Workers' Compensation Policy Analyst

Are you an exceptional critical thinker who can draw reasonable conclusions from a set of information, and differentiate between useful and less useful details to solve problems and make decisions? Are you skilled in completing thorough research, taking in information, making sense of it logically, and using it to the best of your abilities to explain issues to others and develop recommendations? If yes, this is the job for you!

Our mission...

To protect and serve Oregon's consumers and workers while supporting a positive business climate.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) is a progressive business regulatory state agency dedicated to the mission of protecting and serving Oregon's consumers and workers while supporting a positive business climate. The department administers state laws and rules governing workers' compensation, occupational safety and health, financial institutions, insurance companies and building codes. The department has consumer protection and education programs, offices, and ombuds to help consumers, injured workers, and businesses.

This position is with the Workers' Compensation Division (WCD). WCD administers, regulates, and enforces the laws and administrative rules governing the Oregon workers' compensation system.

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

What’s in it for you:

Rewarding work in a productive and creative environment

Colleagues who are passionate about public service

Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package

Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon

This position is eligible for hybrid remote work on a part-time basis, and once the incumbent has gained the proficiency to perform work independently will be able to work remotely more often. The incumbent may occasionally be asked to work from the office on an as-needed basis.

Initially the position will report to our main office in Salem.  Following the successful completion of the six-month training period, the location of the position could be changed to our field office in Lake Oswego.

Here’s what you will do:

As part of the Policy Team, you will be one of seven analysts committed to advancing a leading workers’ compensation system that represents integrity and fairness for Oregonians. You will work independently, but you will also be part of a team and work in a collaborative environment where ideas are shared, and brainstorming is encouraged to develop unique solutions to unique issues.

You will serve as the Workers' Compensation Policy Analyst to the division administrator, deputy administrator, division policy manager, and division management team. This position is assigned the rules governing Claim Closure and Reconsideration (OAR 436-030) and Disability Rating Standards (OAR 436-035). Duties include:

Work in collaboration with the Audit and Appellate Review units when developing rule issues

Research complex issues and write technical narratives that evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of options, and recommend action based on research findings

Draft issues documents related to proposed new or revised Oregon administrative rules, draft proposed rule language, and participate/facilitate internal and external rule advisory committee meetings

Provide guidance on the impact of new case law or Workers’ Compensation Board decisions to current policy and process

Build and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with division managers and employees based on mutual trust and respect

Provide consultation and technical guidance to division management

For a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities of this position, please review the position description by clicking here.

Here’s what you need to qualify:

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work

OR

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work

Requested Skills:

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicants will be reviewed against the following experience and skills:

Preference may be given to candidates that have an in-depth knowledge of Oregon Workers’ Compensation, particularly disability rating standards and claim closure

Ability to quickly learn complex subject areas, understand current processes; and research, evaluate, and recommend alternatives for outdated references and procedures that comply and are consistent with rules, statutes, and policies

Strong research skills, and ability to translate or explain succinctly what the information means to both subject matter experts and lay persons

Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals and groups having strong personalities, divergent needs, and different points of view

Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and ask appropriate questions

If you have these skills and experience, let us know! It’s how we will choose whom to move forward!

Note: You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position.

Application information:

You must complete the entire application, including the work experience portion. Failure to do so may result in your application being disqualified. A resume and/or cover letter will not substitute for the work experience section in your application.”

A resume and cover letter are required for this job posting. The cover letter should address how you gained your experience at it relates to the requested skills listed above, and not exceed two pages. Generic cover letters and/or cover letters that do not address the qualities that you have under the “requested skills” section may receive lower scores than those that addressed the desired qualities. Please attach them in the “Resume / CV” section of the application.

Please ensure that you clearly demonstrate in your application materials that you meet the qualifications listed and that you follow all instructions carefully. Only complete applications received by the posted application deadline date will be considered.

You may be asked to submit a skills assessment, a writing sample, or a video interview as part of the application screening process.