Occupational Medical Specialist

REPORTS TO:  Occupational Nurse

SUPERVISES:  Medical Assistants / EMT’s

AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in the reviewing, managing and investigations of the various workers compensation/casualty claims. Assists in determining liabilities, securing medical information and determining severity as recommended by the selected occupational physician. 
• Effectively communicates with the insurance provider(s) to ensure that the organizational goals of the company and best interest of the employee are considered while maintaining adequate cost controls.
• With the assistance of the occupational nursing coordinator, MRO and compensation carrier evaluates employees returning to work after absences, injuries, illnesses and surgeries. Assists with reducing lost time for work related illnesses/injuries by facilitating early return to work for workers´ compensation cases.
• Assists with the determination of compensability of injuries and payment of temporary disability, permanent disability, and medical, legal, investigative and other costs under Workers Compensation laws.
• Provides first aid and nursing services to employees or persons who become ill or injured on the Austal USA facility. 
• Effectively liaise with contracted Occupational Physicians regarding the care and treatment of our employees
• Maintain best interest standards for both the employee and the company.
• Provides initial assessment of job-related injuries/illnesses and refer for medical evaluation as needed, will perform medical triage.
• Facilitates transportation of employees to consulting medical facilities and local hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
• Dispenses OTC medications, administers treatments and applies dressings for minor injuries and illnesses.
• Coordinates with LPN or MRO when advanced nursing diagnoses need to be made, specialized testing and evaluation of results, assessments of patients presenting symptoms of injury/illness in the Medical Department as well as in shipyard emergency situations. Informs appropriate persons of patient’s condition and progress and maintains appropriate documentation.
• Assists with the coordination of health awareness programs, such as blood pressure screening, smoking cessation, wellness and related programs. Supports and assists employees in health maintenance and achieving health care goals through interviewing, counseling, teaching and referring. Company resource for medical information for employees.

• Assists with the scheduling and performance of occupational health surveillance testing including but not limited to, pre-employment, fitness for duty and return to work exams. Assists in the arrangement of specialized testing such as spirometry, electrocardiograms, audiometry, visions screening, veni-punctures, and other testing as appropriate. Obtains urine specimens, including pre-placement, spot, and random drug screens. Performs and records vital statistics (blood pressure, pulse, weights, height).
• Communicates with Industrial hygiene, safety management regarding perceived hazards health problems related to workplace exposure’s and or hazards.
• Assists with training activities of the site supervisory and fire safety personnel, providing First Aid / CPR, training classes to include blood borne pathogen and shipyard specific awareness training.
• Assists in maintaining compliance with medical aspects of OSHA and Corporate standards. Administers medical surveillance programs according to Austal USA’s Corporate Policies and Procedures.
• Assists with the coordination and maintenance and up-keep of Medical Department, Admin, OC first aid inventory and maintains control of medications and supplies.
• Assists with and ensures confidentiality of employee health information and records and maintains HIPPA medical discloser agreements
• Records, processes, and maintains current and accurate medical records for each employee, including maintenance and operation of the medical data information system and electronic medical compliance program.
• Complies with daily, weekly and monthly medical logs maintenance and distributions.  Files of medical records as necessary.

• Supervises and coordinates the activities of all subordinate nursing staff members.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Current EMT / Medical Assistant certificate or greater.
• Experience in filing / managing workers’ compensation claims must have 1 + years or more experience dealing with workers compensation claims.
• Knowledge of FARA/ICE  (Electronic) Workman’s Comp management system 1+ years or More.
• Must be able to work in accordance and be familiar with current HIPPA protection/privacy laws 1+