Workers Compensation Program Manager

Guided by our purpose, core values, and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our corporate teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Whether we use our expertise in accounting, human resources, finance, planning, legal, marketing, or any of our operational divisions, our shared passion for travel and our guests is what motivates us to achieve excellence each day. If you share our passion for creating an airline people love, we want to hear from you. 

The Workers’ Compensation Program Manager is an individual contributor and subject matter expert responsible for defining the long-term strategy and the oversight of the Workers’ Compensation program, with an emphasis on vendor management, collaboration, employee advocacy, return to work efforts, cost containment, mitigation of leave time and data analysis. 

• As the lead subject matter expert in Worker Compensation, act as the strategic and operational business partner responsible for all activities associated with workers’ compensation. 
• Develop, implement, maintain and update system-wide policies, procedures, and training programs in compliance with multiple federal and state regulations, company policies, and contractual requirements in Workers’ Compensation.
• Influence across the company, up to the executive-level, to design and administer the Workers’ Compensation program. 
• Implement strategies focused on leave reduction and accident prevention, including participation in Employee Injury Review Boards and related leadership training. 
• Engage with industry forums to ensure existing processes are based on best practices.
• Exercise considerable latitude and initiative to resolve labor and employment issues, and maintain collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders (i.e., various company divisions, union leadership, legal, governing agencies, legislators, industry leaders, etc.)
• Serve as expert resource on case management, regulatory requirements, and SOPs under HR leadership guidance.
• Comprehensively review all WC losses for sufficient financial reserves and applicable claim action plans.
• Develop and monitor applicable metrics to ensure strategic and efficient vendor management, as well as measure and trend benefit programs, accident rates, leave rates, and associated costs.  
• Manage relationships across the organization and with third party administrators and other service providers.
• Oversee QA audits, including vendor and business location audits, and maintain related compliance and process documentation.
• Lead all litigation for Workers’ Compensation, including authorization of appropriate claim settlements.
• Collaborate with the Safety division and senior leaders to identify and assist in developing safety initiatives. 

Required  

• 7 years of experience in workers’ compensation, accommodations, and/or leave / disability administration.
• Bachelor’s degree, or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree
• Knowledge of relevant regulations in states where Alaska Airlines operates, including Workers’ Compensation and modified duty / accommodations.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with the ability to present and train others.
• Strong negotiating skills and the ability to resolve conflict.
• Detail oriented and highly organized, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures, including collective bargaining agreement provisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, as well as web-based vendor systems and PeopleSoft HRIS.
• Dependable and self-motivated, with a willingness to continue one’s professional development.
• A positive and professional demeanor, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. 

Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be kind-hearted, deliver performance, and be remarkable. 

Pay will be based on multiple factors, including and not limited to location, relevant experience/level and skillset while balancing internal equity relative to other Alaska/Horizon employees. Alaska/Horizon is committed to fair, unbiased compensation along with competitive benefits in all locations in which we operate.

Note: We don’t typically hire at the top of the range.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air pay and benefits can vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status.

• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air
• Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
• Generous 401k match program
• Quarterly and annual bonus plans
• Generous holiday and paid time off
   

For more information about Alaska/Horizon Total Rewards please visit our career site and view benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement  

It is the policy of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and to ensure equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and benefits of employment or potential employment.   

We also prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.  

We have established an EEO Compliance Program under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 503”) and the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (“VEVRAA”).  All applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. In addition, we have established an audit and reporting system to allow for effective measurement of its equal employment opportunity activities.   

To implement this policy, we will: 

(1) Recruit, hire, train and promote qualified persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and any other legally protected categories; 
(2) Ensure that employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements; and 
(3) Ensure that all personnel actions and employment activities such as compensation, benefits, promotions, layoffs, return from layoff, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air sponsored programs, and tuition assistance will be administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories. 

Employees and applicants for employment will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination because they have engaged or may engage in (1) filing a complaint, (2) opposing any act or practice made unlawful by, or exercising any other right protected by, any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA, or (3) assisting or participating in any investigation, compliance evaluation, hearing, or any other activity related to the administration of any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions  of VEVRAA. 

Government Contractor & Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations 
Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT – regulations, 49 CFR part 40) and all applicants are advised that post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing will be conducted to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines or a metabolite of these drugs prior to any offer or employment or transfer into a safety-sensitive position. Failure to submit to testing or positive indications of drug use will render the applicant ineligible for employment with Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air and any employment offer will be withdrawn.