At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Manager of Workers' Compensation is responsible for overseeing the administration of the Workers' Compensation program, ensuring compliance with state regulations and Authority policies. This role involves the management of claims from initiation through resolution, implementation of injury prevention programs, and collaboration with various departments to promote a safe work environment. The Manager of Workers' Compensation will be expected to provide leadership and support to the Workers' Compensation team, handle complex claims, and serve as a liaison between injured employees and the Safety, Leaves, Labor Relations, Legal, and Operations departments.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Workers' Compensation program, ensuring all claims are handled efficiently and in accordance with applicable laws and Authority policies.
• Oversee the investigation and analysis of workplace incidents to identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and prevent future occurrences.
• Collaborate with insurance carriers, medical providers, and Authority decision makers to manage and resolve claims.
• Prepare and analyze workers' compensation data, identifying trends and developing strategies to reduce costs and mitigate risks.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of all claims to the appropriate state agencies, insurance carriers, and internal stakeholders.
• Negotiate medical/surgical fees for physicians, surgeons, and other medical caregivers to attain the best available rates.
• Partner with third party vendors for hospital medical bill audits to ensure appreciable cost savings.
• Provide training and support to employees on workers' compensation procedures, policies, and best practices.
• Act as a liaison to the Safety Department on any Workers' Compensation issues, including worker injuries that require immediate action to mitigate any further occurrences.
• Continuously improve the Workers' Compensation program by staying current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging best practices.
• Ensure accurate and efficient handling of all Workers' Compensation claims, from the initial report of injury through to the final resolution, while adhering to Authority procedures and state regulations.
• Coordinate with various internal departments manage claims and return-to-work programs, ensuring a safe and timely return for injured employees.
• Assist with the approval of payments to Workers' Compensation vendors and providers, ensuring that all transactions are processed accurately and in accordance with Authority financial systems and policies.
• Assist in the preparation and ongoing management of the Workers' Compensation budget, including the projection of expenditure flows and the development of cost containment strategies.
• Produce and maintain detailed reports on Workers' Compensation activities, including payroll and reinsurance reports, budget reports, and monthly evaluations.
• Work in conjunction with all departments following the Authority's policies, procedures, and programs (ADA, EAP, and Light Duty) to assist injured, ill, or disabled workers in returning to work in a safe and timely manner.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
  
  
  

Supervision

• Supervise workers' compensation claim representatives.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Business, Accounting, Labor Relations, Health Care Administration, Risk Management, or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in Worker's Compensation administration, claims management, and/or claims investigation.
• One (1) year of supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 152.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience managing sensitive situations in a confidential and effective manner.
• Have the ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Effective confidentiality, documentation, multi-tasking, time management and interpersonal skills
• The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Workers' Compensation management software.
  
  
  

Substitutions Include

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An Associates Degree from an accredited institution with an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A Master’s Degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for (1) one year of experience.
  
  
  

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Experience in a unionized work environment.
  
  
  

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op.
  
  
  

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [email protected] .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .