Workers' Compensation Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 3)

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).

Recruitment Timeline:

*These dates are approximate and are subject to change.*

Recruitment closes: December 19, 2024

1st round pre-recorded video interviews deadline: January 5, 2025

2nd round interviews: January 13-16, 2025

Anticipated start date: Mid-February, 2025

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

Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Initially the position will report to our main office in Salem at least two days a week and will have the option to work out of Lake Oswego or remotely from home three days a week.

Following the successful completion of the six-month training period, or when the successful applicant’s performance demonstrates they have the knowledge to perform the job and can work independently (whichever is sooner), they will have greater flexibility to work remotely.

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:

Proficient in grammar, strong technical writing skills

Experience researching, evaluating, and interpreting facts in relation to rules, regulations, or policies

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

Ability to provide guidance on the impact of new case law to current policy and process

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

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

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 / Cover Letter” 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.

Additional information:

Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered.  The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.  On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.

This position is subject to a fingerprint background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. NOTE: If claiming veterans’ preference please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section.

We hire preferred workers!  For more information, please visit our website: Preferred Worker Program.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) does not offer VISA sponsorships. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet our agency employment eligibility standards. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. DCBS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Helpful links and contact information:

Learn more about DCBS

Understanding the State Application Process

Help and Support webpage

For more information you may contact us by e-mail at DCBS.Recruiting@dcbs.oregon.gov or by phone at 503-378-3200.

DCBS is fully committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.  For more information, please visit our diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.