Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney – Tort Litigation Unit – Risk Management Support

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.

We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Tort Litigation Unit of the Law Department defends the property damage and personal injury claims brought against the City and its employees. The Tort Litigation attorney supporting the Risk Management function of the Finance Department must be board certified or board eligible in Workers’ Compensation.   

Job Description

The attorney oversees claims handling of City Employee Disability injuries which are covered under Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act, Civil Service Regulation 32, Pennsylvania Heart and Lung Act and Pension Code.  Other responsibilities include determining compensability of claims, as needed, and responding to questions about compensability of claims, how benefits should be paid, and whether the City should provide light duty, all in conformity with current case law, statutes and regulations.  The Risk Management support attorney also determines employee/family eligibility for service-incurred death benefits, in conjunction with TPA, Risk Manager, and in conformity with contractual language.  Additional job responsibilities are itemized in the Essential Functions.  The Risk Management attorney role is complex and varied.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Aids claims handlers and attorneys in managing claims at the least total cost to the City
• Coordinates Significant Event Response with OHR, Departments, DBHIDS and TPA in an effort to mitigate losses and prevent injuries
• Verifies and monitors performance measures to determine efficacy of program
• Develops program protocols and strategies, and communicate same to stakeholders
• Assists Departments with addressing legal matters and redirects legal inquiries to the appropriate Departments
• Reviews reserves in excess of 25K to ensure proper reserve setting and assist TPA with setting reserves on complex matters
• Reviews OnePhilly to confirm appropriate payments to injured workers and credits owed to the City and advise TPA and attorneys of same
• Answers Departmental and Employee inquiries regarding interpretation and enforcement of Regulation 32, Heart and Lung Act and Workers’ Compensation Act.
• Oversees P&P process to ensure compliance with protocols
• Liaises with TPA to ensure proper staffing of medical panels
• Liaises with TPA regarding Medical Panel Contracts to ensure