Retro Claims Manager

Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is recruiting a full-time Workers Comp Claims Manager to join our dynamic and customer orientated team. 

Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, which provides a wide array of services to all 281 cities and towns in the State of Washington. AWC builds connections between our state’s diverse cities and towns, while providing our members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data-driven education, nationally recognized polling programs, and nonpartisan advocacy. Membership is voluntary, and we are proud that AWC maintains 100% participation. AWC is a vibrant, fast-paced organization supported by 70 employees who are passionate about serving our members. We have a diverse team with subject matter expertise in various areas.

The AWC Workers’ Comp Retro Program (AWC Retro) provides training and tools that empower employers to lower risks for on-the-job injuries. The AWC Retro’s focus is on injury prevention and safety to reduce our members’ overall workers’ compensation costs and provide the opportunity for refunds.   

Summary:

This position manages the day-to-day operations of the Retro claims team, providing leadership and oversight, with a focus on ensuring accountability to program best practice standards and optimal claims outcomes. The incumbent assists members of the AWC Workers’ Comp Retro Program in managing complex to technically difficult workers’ compensation claims and to confirm benefits due with the State Department of Labor & Industries.   

AWC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We value the unique views, backgrounds, experiences, expertise, and potential of all our employees. We are committed to following our core values of collaboration, equity, innovation, integrity, and respect.

Compensation and benefits:

Salary

The full salary range for this position is $94,108 - $141,163 annually. The top candidate’s placement within the range will typically fall between the minimum and 25th percentile of the range, depending on education, training, experience, and other conditions consistent with AWC policy. A compensation market analysis is completed every other year. As outlined in policy, AWC employees generally receive an annual adjustment based on market and economic changes, and an increase based on meeting full performance expectations.

Health insurance

AWC pays 100% of the medical premium for employees and 90% of the medical premium for spouse/domestic partner and child(ren) up to age 26. Dental and vision insurance are 100% employer-paid for employees and eligible dependents.

Retirement benefits

For every $1 an employee contributes toward their 401(k), AWC matches the contribution with $1.20, up to 10% of the employee’s base salary, subject to IRS thresholds. Employer match can also be applied towards eligible student loan payments.

Paid leave

Four hours of paid vacation leave in the first year of employment for every semi-monthly pay period, with vacation accrual increasing over time; four hours of paid sick leave for every semi-monthly pay period; 11 paid holidays and two floating holidays each year.

Additional benefits

Basic life insurance and disability insurance; employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) ranging from $770 to $1,980 based upon enrollment in the medical insurance plans; access to outstanding performance awards and tuition assistance; and staff appreciation events.

This position is eligible to telework four or five days a week and may need to come to the office in Olympia on a set day and/or for certain duties, scheduled work meetings, or certain periods, as required by the position, subject to approval and as determined by AWC. 

Recruitment closes on October 13, 2025, at 5:00 pm.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supervise two claims staff and oversee all claims management activities. 
• Manage, delegate, and assign duties to claims staff to achieve goals in the strategic and annual work plans.
• Identify and implement workplans, processes, and tracking metrics for the claims team.
• Manage and organize claims workflows in claims management platform. 
• Make recommendations to the Program Director regarding claim processes and procedures.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of workers’ compensation regulations; advise and oversee team in managing claims. 
• Perform claim file reviews and audits and provide direction to claims coordinators.
• Analyze and manage claims by investigating and gathering information to assist the employer in achieving positive claims outcomes.
• Coordinate claim activity with attending providers, vocational counselors, attorneys and L&I claim managers.
• Monitor reserve adequacy and appropriateness throughout the life of the claim if applicable. 
• Monitor and review wage calculations and benefits due, ensuring accuracy. 
• Accurately track time-loss light-duty days to facilitate Stay at Work (SAW) incentive reimbursements and OSHA recordkeeping.
• Prepare necessary state filings within statutory limits. 
• File, coordinate, and assist with claims matters presented to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals through the mediation process.
• Prepare and present claims reports for the Retro governance meetings.
• Identify, develop, and deploy needed claims-focused training and guidance for membership. 
• Lead Claims Team in regular conversations to identify trends in claims, coverage, and work with Program Director in establishing policies affecting membership. 
• Act as back-up to program staff as needed.  
• Set employee goals for performance and deadlines in alignment with the AWC Workers’ Comp Retro Program strategic plan and team workplan.
• Monitor employee productivity and provide constructive feedback and coaching.
• Lead and manage employees in a hybrid work environment with appropriate skill and engagement to build effective teams, enable full participation of all employees, and ensure employees are getting the tools and interactions they need to be successful. 
• Travel to trainings and events, overnight stays general will not exceed 15 nights per year.

Requirements:

• 7 years’ experience in claims management
• 2 years’ experience in a supervisory position or demonstrated ability
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field; or experience may be substituted year-for-year for academic achievement

What you bring to the team:

• Extensive knowledge of advanced workers’ compensation claims administration or adjudication, state and federal statutes/regulations/codes, and general insurance and risk management practices and principles.
• Extensive knowledge of retrospective rating programs and how claims may influence retro group outcomes.
• Effective negotiating skills in resolving claims.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead teams in productive conversations, as well as convey program management ideas to executive management and governance leadership.
• Possess strong communication skills and articulate clearly both with the written and spoken word, demonstrating a high degree of accuracy. 
• Ability to establish creditability and manage confidential and time sensitive material.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 office products and can learn and use a wide variety of proprietary software.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactive management of personal bias. 
• Demonstrate punctual and reliable attendance.

Working conditions:

The incumbent may work irregular hours and may begin and end work beyond the normal workday when necessary. Work is performed primarily in an office setting and sedentary in nature, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Incumbent must be able to lift up to and carry 30 pounds at times. Work may also involve standing for long periods, stooping, repetitive motions with hand, wrist and fingers. Driving an automobile is necessary, incumbent may spend prolonged periods in a vehicle.

To request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected].

AWC is looking for people who can help us achieve our mission and vision, not just check the boxes. If you’re excited about this role and interested in supporting local government, we encourage you to apply. You might just be the right candidate for this role or other roles at AWC!

All offers of employment are contingent to authorization for employment in the United States, criminal background check, reference checks, and required education/credential verification. Information obtained from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be considered.  

All AWC employees must work in Washington state, unless explicitly preapproved by the CEO to work in Oregon or Idaho.

AWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity on our team. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, as required by federal, state, and local laws.