Exam Bulletin - Workers' Compensation Consultant

Department of Industrial Relations

Exam Code: EX-2962

Examination Plans Included:

  • WORKERS' COMPENSATION CONSULTANT - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

WORKERS' COMPENSATION CONSULTANT: $6,264.00 - $7,847.00 per Month

View the WORKERS' COMPENSATION CONSULTANT classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed examination. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation, your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the examination until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • WORKERS' COMPENSATION CONSULTANT - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 9 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2962

For WORKERS' COMPENSATION CONSULTANT, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 9 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02962

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00109210 - WORKERS' COMPENSATION CONSULTANT

Either 1

One year of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Workers' Compensation Assistant, Range C. (Those with six months' experience may take the examination but may not be appointed until the completion of 12 months of experience.)

Or 2

Experience: Three years of experience which must have been acquired in one or a combination of the following types of disability insurance:

1. Reviewing, investigating, or adjusting workers' compensation claims in a nonclerical capacity and with direct client appli cant contact for a workers' compensation carrier, public agency, or self-insured employer or such employer's adjusting agent. (California state experience applied toward this requirement must have been in performing duties of a class comparable to the level of a Workers' Compensation Insurance Representative II for at least one year.)

2. Performing claims examination work primarily of workers' compen sation insurance carriers and with responsibility for reviewing the work of others. (California state service experience must have been in performing duties of a class comparable to the level of an Insurance Examiner, Range E.)

3. Obtaining and analyzing medical, personal, and vocational information and using such information in the determination of disability cases resulting primarily from vocational injury. (California state service experience must have been in performing duties of a class comparable to the level of a Disability Evaluation Analyst, Range C.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college, preferably with emphasis in Insurance, Economics, Rehabilitation, Business Admin istration. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Position Description

00109210 - WORKERS' COMPENSATION CONSULTANT

This is the full journey level. Depending on program assignment and under general direction of a Supervising Consultant, assists and advises employees, employers, insurance carriers, and public agencies concerning their rights, benefits, and obligations under workers' compensation laws and rules; develops, initiates, maintains, and audits workers' compensation, self-insurance plans, and/or disability evaluations; resolves issues and disputes arising under or concerning workers' compensation laws and its application; analyzes the applica tion of and enforces workers' compensation rules, regulations, pro grams, and laws; recommends settlements; analyzes, reviews, audits, adjusts, or investigates medical reports, industrial injury claims, wage information, occupational duties, or extent of compliance with workers' compensation coverage, laws, and programs; appears and testifies in pretrial hearings and judicial proceedings of Workers' Compensation Appeals Board; assists in training subordinate staff; and does other related work.

Special Personal Characteristics

Willingness to travel and work irregular hours; possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles; tact, impartiality, and a neat personal appearance.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. Principles, practices, and procedures of the Califor nia Workers' Compensation System and Appeals Board
  2. Laws and rules of the Labor Code, California Administrative Code, and leading court decisions relating to workers' compensation coverage, insurance, enforcement, rights and benefits, rules of practice, interpretation, and application of the schedule of ratings to permanent disabilities, of physical and vocational rehabilitation, and of general accounting, auditing, and insurance principle applicable to self-insurance
  3. Medical and anatomical terminology
  4. Procedures used in treating industrial disabilities
  5. Occupations and their hazards, duties, skills, and physical requirements, and how to classify them accord ingly to such variations
Ability to:
  1. Interpret, analyze, and summarize medical reports, fact situations, and workers' compensation laws and rules
  2. Determine the significance of injury relative to occupational demands, make recommendations and mathematical calculations relative to the extent of temporary and permanent disability and the Disability Rating Schedule
  3. Determine case reserves and whether proper medical treatment and benefits are being provided
  4. Make preadjudication recommendations for settlement
  5. Investigate, mediate, and conciliate claims and disputed issues
  6. Testify on direct and cross examination on the witness stand
  7. Prepare clear, complete, concise reports
  8. Communicate effectively
  9. Maintain cooperative relationships with those persons contacted in the course of work

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the WORKERS' COMPENSATION CONSULTANT Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Industrial Relations

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 24 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Workers' Compensation Consultant Training and Experience Examination Preview

Instructions:
The Workers' Compensation Consultant examination consists of a Training and Experience Questionnaire used to evaluate your education, training and experience. Rate your experience performing each specific job-related Knowledge or Ability. You will pick the option from the drop-down menu that reflects your experience for each item.
  1. Ability to interpret, analyze, and summarize medical reports, fact situations, and workers' compensation laws and rules.
  2. Ability to make recommendations and mathematical calculations in providing benefits in accordance with workers' compensation laws.
  3. Ability to assimilate and prioritize large amounts of information and connect that information to one's existing knowledge-base in order to formulate conclusions.
  4. Knowledge of laws and rules of the Labor Code, California Administrative Code, and leading court decisions relating to workers' compensation, including the application of appropriate mandated guidelines.
  5. Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of the California Workers' Compensation System and Appeals Board.
  6. Ability to orally communicate legal principles, facts, and position(s) to various audiences and forums.
  7. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, staff, and internal and external stakeholders.
  8. Ability to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with the needs, problems, and/or concerns of other department staff, outside agency personnel, and/or the public.
  9. Ability to interpret and explain policies, procedures, rules, and/or regulations to department employees, the public, vendors, and other State agencies.
  10. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information obtained through the course of completing assignments.
  11. Ability to maintain a neutral, unbiased stance when evaluating legal matters and make recommendations without allowing personal views or external pressures to improperly interfere.
  12. Ability to work independently with minimal contact or reinforcement from supervisors and colleagues while producing high quality work products and meeting deadlines.
  13. Ability to interact with and relate effectively to individuals at all levels of an organization.
  14. Ability to work collaboratively with others in a team environment.
  15. Ability to accept constructive criticism regarding work products and practices in order to continually improve work performance.
  16. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in the dissemination of information.
  17. Knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure that written materials prepared and reviewed are complete, and free of errors.
  18. Ability to analyze correspondence to determine importance as it relates to a case, procedure, or otherwise pertinent issue.
  19. Ability to reconcile discrepancies in data and information to ensure accuracy.
  20. Ability to communicate information in writing clearly and concisely to audiences with varying levels of understanding.
  21. Knowledge of basic email functions including sending and receiving messages, attaching documents, and appending carbon copies (CC) and blind carbon copies {BCC).
  22. Ability to use a computer to input data, access information, and/or create materials and documents using a variety of software applications.
  23. Ability to use the internet to conduct on-line research and obtain information related to departmental policies, procedures, and resources.
  24. Ability to use word processing software to prepare reports, memoranda, correspondence, and other job-related documents and materials.
  25. Ability to perform job tasks during stressful working conditions (e.g., deadlines, heavy workload).
  26. Ability to successfully assist with or complete multiple projects within appropriate time frames while maintaining a high level of work performance.
  27. Ability to be flexible and handle unexpected developments such as administrative obstacles, external events, changes in deadlines, assignments, priorities, and circumstances that impact current work assignments.
  28. Ability to use computer programs to create documents, conduct research, and communicate appropriately with others.
  29. Ability to work with and effectively communicate with management.

Testing Departments

  • Department of Industrial Relations

Contact Information

Technical questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Department of Human Resources
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov

Administrative questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Industrial Relations
2180 Harvard Street, Suite 160
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (800) 564-0771

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Industrial Relations reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)