Workers’ Compensation Board
Mediator – Portland Office

-Anticipated Vacancy-

Code: 0845 Pay Grade: 80 – $51, 771.20 – $73,756.80/Annually

Open for Recruitment: May 12, 2023

Closes: May 26, 2023

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Workers Compensation Board has one current full-time vacancy in Portland, Maine. This is professional services work mediating issues that arise between injured workers, employers/insurers with respect to workers’ compensation claims. Mediators must determine the nature and extent of controversies and attempt to resolve them. Mediators must also make inquiry in the manner best calculated to ascertain the substantial rights of parties and carry out the spirit of the Act. Work is performed under limited supervision.

TYPICAL DUTIES

Reviewing claim files, meeting with parties in-person or over the phone, identifying issues in specific cases, facilitating resolution of issues, drafting agreements, identifying issues that cannot be resolved and require a hearing.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of administrative, adjudicatory and workers’ compensation laws, rules, and procedures.
• Knowledge of legal documents, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of legal documents, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of medical and legal terminology, and practices in workers’ compensation.
• Knowledge of research methods.
• Knowledge of legal documents, procedures, mediation, and hearing practices.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Ability to analyze facts and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to gain the confidence and cooperation of parties.
• Ability to understand laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to negotiate mediation agreements or other voluntary resolutions.
• Ability to prepare and maintain complex cases and large caseloads.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration or directly related field and at least four (4) years of technical or para-professional work experience in resolving benefit/compensation claims, conflict and/or dispute resolution, or mediation. Directly-related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

BENEFITS

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

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