Description:

The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for a Workers Compensation Attorney (Labor Relations Specialist) for the Labor Relations Division in the Human Resources Department. Under the direction of the Director of Labor Relations, the position is responsible for all aspects of Workers' Compensation and Injured on Duty functions of the Human Resources Department, including claims management and litigation. This position is responsible for the coordination of employee leaves and accommodations, including employer obligations under Workers' Compensation, Family Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities, and unemployment matters. This position is responsible for Labor Relations, including, interpretation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements with the various city unions, advising department heads regarding all aspects of labor relations, including employee discipline and investigations.

Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential Elements:

Responsible for all aspects of workers' compensation and injured on duty functions of HR department.
Manage the claims review process for all injured employees, collaborating with adjusters and payroll personnel. Investigate claims.
Review medical issues with nurse case manager.
Approve and deny claims.
Litigate workers compensation cases from initial denial through hearing and appeal.
Draft, file and argue motions, closing arguments and appellate briefs. Examine witnesses.
Conduct depositions.
Negotiate settlements, and present settlement proposals to the School Committee and City Department Heads.
Review all claims to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations and collective bargaining agreements.
Oversee disability retirement claims. Conduct research on various legal issues, Monitor involuntary and voluntary retirement application process, Present legal and factual arguments to the Worcester Retirement Board, Reviews medical documentation. Appeals as necessary.
Responsible for reviewing civil service hiring's matters for legal compliance with MA Civil Service Law and regulations of the Civil Service Commission. Review requests for medical, military, and other forms of leave to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, local ordinance, and collective bargaining agreements.
Consult with department heads on the appropriateness of disciplinary action.
In discrimination and accommodation matter investigate claims, conduct legal research, and recommend remedial or other appropriate action.
Collaborate with other staff in the HR department and department heads with regarding union, civil service, employee disputes, complaints, and general employment issues.
Represent the City as counsel before the appropriate state/federal court and/or administrative agency.
Consult and collaborate with Safety and Health Officer and Department Heads to develop municipal policies and programs. Research Safety and Health standards under state and federal laws and regulations. Manage Safety and Health program for legal compliance with state and federal safety and health standards.
Provide legal advice to HR Department Head and staff on various labor and employment issues. Draft legal notices and correspondence. Draft and amend municipal policies.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to interpret laws, rules, regulations and contractual provisions.
Proficient business writing and organizational skills; strong time management skills.
Ability to meet and deal with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community and ability to maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively.
Ability to maintain sensitive, confidential information, manage and organize complex records.
Ability to deal appropriately on behalf of Human Resources with department employees, the public as well as local and state officials.
Ability to multitask in order to complete assignments in a detailed, timely and organized manner.
Ability to speak and communicate privately and/or publicly in a clear and concise manner.
Ability to independently investigate issues in an organized, detailed, and timely manner.
Ability to exercise a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues and situations.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and have the ability to access and navigate portals.

Minimum Requirements:

Juris Doctorate Degree
Licensed Attorney in Massachusetts with admittance to the Bar of the Supreme Judicial Court.
Knowledge of Workers Compensation.
Strong communication skills.
Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with medical conditions and terminology.
Six (6) months of experience with Employment and Labor laws.
Six (6) months of experience with Family Medical Leave law (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Once (1) year of experience litigating claims before either the Trial Court or state agencies, including hearings and motion practice.
Six (6) months of experience with employment investigations and/or related litigation.
Experience involving matters pertaining to discrimination and harassment.
Experience with unemployment claims