Sr. Disability Representative

at Sedgwick in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Taking care of people is at the heart of everything we do, and we start by taking care of you, our valued colleague. A career at Sedgwick means experiencing our culture of caring. It means having flexibility and time for all the things that are important to you. It’s an opportunity to do something meaningful, each and every day. It’s having support for your mental, physical, financial and professional needs. It means sharpening your skills and growing your career. And it means working in an environment that celebrates diversity and is fair and inclusive.

A career at Sedgwick is where passion meets purpose to make a positive impact on the world through the people and organizations we serve. If you are someone who is driven to make a difference, who enjoys a challenge and above all, if you’re someone who cares, there’s a place for you here. Join us and contribute to Sedgwick being a great place to work.

Great Place to Work®

Most Loved Workplace®

Forbes Best-in-State Employer

Sr. Disability Representative

PRIMARY PURPOSE : To provide disability case management and claim determinations based on complex medical documentation and the applicable disability plan interpretation including determining benefits due and making timely payments/approvals and adjustments, medically managing disability claims; coordinating investigative efforts, thoroughly reviewing contested claims, negotiating return to work with or without job accommodations, and evaluating and arranging appropriate referral of claims to outside vendors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

+ Analyzes, approves and authorizes assigned claims and determines benefits due pursuant to a disability plan.

+ Reviews and analyzes complex medical information (i.e. diagnostic tests, office notes, operative reports, etc.) 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).

+ Communicates with the claimants providers to set expectations regarding return to work.

+ Determines benefits due, makes timely claims payments/approvals and adjustments for workers compensation, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), and other disability offsets.

+ Medically manages disability claims ensuring compliance with duration control guidelines and plan provisions.

+ Communicates clearly with claimant and client on all aspects of claims process either by phone and/or written correspondence.

+ Informs claimants of documentation required to process claims, required time frames, payment information and claims status either 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 claimants physician and employer.

+ Refers cases as appropriate to team lead and clinical case management.

+ Maintains professional client relationships.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

+ Supports the organization’s quality program(s).

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Licensing

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college preferred.

Experience

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

Skills & Knowledge

+ Knowledge of ERISA regulations, required offsets and deductions, disability duration and medical management practices and Social Security application procedures

+ Working knowledge of medical terminology and duration management

+ Excellent oral and written communication, including presentation skills

+ PC literate, including Microsoft Office products

+ Analytical and interpretive skills

+ Strong organizational skills

+ Ability to work in a team environment

+ Excellent negotiation skills

+ Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies

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 : Computer keyboarding, travel as required

Auditory/Visual : Hearing, vision and talking

NOTE : Credit security clearance, confirmed via a background credit check, is required for this position.

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.

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.

Taking care of people is at the heart of everything we do. Caring counts

Sedgwick is a leading global provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits and integrated business solutions. Every day, in every time zone, the most well-known and respected organizations place their trust in us to help their employees regain health and productivity, guide their consumers through the claims process, protect their brand and minimize business interruptions. Our more than 30,000 colleagues across 80 countries embrace our shared purpose and values as they demonstrate what it means to work for an organization committed to doing the right thing – one where caring counts. Watch this video to learn more about us. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywxedjBGSfA)