Risk Management Spclst III

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Risk Management Spclst III 
Job Title: Risk Management Spclst III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Safety Risk Mgmt 
Posting Number: 9905 
Closing Date: 10/27/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Evening 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location: Vernon State Hospital 
Job Location City: VERNON 
Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 5702,5814,8012,1D7X1,1S0X1,30C0,38A,38B,3E9X1,43EX,4B0X1,711X,731X,AB,BM,BOSN,OAR10,OAR18,OS,OSS 
PERS,SEI15,SEI19,SEI24,YN 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Risk Management Specialist III (Workers' Compensation Coordinator) performs complex (journey-level) risk management work and is responsible for developing and implementing the hospital's workers' compensation program. Responsibilities include reviewing operations for compliance with established risk management procedures, certain loss prevention controls and procedures, management of all claims due to on-the-job injuries, and management of all modified or alternate duty. Provides guidance to others as needed. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Develops and implements the hospital's workers' compensation program, to include overall coordination of medical and vocational case management, and loss control programs and guidelines.

Provides case management activities for employees who are in a Workers’ Compensation claimant status. Serves as the liaison between the injured employee and State Office of Risk Management (SORM).

Communicates and maintains documentation of case notes along with action plans with claimants, department heads, supervisors, medical providers and SORM adjusters as determined by the circumstances of each Workers’ Compensation claim. Ensures required documentation and releases are obtained, completed, and timely submitted to appropriate parties according to state law.

Reviews all claims and takes action as appropriate for each claim, ensuring all claims comply with applicable state and federal laws related to workers' compensation. Conducts investigations of incidents resulting in claims by interviewing affected staff, viewing surveillance videos, or other means.  Works with SORM adjusters to obtain second opinions and independent medical exams where warranted. 

Represents the hospital as the employer and attends Benefit Review Conferences and Contested Case Hearings over disputes of compensability. Collaborates with the SORM legal representative and claims adjuster in providing requested documents and testimony as requested.

Administers the hospitals Return to Work Program. Oversees the hospitals Return to Work Program by managing employees working with restrictions. Establishes a return-to-work plan for each injured employee. Collaborates with departments within the hospital in locating temporary assignments, coordinating placements, issuing bona fide offers of employment, and monitoring assignments for effectiveness with the goal of transition to full duty.

Conducts assessment and analysis of workers' compensation claims to identify risk and loss exposures. Consults and coordinates with Safety Officers to assess risk exposures and develop plans to mitigate risks. Compiles and reports data and identifies trends pertaining to Workers' Compensation claims and expenditures. Maintains databases to include facility injury log, return to work data, lost time data, and ADA accommodations. Prepares reports for leadership regarding workers’ compensation data.

Prepares presentations and conducts trainings on workers' compensation issues. Provides guidance and information regarding workers’ compensation and return to work programs to hospital employees.

Conducts workers' compensation reviews. Develops, writes, and implements hospital risk management proceduresto include Workers' Compensation, Return to Work, and Reasonable Accommodation procedures under the ADA. Conducts program reviews for compliance with state and federal statutes.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of Texas Workers’ Compensation Act

Knowledge of HHS Workers’ Compensation Management Plan

Knowledge of risk management concepts, methods, and techniques

Knowledge of training and presentation techniques

Knowledge of workers' compensation program management

Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software

Ability to develop and implement risk management programs.

Ability to assess the impact of plans and program.

Ability to analyze risk management and lost control material.

Ability to evaluate agency policies and programs for compliance with applicable state and federal laws, standards, rules, and risk management guidelines.

Ability to train others.

Ability to maintain files and records in a logical and organized manner.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in business management, public administration, risk management, insurance, occupational safety, or related field is generally preferred OR

Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience required OR

No degree and a minimum of four years of experience required. 

AND

Four years of experience in processing workers’ compensation claims.

Four years of experience in returning employees to full or modified duty.

Four years of experience in case management preferred.

Four years of experience in risk management, investigating workplace injuries, or safety programs.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.