Disability Representative Sr (opens in new tab)

NADR; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401k & matching

PTO

Job summary

Sedgwick is seeking a Sr Disability Representative to manage complex disability claims, review medical documentation, and determine benefits under the disability plan. The role involves coordinating with treating providers, performers, and clients to ensure timely decisions and appropriate accommodations.

The position requires a background in benefits or disability case management, ERISA/FMLA knowledge, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of ERISA regulations, required offsets and deductions, disability duration and medical management practices
• 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 Microsoft Office
• Analytical, interpretive, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to manage ambiguity
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills

Responsibilities

• Makes independent claim determinations to approve complex disability claims or makes a denial recommendation
• Reviews complex medical information to determine disability status
• Oversees comorbidities, concurrent plans, and ADA accommodations
• Determines benefits due and ensures timely payments/adjustments
• Informs claimants of required documentation and timelines
• Communicates with providers to set expectations regarding return to work
• Medically manages complex disability claims and ensures plan compliance
• Negotiates return to work with/without accommodations
• Maintains professional client relationships and delivers excellent service
• Meets quality program requirements

Skills

ERISA regulations

FMLA regulations

Medical terminology

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Decision making

Teamwork

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:

Dubuque, IA : 4141 Westmark Drive, Dubuque, IA 52002

Cedar Rapids, IA : 333 1st Street SE Ste. 200 Cedar Rapids IA 52401

Coralville, IA: 3273 Ridgeway Drive Coralville IA 52241

Chicago, IL : 175 W. Jackson Blvd. 12th Fl. Chicago IL 60604

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Experience

Three (3) years of benefits or disability case/claims management experience or equivalent combination of education and 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
• 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

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 $20.78 - $29.09 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.

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.

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