The City of Gardena, California, is a full-service city of 5.9 square miles with an ethnically mixed population of just under 59,000. Located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, The City has a population of 58,829 (per the 2010 census). The City has active “Sister City” affiliations with Ichikawa, Japan and Huatabampo, Mexico. Gardena is known for its rich cultural diversity and beautiful landscaping. Gardena is a family-oriented City with many programs to meet the needs of both the family and single population. The city is proud of its high quality of life. Primary City departments include City Manager, Administrative Services, Community Development, Police, Public Works, Recreation and Human Services, and GTrans (City Bus line). The City reported 521 employees on the 2021 OSIP report with a total payroll of $34 million.

Under general direction, performs a variety of assignments related to the administration of the City’s workers’ compensation, loss prevention, insurance, and safety programs; and to perform related work as required.

Representative Duties

Organize and administer workers’ compensation and liability programs; Implement policies and procedures pertinent to the City’s loss control and liability; administer the liability claims program by coordinating claims administration with third-party administrators; ensure the appropriate forms are completed and procedures are followed in claims activities; consult with Manager and/or Director, and when assigned, legal counsel to determine proper actions regarding claims; maintain safety, workers’ compensation and insurance related files and documents; investigate liability claims and lawsuits to ensure claim validity; process summons and complaints; assist in the administration of the City’s general insurance programs; including self-insurance, contract renewal and certificates of insurance; Monitor and analyze insured and uninsured risks making recommendations on appropriate types and levels of insurance; analyze loss expectancies; procure insurance and excess insurance policies; respond to or appropriately refer questions from employees regarding insurance programs; serve as a resource to employees, elected officials, directors and supervisors regarding liability issues; conduct research and compile a variety of reports and documents relative to program activities; monitor and report employee lost time and modified duty activities; prepare reports of City property damage and prepare requests for insurance reimbursements, restitution or subrogation; counsel injured employees regarding benefits, medical treatment, or job status; investigate accidents and prepare related reports; assist in the preparation of budget documents by providing information relative to claims; may be required to represent the department in meetings and legal proceedings, as assigned; perform other related duties as required.

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities, equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, with major course work in public administration, business administration, risk management, or a closely related field; AND two years of progressively responsible and varied professional experience in workers’ compensation, industrial safety and claims management.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of workers’ compensation, loss prevention, and safety program administration.
Modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software. Reporting requirements for on-the-job injuries, property damage or loss and safety violations.
Knowledge of State and Federal law as it applies to liability and workers compensation claims.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Methods and techniques for basic report preparation and writing.

Ability to:

Prepare clear and concise administrative and statistical reports and analysis.
Maintain accurate and confidential records. Handle confidential matters with discretion. Work closely with outside claims administrators.
Investigate or assist in the investigation of claims. Understand, explain, and apply policies and procedures. Analyze and recommend policy and procedural changes. Operate a computer and utilize a variety of office equipment. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

License
Possession of a valid Class "C" or higher California Driver's License with satisfactory driving record.
Special Conditions
Conflict of Interest Statement

Testing Process:

Minimum Qualifications Screening - Pass/Fail
Supplemental Questions - Pass/Fail
Oral Interview – 100% of total score
*Testing process is subject to change.
Candidates must pass all examinations to be placed on the eligibility list.

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to the next step in the selection process. All candidate materials will be carefully evaluated and only those considered best qualified will be invited to the next step in the selection process.