Staff 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

STAFF SPECIALIST (Return to Work Unit)

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will be advertised from Wednesday, September 2, 2026, through Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Interested jobseekers will not be able to apply during this advertising period. Applications will ONLY be accepted on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, until 11:59p.m. (PST).

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

POSITION/RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List. The list can be used to fill current and future Staff Specialist positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

THE ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is among the largest in the nation, providing exemplary law enforcement services focused on a collaborative, dedicated and innovative approach to public safety. Our nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff are committed to serving the needs of Orange County through six organizational Commands comprised of 23 Divisions. Together, these Commands and Divisions provide services including land, air and sea-based patrol, custody operations, investigative services, emergency management, coroner services, forensics and specialty operations, among an extensive list of other public safety services.

Click here for more information on the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

THE DIVISION

The Strategy, Accountability, Focus, and Evaluation (S.A.F.E.) Division reviews, enhances, and develops Department policies; ensures compliance with applicable mandates; reduces organizational liability; and supports injured employees in their recovery and return to work.

The Division produces statistical reports, analyzes operational trends, conducts program reviews, and tracks performance to support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. The S.A.F.E. Division includes the Risk Management, S.A.F.E., S.T.A.R. (Sustainability, Transparency, Accountability, and Review), and Internal Affairs Bureaus, which collectively support the Department’s commitment to accountability and public service.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Staff Specialist provides analytical and operational support across multiple Risk Management functions, including payroll and benefits coordination, drug testing program administration, disability retirement, workers’ compensation, and return-to-work/disability management. This position operates in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment requiring accuracy, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive and complex matters. The role serves as a key coordination point to ensure compliance, accuracy, and alignment across multiple interrelated programs, including facilitating the interactive process and supporting return-to-work outcomes.

Key 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 appropriate next steps and ensure compliance with applicable policies and procedures
• Conduct and document interactive process meetings with employees to assess reasonable accommodations and facilitate return-to-work outcomes in compliance with applicable laws
• Manage and maintain case records, including updating case management systems, tracking tools, and confidential employee files
• Calculate, enter, and audit workers’ compensation benefits, pay statuses, leave statuses, and related payroll actions
• Monitor and coordinate time-sensitive programs, including drug testing program activities and associated contracts
• Respond to high-volume inquiries via phone, email, and in person, providing guidance on workers’ compensation and return-to-work processes
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and analytical documents using standard office software applications
• Provide back-up support to management
• Lead, coordinate, or oversee support staff, depending on assignment

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will have three (3) or more years of experience supporting workers’ compensation, return-to-work/disability management, and drug testing programs.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS and CORE COMPETENCIES

• Experience administering or supporting multiple concurrent programs such as workers’ compensation, return-to-work/disability management, and drug testing
• Experience interpreting and applying medical work restrictions and coordinating appropriate return-to-work actions
• Experience facilitating or supporting interactive process meetings and evaluating reasonable accommodations
• Experience processing or auditing workers’ compensation benefits, pay statuses, and leave transactions
• Working knowledge of applicable labor laws, disability regulations, and organizational policies
• Experience working in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment with competing priorities
• Experience utilizing case management systems, HR/payroll systems, or other enterprise databases

Return to Work and Disability Management / Knowledge:

• Apply applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to workers’ compensation and disability management
• Facilitate interactive process meetings in compliance with applicable laws (e.g., ADA/FEHA or equivalent), including evaluating reasonable accommodations and documenting outcomes
• Interpret labor agreements, policies, and applicable legal requirements
• Analyze medical documentation and accurately determine employee work status and appropriate follow-up actions
• Prioritize workload effectively while meeting strict operational deadlines

Oral and Written Communication Skills:

• Respond to inquiries related to assigned programs with clarity and professionalism
• Communicate effectively with all levels of an organization, including leadership, on sensitive matters
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate written materials for executive-level review
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, external partners, labor representatives, vendors (including third-party administrators), and legal representatives, as appropriate

Safety / Accountability / Confidentiality:

• Deliver accurate, high-quality work in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
• Apply policies and procedures to minimize risk and liability exposure
• Identify and elevate safety, compliance, or confidentiality concerns appropriately
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to organizational policies and standards

PLEASE NOTE