Specialist, Workers Compensation

CH_050 Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Inc.; Hayts Corner (NY); Remote; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cayuga Health System is seeking a Workers' Compensation Specialist to administer its self-insured WC program across the organization, ensuring regulatory compliance, cost-effective claims management, and timely return-to-work processes.

You will collaborate with HR, Risk Management, Finance, Legal, TPAs, brokers, and NYS WCB, while driving program enhancements, data reporting, and audits to reduce exposure and protect patient care across Cayuga Health facilities.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Safety, Risk Management, or related field.
• Experience with Workers' Compensation, claims management, or risk management preferred.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and administer Centralus Health's self-insured WC program, including filing and managing reports of injury.
• Manage WC-related spend, including claim costs, TPA services, NYS WCB assessments, and excess WC coverage with broker partners.
• Develop, implement, and monitor early return-to-work and transitional duty programs.
• Standardize WC processes across business units to improve efficiency and reduce TPA fragmentation.
• Complete NYS Workers' Compensation Board quarterly and annual self-insured assessments.
• Coordinate and lead regular claim audits with TPAs to ensure proper reserving and strategy alignment.
• Participate in claim reviews, settlement discussions, and legal proceedings when beneficial.
• Maintain OSHA 300/300A/301 logs and ensure regulatory reporting compliance.
• Provide safety guidance and coordinate with HR/Benefits on WC, FMLA, disability, and leave programs.
• Support stakeholders with timely data requests and compliance needs.
• Monitor loss trends and provide reporting to senior leadership.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Discretion

Education

Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Safety, Risk Management, or related field

Job description

About Cayuga Health Cayuga Health offers patient-centered, comprehensive health services at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca; Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls; and more than 40 medical offices in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Cayuga Health employs more than 450 providers from 40+ specialties. Additional services include a neo-natal intensive care unit, a home health care agency, an addiction recovery organization, and a skilled nursing facility. Cayuga Health is a member of Centralus Health, a community-based integrated delivery system. Our mission is to deliver high-quality care, empower our teams to succeed, and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve. Our commitment to quality personalized care begins with our exceptional team- over 6500 employees strong. At Cayuga Health, you will work in a collaborative environment that values excellence, integrity, compassion and stewardship. Together, we create an environment where empathy, honesty and a dedication to quality thrive, empowering us to make a positive impact on the lives we touch. We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities to help our employees grow and thrive. Whether you are just starting your career or taking the next step in healthcare, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of care in our communities. Learn more at www.cayugahealth.org.

Summary: The Workers' Compensation Specialist is responsible for administration of Centralus Health's self-insured Workers' Compensation (WC) program. This position ensures regulatory compliance, cost-effective claim management, timely return-to-work processes, and alignment with organizational risk management and operational goals. The role collaborates closely with Human Resources, Customer Safety, Risk Management, Finance, Legal, Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), Brokers, and the New York State Workers' Compensation Board (WCB).

Roles and Responsibilities

• Oversee and administer Centralus Health's self-insured Workers' Compensation program, including filing and managing reports of injury through disposition*
• Manage overall WC-related spend, including claim costs, TPA services, NYS WCB assessments, and excess WC coverage in coordination with broker partners. Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement corrective action strategies to improve program performance*
• Develop, implement, and monitor early return-to-work and transitional duty programs*
• Standardize and streamline WC processes across business units to improve operational efficiency, including centralizing injury reporting systems and reducing TPA fragmentation.
• Complete and submit NYS Workers' Compensation Board quarterly and annual self-insured assessments.
• Coordinate and lead regular claim audits with TPAs to ensure proper reserving, compliance, and claim strategy alignment.
• Participate in claim reviews, settlement discussions, and legal proceedings when beneficial to claim defense.
• Maintain OSHA 300/300A/301 logs and ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory reporting requirements.
• Provide professional safety guidance in response to injury/illness trends and individual incidents. Collaborate with HR and Benefits to ensure proper coordination of Workers' Compensation with FMLA, disability, and leave programs.
• Support internal stakeholders and shareholders by responding to document requests, data inquiries, and compliance needs in a timely manner.
• Monitor loss trends and provide reporting and analytics to senior.

Success Factors

• Demonstrates precision, discretion, and professionalism in managing sensitive and confidential Workers' Compensation data and information.
• Collaborates effectively with clinicians, executives, TPAs and the WCB to reduce institutional exposure and strengthen program outcomes.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with leaders, frontline staff, and executive stakeholders.
• Demonstrates strong analytical and communication skills in presenting findings and program updates to leadership.
• Balances empathy and objectivity in high-stakes situations.

Required Skills and Experience: Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Safety, Risk Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience working with TPAs, brokers, excess carriers, and external legal counsel.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Experience in Workers' Compensation, claims management, or risk management, preferably within a self-insured environment.
• Working knowledge of New York State Workers' Compensation law and WCB requirements.

Physical Requirements

100% remote, no travel required. Ability to move up to 25 pounds occasionally. Must be able to remain at a workstation and move around the workspace as needed to complete job tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay Range Disclosure

Standard Rate of $75,000 - $95,000 per year plus benefits

Centralus and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace.

We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Centralus Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].

We're excited you're considering joining our team. At Centralus Health, we foster a culture of care, trust, and belonging. Here, you'll have the opportunity to grow and thrive in your career while making meaningful connections with patients, families, colleagues, and communities.