Case Manager Absence Support

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Case Manager, Absence Support at University of Massachusetts Amherst oversees employee leave programs, guiding eligibility, benefits, and return-to-work processes. The role handles cases from intake to resolution and serves as a subject matter expert on federal and state leave laws and University leave programs.

You will work with employees, supervisors, HR partners, and healthcare providers to administer leave, review certifications, and ensure timely, compliant decisions, while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of progressively responsible experience in leave administration or HR.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, PFML, and Workers' Compensation.
• Ability to independently manage complex leave cases and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong communication and customer-service mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary resource for leave of absence programs and related processes.
• Administers leave programs including FMLA, PFML, Workers' Compensation, parental leave, military leave, and other University leave programs.
• Manages leave cases from intake through return-to-work, ensuring timely and compliant administration.
• Reviews medical certifications and supporting documentation to determine eligibility and appropriate leave designation.
• Communicates leave rights, responsibilities, timelines, and documentation requirements to employees and departments.
• Coordinates with employees, departments, healthcare providers, and third-party administrators regarding leave administration and case management.
• Supports return-to-work and fitness-for-duty processes.
• Interprets and applies FMLA, PFML, Workers' Compensation laws, collective bargaining agreements, and University policies.
• Maintains accurate and complete case documentation within HR systems.
• Provides consultation and training to HR partners and department leaders regarding leave administration and compliance requirements.
• Identifies trends, risks, and opportunities for operational improvement within absence management programs.
• Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and customer service.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Customer service skills

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

HR information systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Case Manager, Absence Support is responsible for administering employee leave programs and providing guidance regarding leave eligibility, benefits, and return-to-work processes. The position manages leave cases from intake through resolution and serves as a subject matter resource on federal and state leave laws, workers' compensation, and University leave programs.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the primary resource for employees, supervisors, and HR partners regarding leave of absence programs and related processes.
• Administers leave programs including FMLA, Massachusetts PFML, Workers' Compensation, parental leave, military leave, and other University leave programs.
• Manages leave cases from intake through return-to-work, ensuring timely and compliant administration.
• Reviews medical certifications and supporting documentation to determine eligibility and appropriate leave designation.
• Communicates leave rights, responsibilities, timelines, and documentation requirements to employees and departments.
• Coordinates with employees, departments, healthcare providers, and third-party administrators regarding leave administration and case management.
• Supports return-to-work and fitness-for-duty processes.
• Interprets and applies FMLA, PFML, Workers' Compensation laws, collective bargaining agreements, and University policies.
• Maintains accurate and complete case documentation within HR systems.
• Provides consultation and training to HR partners and department leaders regarding leave administration and compliance requirements.
• Identifies trends, risks, and opportunities for operational improvement within absence management programs.
• Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and customer service.

Other Functions

• Monitors regulatory developments affecting leave administration.
• Assists with leave reporting, metrics, and compliance audits.
• Participates in HR initiatives related to employee well-being, attendance, and workforce support.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and (3) three years of progressively responsible experience in leave administration, benefits administration, human resources, workers' compensation, disability management, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, PFML, Workers' Compensation, and related leave laws.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex leave cases.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR information systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering FMLA, PFML, and Workers' Compensation programs.
• Experience in higher education or a unionized environment.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, CLMS, or related credential.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday‑Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Eastern Time (ET). This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus.

Pay Grade

PSSAP Grade 26