AbsenceLeave Case Manager Intermediate

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How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to the University of Michigan online application portal.

Job Summary

The Offices of Insurance & Claims Administration and Work Connections are looking to hire an Intermediate Absence/Leave Case Manager. This position will play a crucial role in supporting the Work Connections Team by handling a range of responsibilities. Key tasks include processing and administering Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) claims, coordinating second opinion independent medical examinations (IMEs), and conducting Fitness for Duty evaluations. Additionally, the role involves providing comprehensive support for various claims-related activities, ensuring that all processes are managed efficiently and in compliance with relevant policies and regulations.

Responsibilities*

Case Management

• Manage non-complex medical claims for faculty and staff, applying strategies to optimize return-to-work efforts and minimize duration of disability.
• Assess the severity and duration of employee disability and advise departments, referring complex cases to a specialized case manager as needed.
• Analyze medical records and employment information to manage medical treatment protocols and assess employee disability status effectively.
• Authorize benefit payments and establish case reserves, ensuring financial obligations are met.
• Identify treatment or disability cases outside established guidelines, implementing remedial actions to align with institutional standards.
• Maintain appropriate diary controls and follow up within 48 hours to ensure timely progress on cases.

Customer Service

• Respond to inquiries and explain policies and procedures to faculty and staff, ensuring they understand their claims and benefits.
• Promote customer service standards, ensuring confidentiality, making appropriate payments, and maintaining timely communication.
• Conduct customer service meetings to discuss service successes, identify gaps, and create opportunities for improvement, implementing corrective measures as needed.
• Ensure timely and professional communication with departments and claimants, fostering trust and transparency in all interactions.

Reporting

• Provide administrative support, including data entry and the preparation of state forms, ensuring accurate and compliant documentation.
• Establish and maintain case reserves, providing detailed financial reporting and claim analysis for ongoing monitoring and assessment.
• Lead and participate in special projects and initiatives, tracking progress and reporting findings to relevant stakeholders.
• Attend departmental meetings to ensure service commitments are met and expectations are clearly communicated.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with team members, treatment providers, employees, and departments, facilitating care and ensuring best practices in return-to-work plans.
• Identify cases with barriers to return-to-work and facilitate stakeholder meetings to collaboratively address these issues.
• Inform departments of restrictions and work with them to recommend suitable accommodations for employees.
• Visit departments and job sites to address employment concerns and develop practical solutions that benefit all parties involved.
• Build collaborative relationships with university departments, focusing on employee health, benefits, disability, and return-to-work services to ensure cohesive management of employee welfare.
• Work cooperatively with others towards achieving common goals, emphasizing team-oriented interactions and supporting team members during absences.

Required Qualifications*

• A high school diploma is required.
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks, delegate work, and meet deadlines is necessary.
• Must be capable of working with minimal supervision and comfortably seeking guidance when needed.
• Proficient with Adobe, Google, and Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Excellent customer service skills are a must.
• Willingness to collaborate effectively as part of a team.

Desired Qualifications*

• Knowledge and understanding of FMLA administration.
• Experience in medical claims adjusting and/or other insurance related background.
• Experience and familiarity with claims risk management information systems.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time exempt position, Monday through Friday. As part of the University of Michigan's Future of Work initiative, this role allows for hybrid work arrangements balancing onsite and remote responsibilities according to operational needs.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.