Edward L. Cope

***** **** ***. *****, ******, WA 98001 253-***-****

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-cope-msir-0635a048 adc0i9@r.postjobfree.com

Human Resources Specialist

Health & Safety Vocational Rehabilitation Policy and Benefits Administration

Human Resources Leader with expertise in a variety of HR issues including Health and Safety programs, workers’ comp return to work programs, vocational rehabilitation planning, training & development, and benefits administration. Skilled in collaborating with all members of the organization to achieve harmony between business and labor concerns. Instrumental in streamlining and improving processes, enhancing productivity, and implementing strategic plans. Proven track record of exceeding targets and inspiring team members to realize their full potential.

Workers’ Compensation

Policy development

Analytical skills

Training and Development

Health and Safety

Labor laws and regulations

Ergonomics Laws

Interpersonal skills

OSHA compliance

Professional Experience

SELF-EMPLOYED, Auburn, WA 6/1/2015 – present

Forensic Vocational Evaluation

Provide assessment of injured worker ability to work and wage earning capacity for clients injured under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act. Retained by Plaintiff Attorney.

Research information from medical, legal and employment information as well as client interview in order to prepare a report of the findings and recommendations.

DIVISION OF LONGSHORE AND HARBOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION, Seattle, WA 12/15/2000 –5/31/2015

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Oversaw vocational rehabilitation services provided by the Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation to help injured workers return to work with the previous or new employer.

Consistently exceeded annual return to work goals from the year 2000-2015, case load being more than 100 each year throughout the tenure.

Streamlined and managed the work of vocational rehabilitation counselors for Seattle, San Francisco and Hawaii Districts. The Seattle District included 10 states Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado; the California District included 3 states California, Arizona and Nevada; and the Hawaii District included the Hawaii and other Pacific islands that are territories of the United States.

Conceptualized and implemented an Early Referral Program for Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities (NAFI) injured workers with the aim of reducing Temporary Total Disability and Permanent Total Disability. The program also helped them in securing employment with same employer, minimizing re-training, and preserving pre-injury pay and benefits.

Received Secretary of Labor’s Exceptional Achievement Award in May 2010 for jointly leading Early Referral Program of the NAFI Rehabilitation Pilot Group consisting of civilian employees posted on military bases.

Conducted agency training sessions at select NAFI locations (Ft. Lewis, Washington, the Hale Koa Hotel and Ft. Shafter, HI) in collaboration with Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Headquarters and local NAFI assistance.

Meticulously researched, tracked, and analyzed vocational, legal, and medical information of injured workers to establish their suitability and eligibility to avail vocational rehabilitation services.

Engaged in dispute resolution procedures in case of disputes between clients, employers, and rehabilitation counselors.

PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS, Bellevue, WA 2000

Human Resources Technical Specialist

Streamlined Health & Safety processes for the largest drywall company in Washington and Oregon.

Monitored all construction jobs and scanned them on-site to determine exposure to ergonomic injuries.

Devised methods to mitigate and avoid hazards thereby fostering a safe and healthy work environment.

Instrumental in interpreting and applying State of Washington Labor and Industries Ergonomics Laws for supervisors and workers besides advising them on Health and Safety issues at the workplace.

WHITTALL MANAGEMENT GROUP, Federal Way, WA 1999 – 2/2000

A.A. RUSTH CONSULTING, Tacoma, WA 1996 – 1999

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Took up the responsibility of providing vocational rehabilitation services to injured workers referred by themselves, attorneys, or employers.

Gathered and analyzed objective medical, legal, vocational, and employer information to develop a vocational diagnosis and create a rehabilitation plan.

Carefully evaluated medical findings to justify disability and segregate accepted and unaccepted pre and post-injury conditions on the injured employee’s ability to work.

Designed and implemented vocational evaluations, training plans, and direct placement plans in addition to documenting every step of the case management process.

Researched labor market data through books and internet, tapped into employer database, and conducted job analysis to find optimum placement for injured worker.

Built strategic alliances with injured workers, claim manager, physicians, attorneys, and employers.

Consistently ranked amongst the top five counselors in terms of delivering successful outcome within budgeted cost.

E.J. BARTELLS Co., Renton, WA 1993 – 1996

Human Resources Specialist

Engaged in policy development, interpretation, and implementation for various HR processes such as employee benefits, training & development, workers’ compensation, unemployment, drug and alcohol testing, and OSHA.

Delivered training in the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Alaska, and Montana on issues related to HR policies, sexual harassment, respiratory protection, asbestos abatement, accident investigation, drug and alcohol testing, reasonable cause testing, hazardous materials transportation, and hearing conservation. Monitored effectiveness of all training sessions by tracking performance parameters.

Catalyzed administration of workers’ compensation and health & welfare benefits besides handling DOT drivers and drug/alcohol testing.

Liaised with management and employees on all matters pertaining to interpretation and compliance of HR policies as well as state regulations.

Education & Credentials

Master of Science - Industrial Relations, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR

Bachelor of Science - Community Service and Public Affairs, University of Oregon, Certificate in Program Evaluation and Development, Eugene, OR

Professional References available on request

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