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Benefits Coordinator (Safety and Workers Comp)

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Benefits Coordinator (Safety and Workers Comp)

Salary

$7,291.00 - $8,863.00 Monthly

Location

City of Bellingham, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

25-Benefits Coord (SafetyWC)

Department

Human Resources

Opening Date

05/19/2025

Closing Date

6/9/2025 8:30 AM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Eteam

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Nature of Work

Are you experienced in workers’ compensation and ready to make a real difference in employee safety and recovery? The City of Bellingham is seeking a Benefits Coordinator who will take the lead in managing our workers’ compensation program, coordinating claims, supporting return-to-work efforts, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. This position plays a vital role in guiding injured employees through the recovery process while also supporting workplace safety initiatives.

This position works collaboratively, but independently under general supervision in carrying out complex work in developing, coordinating and administering safety programs including accident prevention, worker’s compensation, and drug testing. Provides direct service to employees and departmental leaders in the areas of employee safety and accident prevention. Works closely with human resources colleagues and department managers to ensure coordination of workers’ compensation programs administered by the City. Stays informed of new workers’ compensation and safety-related laws, regulations and trends. Works in a highly sensitive public setting with a variety of statutes, regulations and collective bargaining agreements.

The current full salary range for this position is $7,291/month - $8,863/month. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the E-Team Handbook (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule) and City policy.

Research has demonstrated that salary negotiation can further inequality due to bias across gender and race. To prevent negotiation bias, the City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material, in accordance with City policy. This is in line with the City's commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications or have experience that is not directly related or in a lower-level position will be placed at step one in the salary range. For positions that require a bachelor’s degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master’s degree in a related field when the master’s degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications. The City's HR Department regularly evaluates minimum qualifications to provide equitable employment opportunities.

For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page (https://cob.org/about/employment/benefits) and labor agreements page. (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule)

+ 13.33 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time

+ 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year

+ 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly

+ Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families

+ Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

+ Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program

+ Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

+ Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security

+ Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

This position is open until filled with a first review on Monday, 6/9/2025 at 8:30 am. The position may be closed at any time following the first review.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

Safety:

+ Responsible for developing, recommending and implementing a comprehensive safety program for the City that focuses on improving employee safety and health by reducing accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases.

+ Coordinates the Central Safety Committee. Schedules and facilitates Central Safety Committee meetings; ensures meetings are attended by department representatives, documented and appropriate follow up actions occur.

+ Provides support to departments or facilities in coordinating monthly safety committee meetings in accordance with Labor & Industry standards. Ensures that L & I requirements for committee meetings/ safety meetings are met and documented appropriately. Responsible for researching, communicating, and supporting compliance with applicable WISHA/OSHA laws, regulations, and best practices.

+ Serves as the primary contact for Labor and Industries. Notifies L&I of hospitalizations or deaths. Responds to L&I audits. Coordinates with L&I on consultation services as needed.

+ Stays up to date on WISHA, OSHA, and L&I regulations. Advises HR and City management staff and provides recommendations for implementing changes to ensure compliance with federal and state occupational safety and health regulations.

+ Reviews all City accident reports, incident reports, and near misses. Works with supervisors and Departmental Safety personnel to identify changes to prevent reoccurrence. Analyzes data for trends and develops strategies to minimize accidents and injuries. Conducts and analyzes investigations of accidents, safety violations, and near misses with designated staff.

+ Supports departments by evaluating safe work practices, proper equipment usage, and conducting studies of perceived or suspected safety hazards. Prepares and provides recommendations and reports to Department Heads or designee on the safety analysis findings.

+ As requested by departments, conducts Job Hazard Analysis following the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) standards. Identifies potential causes of occupational injury, death, or disease, implements controls to eliminate or minimize the hazard, and determines what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required for each identified hazard.

+ Ensures all City Departments understand and implement general safety regulations and rules (e.g. emergency evacuation protocols, active shooter response, etc). Updates procedures and provides training as necessary.

+ Provides training and instruction with an emphasis on safety principles and practices.

Workers’ Compensation:

+ Implements the City’s industrial insurance program in accordance with relevant statutes related to industrial insurance. Serves as main point of contact with the City’s third-party claim administrator and coordinates administration of claims.

+ Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the workers’ compensation program including: claim filing; records retention; reviewing and authorizing payment vouchers; implementing and assisting in preparing the Workers’ Compensation budget. Works closely with payroll staff and Leave Specialist in ensuring appropriate coordination of workers compensation benefits and leave use.

+ Coordinates the implementation of early return-to-work opportunities including job accommodation and alternative job placement, working with Human Resources Account Managers and department managers as needed.

+ Ensures OSHA compliance including Form 300 and works with third party vendor to ensure accurate and timely posting of annual OSHA 300A. Extracts statistical data from the HRIS as needed for annual reporting.

+ Presents cases at Labor and Industries claim conferences, formal hearings, board appeals and mediations, with the assistance of counsel when necessary.

General:

+ Administers the City-wide drug testing protocols and processes and ensures compliance with DOT regulations.

+ Receives and distributes monthly selections for DOT Random Drug Testing and maintains as appropriate for records retention. Ensures results are received in a timely manner and distributes results as needed.

+ Assists with Wellness programming.

+ Cross Trains and acts as back up to Leave Specialist in their absence.

+ Develops policies, procedures and guidelines; recommends changes to HR leadership. Participates in the implementation or communication of approved policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

+ Performs other related work of a similar nature and level.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office environment with occasional fieldwork where City field or satellite work is conducted. Works extensively at a computer workstation. Occasional overnight travel to conferences and training sessions. May be required to work evening and weekend hours, as assigned. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions is minimal.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

+ Minimal physical exertion requirements.

+ This is a stationary position which may require sitting or standing for long periods of time;

+ Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine;

+ Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others;

+ Travel between worksites may be required;

+ Occasionally transport objects up to 25 pounds.

Experience and Training

+ Baccalaureate degree with major course work in industrial hygiene, environmental health and safety, or a related field.

+ Three years of progressively responsible work experience administering a business wide safety program, including at least two years of workers’ compensation administration experience.

+ Demonstrated experience in developing training content and delivering training to a wide range of employee types.

+ Demonstrated experience conducting safety investigations requiring written analysis and reports.

+ Demonstrated experience advising managers and employees on safety issues.

+ Human Resources experience is strongly preferred.

+ Leave of absence management experience preferred.

+ Relevant experience with a public sector employer preferred..

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

Necessary Special Requirements

+ Employment contingent upon passing a criminal conviction and local background check (see Fair Hiring Practices).

+ Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

Selection Process

You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along

As part of the application process, a cover letter is required.

Within the cover letter, please answer the following questions:

+ Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next right step for you in your career.

+ Provide a brief summary of your education, experience and qualifications for this position.

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

Interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for June 30, 2025. Invitations to participate in the Interview process will be sent via e-mail on or around June 23, 2025.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Equal Opportunity:

Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

+ The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.

+ The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.

+ The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.

+ The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

There are many good reasons for working at the City of Bellingham. The work is rewarding and you have an opportunity to serve your community. Another good reason is the great benefits that the City offers its employees. See our benefits section (https://www.cob.org/employment/pages/benefits.aspx) for additional information.

This position is unrepresented. Specific benefit information including Holidays, Vacation Accruals, Health, Dental and Vision Plans with cost sharing and Deferred Compensation Match can be found in the E-Team Handbook. (https://www.cob.org/employment/Pages/labor-agreements-pay-schedule.aspx)

This position is covered by the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems PERS plan. PERS requires mandatory employee and City contributions. Please visit the DRS website (http://www.drs.wa.gov/) for more information on PERS.

01

Thank you for your interest in this position at the City of Bellingham! To ensure a consistent review, only the City of Bellingham job application and required supplemental documents will be reviewed. Cover letters and resumes are not reviewed unless they are required as part of the process. When applying for this position, you must thoroughly complete each section of your application, and provide a thorough response to each of the supplemental questions. Please do not indicate "see resume" or copy content that is unrelated to the position being applied for from your resume when answering these questions. Have you read and understood the information listed above?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Do you have a Baccalaureate degree with major course work in industrial hygiene, environmental health and safety, or a related field?

+ Yes

+ No

03

If your degree is not listed above but you believe the field is related, please explain.

04

Do you have three years of progressively responsible work experience administering a business wide safety program, including at least two years of workers’ compensation administration experience? (Experience must be reflected in your Work History within your Application)

+ Yes

+ No

05

Do you have demonstrated experience in developing training content and delivering training to a wide range of employee types?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you have demonstrated experience conducting safety investigations requiring written analysis and reports?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Do you have demonstrated experience advising managers and employees on safety issues?

+ Yes

+ No

08

If you answered no to any of the above questions, do you have an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide you with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job? Please explain in detail below.

09

Describe your experience administering workers' comp. Please include any relevant experience working with self-insured workers' comp.

10

Describe your experience in developing, recommending, and implementing a comprehensive (business-wide) safety program.

11

As part of the application process, a cover letter (no longer than one page) is required. Within the cover letter, please answer the following questions: Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next right step for you in your career. Provide a brief summary of your education, experience and qualifications for this position. Have you attached your cover letter?

+ Yes, I have attached my cover letter.

+ No, I have not attached my cover letter and I understand my application will be considered incomplete.

Required Question

Employer

City of Bellingham

Address

104 West Magnolia Street Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone

360-778-8228

Website

http://www.cob.org/employment

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