Workers' Compensation Claims Analyst - Hybrid

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a Workers' Compensation Claims Specialist to lead investigations, analyze claims, and recommend dispositions. You will prepare detailed reports, interact with external counsel, and support loss-control initiatives across the university.

The role emphasizes collaboration with University staff, risk management, and health/medical partners to minimize financial losses while ensuring compliant case handling and timely settlements where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with relevant experience.
• One year in workers' compensation claims administration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate claims as instructed by leadership and secure evidentiary materials.
• Analyze documentation to approve medical treatments and establish reserves.
• Prepare investigative reports with witness interviews and expert consultations.
• Consult with outside counsel and review legal bills for appropriateness.
• Summarize allegations and analysis with recommended defense strategy.
• Settle claims when warranted and monitor ongoing case progress.
• Deliver lectures on claim prevention, loss history, and return-to-work programs.
• Coordinate with faculty, staff, counsel, risk managers, and housing/maintenance teams.

Skills

Investigation

Claims analysis

Report writing

Legal coordination

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

UIUC Claims Management

Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position.

• Investigate claims as instructed by the Sr Associate Director by conducting in-depth investigations into allegations against the University and/or its employees of any potentially compensable workers' compensation events, e.g., occupational injury and/or occupational disease claims. Secure all potential evidentiary materials such as the accident report, medical records, X-ray films, photographs, and statements to justify accepting the compensability of the claim. Input claim information as needed into the database, including use of a diary system and comprehensive notes regarding claim status.
• Perform a detailed claims analysis. Analyze all documentation in order to approve appropriate medical treatment, establish initial case reserves and subsequent updates, and make referrals for nurse case management/vocational rehabilitation/utilization and peer review as needed. Identify potential Medicare considerations and understand Medicare's interest in Workers' Compensation cases. Authorize medical and temporary total disability payments on approved claims.
• Prepare a written investigative report which includes interviews with all witnesses, co-workers, supervisors, medical practitioners, and others involved in the claim. Consultation with experts and medical and legal research may be required.
• Consult with outside legal counsel in furtherance of the legal defense of the University, its staff and other employees. Review outside counsel legal bills for appropriateness and accuracy before authorizing funds expenditure.
• Prepare a written summary of allegations and analysis of each claim, focusing on the weaknesses and strengths of the University's position. A crucial element of the summary is a recommendation for a positive defense strategy to be presented to the Workers' Compensation Review Committee for review and reserving of funds.
• As needed, settle claims if investigation reveals the claim is compensable, and the injury/illness justifies payment of a permanent settlement. Monitor and periodically review assigned cases with the Sr. Associate Director in order to maintain continued evaluation and assessment of the progress of claims.
• Design, develop, and deliver lectures and presentations to promote the concepts of claim prevention and management as well as transitional work provisions; make units aware of their loss history and how practices have contributed to loss liability for the University; and provide information on how departments can reduce their claim frequency and severity. Provide orientation sessions and materials to University staff on University Workers' Compensation Claims policy and procedures.
• Interface closely with faculty, staff, and injured parties; University Counsel; outside counsel; University Risk Manager; Campus Risk Manager; medical representatives; University Housing and Operations and Maintenance personnel with regard to settlement discussions, return-to-work programs; and light duty programs.
• Other duties and responsibilities appropriate for a Workers' Compensation Claims Specialist position.

UIUC Claims Management

Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position.

Job Summary

The primary function of this position is to minimize financial losses against the University of Illinois and its employees by the prompt identification, investigation, analysis, and recommendation for disposition of workers' compensation claims. The Workers' Compensation Claims Specialist interacts with University staff to implement appropriate loss control programs or procedures designed to mitigate the frequency and severity of such losses.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Investigate claims as instructed by the Sr Associate Director by conducting in-depth investigations into allegations against the University and/or its employees of any potentially compensable workers' compensation events, e.g., occupational injury and/or occupational disease claims. Secure all potential evidentiary materials such as the accident report, medical records, X-ray films, photographs, and statements to justify accepting the compensability of the claim. Input claim information as needed into the database, including use of a diary system and comprehensive notes regarding claim status.
• Perform a detailed claims analysis. Analyze all documentation in order to approve appropriate medical treatment, establish initial case reserves and subsequent updates, and make referrals for nurse case management/vocational rehabilitation/utilization and peer review as needed. Identify potential Medicare considerations and understand Medicare's interest in Workers' Compensation cases. Authorize medical and temporary total disability payments on approved claims.
• Prepare a written investigative report which includes interviews with all witnesses, co-workers, supervisors, medical practitioners, and others involved in the claim. Consultation with experts and medical and legal research may be required.
• Consult with outside legal counsel in furtherance of the legal defense of the University, its staff and other employees. Review outside counsel legal bills for appropriateness and accuracy before authorizing funds expenditure.
• Prepare a written summary of allegations and analysis of each claim, focusing on the weaknesses and strengths of the University's position. A crucial element of the summary is a recommendation for a positive defense strategy to be presented to the Workers' Compensation Review Committee for review and reserving of funds.
• As needed, settle claims if investigation reveals the claim is compensable, and the injury/illness justifies payment of a permanent settlement. Monitor and periodically review assigned cases with the Sr. Associate Director in order to maintain continued evaluation and assessment of the progress of claims.
• Design, develop, and deliver lectures and presentations to promote the concepts of claim prevention and management as well as transitional work provisions; make units aware of their loss history and how practices have contributed to loss liability for the University; and provide information on how departments can reduce their claim frequency and severity. Provide orientation sessions and materials to University staff on University Workers' Compensation Claims policy and procedures.
• Interface closely with faculty, staff, and injured parties; University Counsel; outside counsel; University Risk Manager; Campus Risk Manager; medical representatives; University Housing and Operations and Maintenance personnel with regard to settlement discussions, return-to-work programs; and light duty programs.
• Other duties and responsibilities appropriate for a Workers' Compensation Claims Specialist position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in workers' compensation claims administration, including claims investigation, analysis, case management, and/or resolution.

(Note: A Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred:

• Two years demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: insurance, risk management, workers' compensation, group insurance, healthcare, or liability claims.
• Basic legal knowledge in the area of Illinois Workers' Compensation, including an understanding of Medicare considerations related to workers' compensation claims.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Very strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to recognize the delicate and sensitive nature of information.
• An understanding of the importance of maintaining discretion and confidentiality of information at all times.
• Ability to use independent judgment in determining the weaknesses and strengths upon which the University's defense may be based.
• Solid experience preparing claim reports and summaries.
• Ability to use critical thinking in order to make decisions as to the relative importance of various medical facts and circumstances surrounding workers' compensation claims.
• Excellent keyboarding, grammar, and proofreading skills, with strong emphasis on accuracy and applicable formats and criteria, to prepare and process correspondence, reports, and other documents that appropriately reflect University and department standards.
• Travel may be necessary.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 to $60,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 11th, 2026.

If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Bree Smith @ [e-mail].

For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .

Requisition ID: 1038498

Job Category: Professional and Administrative