This is the supervisor level of the series.  In the Department of Labor and Industries, supervises unit(s) of vocational services specialists and/or vocational services specialist trainees who supports the provisions of vocational services under Washington State Workers’ Compensation Laws.

Plans, develops, prioritizes, assigns and evaluates the work of staff to ensure appropriate, vocational services are provided to injured workers and employers; evaluate and ensure staff decisions regarding services provided to injured workers are in accordance with RCW, WAC, department policy, procedures, and professional standards relating to vocational services;

Provides general supervision to employees, with guidance provided for new, complex or unusual situations; hires staff; conducts employee performance reviews; provides guidance to staff; takes corrective action when necessary; makes recommendations for discipline as appropriate; develop, modify, and monitor trainees’ in-training plans;

Coaches and provides guidance to staff to assist in resolving the most complex issues;

Serve as technical resource to staff and department managers; resolve complex or sensitive cases involving multiple stakeholder coordination;

Participates in the development of Washington Administrative Codes, department policies, procedures, and performance standards required for the program;

Provide expert-level consultation in the administration of the private sector vocational rehabilitation provider performance system;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: vocational rehabilitation theory and practice; applicable Federal and State laws related to vocational rehabilitation; worker's compensation laws and practices; techniques of rehabilitation plan review; job training or educational preparation for employment; community resources; implications of physical and emotional disabilities; vocational testing/assessment as related to specific occupational information; physical and environmental aspects of occupational settings; basic ergonomics and job analysis; issues related to industrial insurance premiums and risk factors; impact of return to work on employer rates; rate setting; employer and worker incentives to return to work; motivational interviewing; supervisory duties.

Ability to: review and analyze complex case related information to make determinations regarding benefits; facilitate case management; produce reports and documents in accordance with established guidelines; communicate effectively with medical professionals, attorneys, claims staff, unions, employers and others to facilitate case management; conduct reviews and audits using established methods and procedures; negotiate and mediate among involved parties; review and analyze vocational assessment products; review and analyze issues or subjects related to vocational rehabilitation; develop training modules; use strategic planning to assess employer characteristics to develop effective return to work programs; perform educational workshops with the public; use persuasive communication skills to influence employer and work behavior regarding return to work.

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 Master’s Degree AND a CRC, CDMS, or ABVE certification AND THREE years of full time industrial insurance, disability management, or consultative field experience;

OR

A Bachelor’s Degree AND a CRC or CDMS certification AND FOUR years full time industrial insurance, disability management, or consultative experience;

OR

Two years of experience as a Vocational Services Specialist 2 and/or 3.

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

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