Advocacy Coordination Team Specialist

Sedgwick Claims Management Services Ltd; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Sedgwick seeks a Disability Claims Specialist to assess routine claims, interpret disability plans, and manage benefits payments. You will coordinate with providers, reviews medical information, and negotiate return-to-work arrangements with or without accommodations.

The role requires knowledge of ERISA, disability management, and strong communication skills, with a focus on timely, accurate determinations and excellent client service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• State certification or licensing in statutory leaves preferred or may be required based on state regulations.
• Two (2) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• One (1) year of office or customer service experience required.
• One (1) year of benefits or claims management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Makes claim determinations, based on information received, to approve routine disability claims or recommends denial to team lead.
• Reviews and analyzes routine medical information to determine disability as defined by the plan.
• Determines benefits due and makes timely payments and adjustments for workers compensation and SSDI.
• Informs claimants of documentation required and claims status by phone or claims system.
• Communicates with providers to set expectations regarding return to work.
• Medically manages routine disability claims ensuring compliance with duration guidelines.
• Coordinates investigative efforts and reviews contested claims thoroughly.
• Refers cases to outside vendors or physician advisors as needed.

Skills

ERISA knowledge

Disability claims

Communication skills

Negotiation

Return-to-work

Medical terminology

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Statutory leaves licensing

Tools

Claims systems

Job description

By joining Sedgwick, you'll be part of something truly meaningful. It’s what our 33,000 colleagues do every day for people around the world who are facing the unexpected. We invite you to grow your career with us, experience our caring culture, and enjoy work-life balance. Here, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Newsweek Recognizes Sedgwick as America’s Greatest Workplaces National Top Companies Certified as a Great Place to Work® Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance Advocacy Coordination Team Specialist

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Provides disability case management and routine claim determinations based on medical documentation and the applicable disability plan interpretation including determining benefits due and making timely payments/approvals and adjustments, medically managing disability claims; coordinates investigative efforts, thoroughly reviewing contested claims, negotiates return to work with or without job accommodations, and evaluates and arranges appropriate referral of claims to outside vendors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Makes claim determinations, based on the information received, to approve routine disability claims or makes a recommendation to team lead to deny claims based on the disability plan.
• Reviews and analyzes routine medical information (i.e. attending physical statements, office notes, off work notes, etc.) or consults with a nurse to determine if the claimant is disabled as defined by the disability plan.
• Utilizes the appropriate clinical resources in case assessment (i.e. duration guidelines, in-house clinicians) regularly.
• Determines benefits due, makes timely claims payments and adjustments for workers compensation, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), and other disability offsets.
• Informs claimants of documentation required to process claims, required time frames, payment information and claims status by phone, written correspondence and/or claims system.
• Communicates with the claimants’ providers to set expectations regarding return to work.
• Medically manages routine disability claims ensuring compliance with duration control guidelines and plan provisions.
• Communicates clearly and timely with claimant and client on all aspects of claims process by phone, written correspondence and/or claims system.
• Coordinates investigative efforts ensuring appropriateness; provides thorough review of contested claims.
• Evaluates and arranges appropriate referral of claims to outside vendors or physician advisor reviews, surveillance, independent medical evaluation, functional capability evaluation, and/or related disability activities.
• Negotiates return to work with or without job accommodations via the claimant’s physician and employer.
• Refers cases as appropriate to team lead and clinical case management to assist with claim determination.
• Meets the organization’s quality program(s) minimum requirements.
• Maintains professional client relationships and provides excellent customer service.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Licensing High school diploma or GED required. State certification or licensing in statutory leaves is preferred or may be required based on state regulations.

Experience Two (2) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required. One (1) year of office or customer service experience required. One (1) year of benefits or claims management experience preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of ERISA regulations, required offsets and deductions, disability duration and medical management practices and Social Security application procedures
• Knowledge of state and federal FMLA regulations
• Working knowledge of medical terminology and duration management
• Excellent oral and written communication, including presentation skills
• Proficient computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Analytical, interpretive, and critical thinking skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to meet or exceed performance competencies as required by program
• Effective decision-making and negotiation skills
• Ability to exercise judgement with limited supervision

WORK ENVIRONMENT

When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

• Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
• Physical: Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods while operating a computer and phone system. Travel as required
• Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

As required by law, Sedgwick provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in jurisdictions requiring pay transparency in job postings. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and cost of specific location.

For the jurisdiction noted in this job posting only, the range of starting pay for this role is $25.00 USD hourly.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, 401k and matching, PTO, disability and life insurance, employee assistance, flexible spending or health savings account, and other additional voluntary benefits.

Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, consider applying for it anyway! Sedgwick is building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and recognizes that each person possesses a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Sedgwick is the world’s leading risk and claims administration partner, which helps clients thrive by navigating the unexpected. The company’s expertise, combined with the most advanced AI-enabled technology available, sets the standard for solutions in claims administration, loss adjusting, benefits administration, and product recall. With over 33,000 colleagues and 10,000 clients across 80 countries, Sedgwick provides unmatched perspective, caring that counts, and solutions for the rapidly changing and complex risk landscape.

For more, see sedgwick.com