Disability Representative

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.
• Captures 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.
• 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• 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.
• Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking.