Return-to-Work & Disability Specialist

County of Orange; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Orange is seeking a Staff Specialist to support the Return to Work Unit within the Sheriff’s Department. The role focuses on analytical and operational support across Risk Management functions, including payroll and benefits coordination, disability management, and drug testing programs.

The ideal candidate has three or more years of experience in workers’ compensation, return-to-work, and drug testing, with strong data-driven decision-making and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of experience supporting workers’ compensation, return-to-work/disability management, and drug testing programs.
• Experience interpreting medical work restrictions and coordinating return-to-work actions.
• Experience facilitating interactive process meetings and evaluating reasonable accommodations.
• Experience processing workers’ compensation benefits, pay statuses, and leave transactions.
• Working knowledge of labor laws, disability regulations, and organizational policies.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex analytical work, including problem identification, data collection, evaluation, development of alternatives, and recommendation of solutions
• Analyze and interpret medical work restrictions and work status updates to determine next steps and ensure policy compliance
• Conduct interactive process meetings to assess reasonable accommodations and return-to-work outcomes in compliance with laws
• Manage and maintain case records, including updating case management systems and confidential files
• Calculate, enter, and audit workers’ compensation benefits, pay statuses, and leave transactions
• Monitor and coordinate time-sensitive programs, including drug testing activities and contracts
• Respond to inquiries via phone, email, and in person about workers’ compensation and return-to-work processes
• Prepare reports and analytical documents using standard office software
• Provide back-up support to management
• Lead or coordinate support staff as assigned

Skills

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Discretion and confidentiality

Tools

Case management systems

HR/payroll systems

Office software

Job description

County of Orange is seeking a Staff Specialist to support the Return to Work Unit within the Sheriff’s Department. The role focuses on analytical and operational support across Risk Management functions, including payroll and benefits coordination, disability management, and drug testing programs.

The ideal candidate has three or more years of experience in workers’ compensation, return-to-work, and drug testing, with strong data-driven decision-making and confidentiality.