Disability Representative Sr

Sedgwick Claims Management Services Ltd; Southfield (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sedgwick is seeking a Sr Disability Representative to perform complex disability claim determinations and medical reviews in a hybrid setting near Southfield, MI. You will coordinate with treating physicians, plan provisions, and outside reviewers to ensure accurate benefit decisions.

The role requires interpreting ERISA and FMLA guidelines, timely communications with claimants and clients, and a strong collaboration with medical staff.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college preferred.
• State certification or licensing in statutory leaves is preferred or may be required based on state regulations.

Responsibilities

• Makes independent claim determinations, based on the information received, to approve complex disability claims or makes a recommendation to team lead to deny claims based on the disability plan.
• Reviews and analyzes complex medical information to determine if the claimant is disabled as defined by the disability plan.
• Oversees additional facets of complex claims including comorbidities, concurrent plans, complex ADA accommodations, and claims outside of typical guidelines.
• Determines benefits due pursuant to a disability plan, makes timely claims payments/approvals and adjustments for workers compensation, SSDI, and other disability offsets.
• Informs claimants of documentation required to process claims, required time frames, payment information and claims status.
• Communicates with the claimants’ providers to set expectations regarding return to work.

Skills

ERISA knowledge

FMLA knowledge

Medical terminology

Oral & written communication

Microsoft Office

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Decision making

Negotiation

Autonomy

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

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 Disability Representative Sr Our teams connect! We collaborate onsite and have a hybrid work arrangement. All candidates must live near one of our centers of excellence: Southfield, MI : 300 Galleria Officentre Southfield MI 48034

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Provides disability case management and complex 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 including comorbidities, concurrent plans, and complex ADA accommodations; coordinates investigative efforts, thoroughly reviews 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 independent claim determinations, based on the information received, to approve complex disability claims or makes a recommendation to team lead to deny claims based on the disability plan.
• Reviews and analyzes complex medical information (i.e. attending physician statements, office notes, operative reports, etc.) to determine if the claimant is disabled as defined by the disability plan.
• Oversees additional facets of complex claims including but not limited to comorbidities, concurrent plans, complex ADA accommodations, and claims outside of typical guidelines.
• Utilizes the appropriate clinical resources in case assessment (i.e. duration guidelines, in-house clinicians), as needed.
• Determines benefits due pursuant to a disability plan, makes timely claims payments/approvals 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 complex 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 to team lead and clinical case management for additional review when appropriate.
• Maintains professional client relationships and provides excellent customer service.
• Meets the organization’s quality program(s) minimum requirements.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Licensing

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college preferred.
• State certification or licensing in statutory leaves is preferred or may be required based on state regulations.

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
• Ability to manage ambiguity
• 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 autonomously within established procedures

WORK ENVIRONMENT

When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, 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

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

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