In the Department of Labor and Industries, in a training capacity, assists higher level Vocational Services Specialists in providing return to work services or regulatory oversight of vocational services provided to injured workers, providers, employers, and claims management staff.

This is an in-training position. Work performed at this level is completed under close detailed supervision. Trainee works closely with journey/senior level Vocational Services Specialists. Trainees are not delegated independent decision making authority until they have obtained the required years of industrial insurance, disability management, or consultative field experience and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), or American Board of Vocational Experts (ABVE) certification.

Conducts reviews of proposed vocational services to ensure compliance with RCW’s, WAC’s and department policy;

Assist injured workers and employers with return to work services;

Assist in the development of comprehensive company return to work programs with employers, determination of light duty return to work options, coordination with medical providers and documentation requirements;

May assist in the coordination of return to work efforts including evaluation of worksites to complete job analyses and/or make recommendations for job modifications;

Reviews re-training plans developed by vocational rehabilitation counselors of injured workers and makes recommendations to journey/senior-level specialists for approval;

Verifies re-training providers meet qualifications of State Workforce Board Licensure;

Identifies training needs for injured workers, employers, and providers; assists in the development of training materials; organizes and conducts training;

Conducts research, review, analysis and makes recommendations regarding Ability to Work Assessment outcomes;

Generates records and statistical vocational reports;

Assists in consulting with Department staff involved in the management of a workers’ compensation claim on issues related to disability management, identification, resolution of psychosocial issues of injured workers, and resolution of complex vocational issues;

Assists in the negotiation process between parties to resolve vocational disagreements using mediation conferences, fact-finding, and information gathering;

Assists injured workers and employers for purpose of returning to work; obtain work history, educational background, and assess motivation of worker to determine need for assistance; identify psychosocial barriers and determinations; implements action plan to resolve problems and remediate barriers; identify light duty options;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: vocational rehabilitation theory and practice; applicable Federal and State laws related to vocational rehabilitation.

Ability to: review and analyze information to make determinations, recommendations, identify and address problem and barriers; take necessary actions resolution vocational services, benefits, barriers, and the need for return-to-work assistance.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Bachelor’s Degree in social science or closely related field.

New class; adopted June 30, 2017; effective July 1, 2017.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.