Maritime Claims Administrator (HRC4) In-Training

Maritime Claims Administrator (HRC4) In-Training

Salary

$67,992.00 - $100,980.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-00088

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

06/03/2026

Closing Date

6/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a skilled and experienced Human Resource (HR) professional to serve as a lead HR Consultant and technical specialist for Employee Health Programs within Washington State Ferries (WSF). Under the direction of the Employee Health Program Manager, this position provides advanced consultation and independent decision-making related to employee medical status, maritime injury claims, return-to-work outcomes, workplace safety, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal employment laws within a complex 24/7 maritime environment. This position administers and oversees Maintenance and Cure and on-the-job injury claims for WSF vessel workers, supports litigation and risk mitigation activities, and partners closely with management, HR, Safety, labor representatives, and medical providers to promote employee recovery, operational continuity, and legally compliant claim administration.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Maritime Claims Administrator will:

• Provide advanced-level consultation and technical guidance regarding maritime injury claims administration, Maintenance and Cure obligations, and return-to-work coordination.
• Independently administer and oversee maintenance and cure claims.
• Review, analyze, and interpret medical documentation; determine treatment status, work capacity, return-to-work options, and whether proposed care is curative in nature.
• Exercise independent judgment in evaluating treatment requests, referrals, claim activity, work restrictions, and return-to-work considerations.
• Determine the initiation, continuation, suspension, and closure of maintenance payments.
• Coordinate and communicate employee work status updates; support operational continuity and compliance.
• Maintain consistent and proactive communication with injured employees and ensure employees understand claim requirements, treatment expectations, and benefit status.
• Identify barriers to return-to-work and collaborate with operational leadership, HR, Safety, labor partners, and employees to explore medically appropriate and operationally feasible return-to-work strategies.
• Coordinate with medical providers, bill reviewers, Payroll, Accounting and Financial Services, and agency partners to support timely authorization and payment of approved curative treatment and employee benefits.

Qualifications

This is a Human Resource Consultant 4 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan.

To be considered for this opportunity, at the HRC3 level the following competencies are required:

Human Resources, Occupational Health, and Case Management

• Professional experience providing consultation and guidance on complex or sensitive employee matters in fields such as human resources, occupational health, disability management, workers' compensation, return-to-work coordination, leave administration, employee relations, healthcare coordination, or risk management.
• Experience independently managing claims, cases, assignments, or processes related to workers' compensation, occupational health, accommodations, leave administration, return-to-work coordination, or related programs requiring organization, prioritization, follow-through, confidentiality, and coordination among multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage competing priorities, adapt to changing operational demands, maintain accuracy and attention to detail, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Policy Interpretation, Analysis, and Decision-Making

• Experience reviewing, interpreting, analyzing, and applying laws, regulations, policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, medical documentation, operational requirements, or program guidance to support compliant and effective decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, critical thinking, research, and analytical skills to resolve complex or sensitive issues while balancing operational needs, employee support, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.

Communication, Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution

• Experience communicating professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees, supervisors, management, labor partners, medical providers, attorneys, and other stakeholders regarding sensitive, confidential, or emotionally charged matters.
• Demonstrated ability to establish collaborative working relationships, foster trust and credibility, support teamwork, and communicate complex information clearly and respectfully.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and conflict resolution skills to support individuals navigating sensitive, stressful, or emotionally charged situations involving workplace injuries, medical issues, employee benefits, or operational impacts.

Technology and Operational Systems

• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite applications, Microsoft Teams, databases, spreadsheets, electronic records systems, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), claims management systems, case management systems, financial systems, or similar operational tracking systems.

Growth Mindset, Service-Oriented and Interpersonal Skills

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Take action to learn, develop, and apply new knowledge, skills, feedback, and experiences to improve individual and organizational effectiveness.
• Willingness to take action to meet the needs of others while demonstrating professionalism, empathy, respect, and equity principles when interacting with employees, coworkers, management, labor partners, medical providers, or stakeholders.

In addition to the competencies listed above, the following are required for consideration at the HRC4 level:

• Highly Regulated Environment Exposure: experience working in a maritime, transportation, operational, safety-sensitive, unionized, healthcare, public sector, or other highly regulated environment.
• Medical Documentation Review and Interpretation: Experience reviewing and interpreting medical documentation, including Activity Prescription Forms, chart notes, treatment referrals, healthcare billing information, International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, work restrictions, and related occupational health documentation to support claims administration, return-to-work coordination, treatment evaluation, operational planning, or employee support services.
• Benefits and Claims Coordination: Experience coordinating employee benefits, healthcare billing, treatment authorization, provider communication, claim payments, or related financial and administrative processes requiring accuracy, regulatory compliance, confidentiality, and independent judgment.
• Technical Guidance and Workforce Support: Demonstrated ability to provide technical guidance, mentoring, onboarding support, knowledge transfer, or training to staff, coworkers, or stakeholders to support consistency, operational continuity, and workforce development in a complex and compliance-driven environment.
• Strategic Thinking and Systems Awareness: Demonstrated strategic thinking and systems awareness skills, including the ability to identify operational trends, anticipate downstream impacts, evaluate organizational risk, recommend process improvements, and support organizational and program objectives.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Medical Terminology and Healthcare Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare billing or ICD and CPT coding systems.
• Financial and Claims Systems: Experience using financial, claims management, or operational tracking systems such as TRAINS 4.0, Purchase Card Management System (PCMS), or similar systems.
• Maritime Injury and Return-to-Work Administration: Experience administering or coordinating maritime injury claims, Maintenance and Cure obligations, workers' compensation claims, occupational injury programs, or return-to-work services.
• Policy and Regulatory Interpretation: Experience interpreting and applying maritime law, collective bargaining agreements, occupational health standards, disability-related laws, leave laws, civil service rules, or public sector employment policies.
• Quality Review and Process Improvement: Experience conducting quality reviews, case audits, operational assessments, or process improvement initiatives related to claims administration, employee health programs, or return-to-work coordination.
• Operational Documentation and Workforce Planning: Experience developing procedures, operational guidance documents, training materials, onboarding resources, or succession planning tools.
• Professional Certification: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), or related certification.
• Maintenance and Cure or Claims Administration: Experience administering Maintenance and Cure claims, managing occupational injury claims, or working in a medical provider environment supporting care coordination, insurance billing, or claims-related services.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on an as needed basis.

• This position requires the ability to respond to non-scheduled emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed and to occasionally travel to agency field sites and vessels.

• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

• This is a Human Resource Consultant 4 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. The base salaries for each level are:

• Human Resource Consultant 4: $75,108 - $100,980

• Human Resource Consultant 3: $67,992 - $91,464

• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00088 in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please briefly describe your most recent role providing independent consultation and guidance on complex or sensitive employee matters. Include the location and title of position in addition to duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

02

HR/OH: Please select the option that best describes your experience providing consultation and guidance.

• I have independently provided consultation and guidance on highly complex or sensitive employee matters involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and regulatory considerations.
• I have regularly provided consultation and guidance on employee matters requiring interpretation of policies, procedures, or program requirements.
• I have provided limited consultation or support on employee matters, typically under guidance or within established procedures.
• I do not have this experience.

03

Case Management: Please select the option that best describes your experience independently managing claims, cases, assignments, or processes related to workers' compensation, occupational health, accommodations, leave administration, return-to-work coordination, or related programs.

• I have independently managed a high-volume caseload or program with responsibility for prioritization, stakeholder coordination, compliance, and resolution of complex or sensitive issues.
• I have independently managed routine claims, cases, or assignments requiring coordination and follow-through.
• I have assisted with claims, case management, or administrative support functions under supervision.
• I do not have this experience.

04

Policy Interpretation, Analysis, and Decision-Making: Please select the option that best describes your experience reviewing, interpreting, analyzing, and applying laws, regulations, policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, medical documentation, operational requirements, or program guidance.

• I have independently interpreted and applied complex laws, regulations, policies, agreements, or medical documentation to support compliant decision-making and resolve sensitive issues.
• I have regularly reviewed and applied policies, procedures, agreements, or program guidance in support of operational decisions.
• I have limited experience reviewing or applying policies or procedures within established guidelines.
• I do not have this experience.

05

Technology and Operational Systems: Please select the option that best describes your proficiency using databases, HRIS, claims management systems, case management systems, financial systems, or similar operational systems.

• I am highly proficient and regularly use multiple systems to track, manage, analyze, and report operational or case-related information.
• I am proficient using standard office software and operational tracking systems in support of my work.
• I have basic experience using office software or electronic systems.
• I do not have this experience.

06

Please list the claims management systems, case management systems, financial systems, and/or similar operational systems you are proficient using. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

07

Highly Regulated Environment Exposure: Please select the option that best describes your experience working in a maritime, transportation, operational, safety-sensitive, unionized, healthcare, public sector, or other highly regulated environment.

• I have extensive experience working independently in highly regulated environments requiring operational awareness, compliance, and coordination among multiple stakeholders.
• I have experience working within regulated environments and following established operational or compliance requirements.
• I have limited exposure to regulated or compliance-driven work environments.
• I do not have this experience.

08

Medical Documentation Review and Interpretation: Please select the option that best describes your experience reviewing and interpreting medical documentation, including Activity Prescription Forms, chart notes, treatment referrals, billing information, ICD or CPT codes, work restrictions, or related occupational health documentation.

• I have independently reviewed and interpreted complex medical or occupational health documentation to support claims administration, return-to-work coordination, treatment evaluation, or operational planning.
• I have reviewed medical or occupational health documentation in support of case management or administrative processes.
• I have limited experience reviewing medical documentation.
• I do not have this experience.

09

Benefits and Claims Coordination: Please briefly describe your experience coordinating employee benefits, healthcare billing, treatment authorization, provider communication, claim payments, or related financial and administrative processes. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

10

Maritime Injury and Return-to-Work Administration: Please select the option that best describes your experience administering or coordinating maritime injury claims, Maintenance and Cure obligations, workers' compensation claims, occupational injury programs, or return-to-work services.

• I have independently administered or coordinated complex claims or return-to-work programs involving regulatory compliance and multiple stakeholders.
• I have supported claims administration or return-to-work coordination activities.
• I have limited experience related to occupational injury or claims administration.
• I do not have this experience.

11

Policy and Regulatory Interpretation: Do you have experience interpreting and applying maritime law, collective bargaining agreements, occupational health standards, disability-related laws, leave laws, civil service rules, or public sector employment policies.

• Yes
• No

12

Quality Review and Process Improvement: Do you have experience conducting quality reviews, case audits, operational assessments, or process improvement initiatives?

• Yes
• No

13

Do you currently possess any of the following professional certifications: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CDMS, or another related certification? If yes, please list them below, otherwise, please enter N/A.

14

Are you able and willing to respond to non-scheduled emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you able and willing to occasionally travel to agency field sites and vessels?

• Yes
• No

16

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

17

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov