status documentation, transitional return-to-work programs, and coordination with third-party administrators and clinical resources.
• Analyzes complex loss and claims data, conducts employee interviews, ensures timely and accurate reporting, and maintains confidential claim files.
• Oversees the administration of complex employee injury claims, monitors payments, and collaborates with internal departments to resolve claims efficiently.
• Reviews and updates work restrictions, facilitates discussions between supervisors and injured employees, and coordinates job modifications or alternative duties to support transitional return-to-work efforts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough knowledge in the following areas: risk management; insurance; analysis; knowledge of common organization-specific computer application programs; knowledge of organizational processes and procedures; or thorough understanding of related industry area.
• Proven interpersonal skills, customer service orientation, active listening skills, professionalism, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of workers' compensation claims management; Workers' Compensation experience with either a third party claims administrator, a Workers'
• Compensation insurer or related employer.
• Proven ability to use critical thinking and analytical skills to solve problems.
• Ability to maintain highly confidential information in an appropriate manner; and maintain high ethical standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of occupational disability management; experience developing and coordinating occupational injury return to work assignments.
• Demonstrated experience in training and goal setting with direct reports.
• Computer skills characterized by: knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, or claims management information system.
• Demonstrated experience in supervision and performance management.
• Strong skills required to develop course materials and deliver content effectively to diverse populations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in related field.
• Ability to communicate in the Spanish language.
• Completion of the Insurance Education Association or The Institutes WCCP Certification program, or equivalent Workers' Compensation certification program.
• Completion of the Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) program.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Completion of the Insurance Education Association or The Institutes WCCA Core Course, with ability to complete the Certification program within 6 months.
• Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) program, or completion of equivalent industry program.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.