L&I Medical Program Specialist 2

About the Department

Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!
 Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

Please Note: This recruitment is open to current Labor & Industries employees only. If you apply and are not a current employee, you will not be considered. 
This recruitment will be used to fill multiple permanent positions in different units.

Job Highlights

Are you looking for an opportunity to take your experience in analysis, research, program coordination, and project management to the next level?  Do you want to work on a positive, goal-oriented team and focus on implementing new legislation to help injured workers access medical services?   If so, check out this opportunity and consider joining our team as one of our next Medical Program Specialist 2’s.

Why Work for us:

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety, health, and security of Washington's workers. We help employers meet safety and health standards and inspect workplaces when alerted to hazards. As administrators of the state's workers' compensation system, we are similar to a large insurance company providing medical and limited wage-replacement coverage to workers who suffer job-related injuries and illness. Our rules and enforcement programs help ensure workers are paid what they are owed, that children and teens' work hours are limited, and that consumers are protected from unsound business practices.

Insurance Services is the largest division within the agency and administers one of the premier workers’ compensation organizations in the nation serving over 3.8 million employees working for 260,000 employers.

The Insurance Services Health Services Analysis program is comprised of various work units with a shared vision to achieve provider excellence to reduce work disability by ensuring worker access to high-quality care.

The Medical Program Specialist 2 located in our Healthcare Policy and Payment Methods Unit is intended to support implementation of legislation in E2SSB5847 concerning access to medical care.  In this role you will serve as the business operations lead, using project management methodologies and best practices for providing support and outreach as the agency implements this bill in full.

You will lead professional staff in health services projects to improve the utilization, cost, quality of or access to medical services provided to Washington workers who are injured on the job. You will work closely with project sponsors, leaders, and management, and regularly report on project progress. 

Your ability to be a high-level strategic thinker as well as someone who can manage multiple day-to-day task assignments will be necessary for your success in this role.

The Medical Program Specialist 2 located in our Provider Support and Outreach Unit will specifically focus on providing support to injured workers who are unable to identify a network provider, and to non-network healthcare providers treating these injured workers.  As a critical part of maintaining access to care for injured workers, you will be the primary contact for identifying and resolving complex issues encountered by non-network healthcare providers.

Using your analytic problem-solving skills, you will gather and synthesize data, break down issues and problems, develop workable solutions, and work collaboratively with a team to improve L&I’s outreach to healthcare providers.

Your interpersonal skills working with individuals with varying perspectives and diverse priorities, as well as your ability to listen and engage with others will be beneficial for your success in this role.

Here is what we are looking for:

• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze information, and provide consultation.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to authentically listen and connect with others to build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction.
• Project management skills to ensure work progresses toward the achievement of goals and objectives.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information clearly and succinctly in a way that is easy to understand for a variety of audiences both orally and in written format.
• Ability to effectively organize multiple assignments and remain focused on priorities and progress to produce work products that are accurate, thorough and on time.
• Your willingness to learn by showing self-initiative to develop and upgrade your skills, enhance your knowledge, and learn new technology.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and partner with others to contribute to team cohesion.

Position Duties

Some of what you will do in the MPS 2 in the Healthcare Policy and Payment Methods Unit:

• Initiate, plan, lead, and manage projects and process improvement efforts related to implementation of legislation related to health services.
• Lead professional staff in work related to health care projects in all aspects of project management methodology.
• Define and implement change activities which include planning and developing project scope, goals, milestones, work breakdown structures, and critical path analysis.
• Monitor staff performance and provide technical assistance interpreting medical policies, procedures, and program analysis.
• Work with internal and external customers to identify process, workflow or communication problems and develop solutions.
• Facilitate discussions to reach consensus on project or process improvement decisions.
• Lead staff in identifying, analyzing and resolving complex operational business process and policy issues.
• Direct and implement focused communication strategies for L&I management and other customers.
• Conduct presentations and briefings to customers.
• And much more!

Some of what you will do in the MPS 2 in the Provider Support and Outreach Unit:

• Support injured workers who are unable to identify a network provider and non-network healthcare providers treating these workers through department initiatives, projects and processes.
• Serve as liaison for billing and payment policy issues for non-network providers and other stakeholders.
• Create and map the work processes required to help workers find providers as outlined in legislation E2SSB5847.
• Identify and initiate process improvement health services related projects.
• Gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to independently develop decision papers for L&I management and stakeholders.
• Implement focused communication strategies for L&I management and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop physical and online resources for staff and providers about new initiatives, payment or policy changes.
• Develop project fact sheets, public presentations, materials and articles for the internet and intranet.
• Conduct presentations and briefings to customers.
• And much more!

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• One-year of experience as a Medical Program Specialist 1, OR
  
  
• A Master’s degree with major study in public health, public administration, nursing, health administration, economics, mathematics, accounting, business administration, or closely allied field
  AND
  Two years of supervisory or consultative experience in analysis, research, program coordination, or project management in a health services, medical insurance, social services, or workers compensation program, OR 
   
• A Bachelor’s degree with major study in public health, public administration, nursing, health administration, economics, mathematics, accounting, business administration, or closely allied field
  AND
  Four years of consultative experience in analysis, research, program coordination, or project management in a health services, medical insurance, social services, cost account, financial management, or workers compensation program, OR
  
  
• A total of eight years of demonstrated relevant professional experience in analysis, research, program coordination, or project management in a health services, medical insurance, social services, cost account, financial management, or workers compensation program will substitute for education.

AND the following Competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Desired:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or relevant certificate or coursework.
• Change Management certification.

Other Qualifications

Things You Need To Know

At L&I, your voice matters.  L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety, health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers.  Watch this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

L&I provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including paid leave, tuition reimbursement, Infants at Work Program and a generous retirement package for qualified employees at the end of their career.  Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.

We value our employees and their work-life balance.  We support a hybrid work model and offer flexible custom work schedules.  This position is eligible for a flexible schedule (4/10’s, 9/80’s, 5/8’s, etc.) upon approval by management.

For this position, teleworking is permitted up to full time with the expectation of working from the office one day a month.  In addition, you may be expected to work from the office on occasion to attend in-person meetings, training, or upon business need. The assigned duty station for this position is Tumwater, Washington.

To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for GovDelivery and select L&I job alerts.

Application process

To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit a complete online application including detailed work history and professional references with current phone numbers.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter describing your specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing your applicable experience and education.

We will contact the top candidates directly to advance in the selection process.  Because we base the selection on the information you provide, please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how your experience relates to the qualifications and responsibilities described in this announcement.

Applications with incomplete work history, references to a resume in place of detailed work experience, or missing attachments may be considered incomplete and not considered for further review.

Please do not attach or place any medical information within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.

To learn more about our hiring process timeline at L&I please visit our L&I recruiting page at Hiring Process at L&I.  If you would like to read our website in a language other than English, scroll up to the top of the page to select your language of choice from the banner.

Background Check Notice

Prior to placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history records will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.

Other information

• Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted to complete a skills assessment prior to the interview.  Assessments are conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams.
• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

Did You Know?

Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s [email protected].

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contributes to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest source of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need an accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more Information

If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact Angela Laramie at [email protected].
#LI-DNI

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov