Temporary Absence Management Specialist

UPMC Health Plan and Workpartners is hiring temporary staff to support the Absence team. These roles will work remotely and may have variable schedules based on business needs and employee availability.
These Temporary positions will function as Absence Management Specialists, analyzing assigned claims to determine whether the case is medically supported for both leave and disability benefits. They will be responsible for the ongoing adjustment of claims within parameters set by the supervisor as well as medical consultation with treating providers and referrals within the guidelines of the program. Services include employee and manager counseling on all leave policies and processes to include short term disability benefits, FMLA, state sponsored leaves and employer sponsored leave benefits. They will provide support to HR Professionals, employee and manager communications, case tracking and system updates.
Responsibilities:
Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
Perform other duties as assigned. *The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all of the work requirements that may be inherent in the job, nor shall it be interpreted as limiting an employee in performing duties other than those normally performed or from helping employees in other position or units.
Participates in training activities to keep skill set updated.
Reviews claims in accordance with guidelines established by the client, state and federal regulations, as appropriate.
Provide consistent customer service to internal customers and employee’s through timely responses to all inquiries, telephone calls, e-mails and
case follow-ups, while delivering on service commitments
Monitor Disability guidelines and when disability durations fall outside of standards, reviewing claims as appropriate with treating physician, clinical case manager or medical director.
Responsible for all communications with the employee, employee’s manager, human resources and all integrated partners e.g. disability management coordinator in the event of transitional return to work.
Reviews medical documentation in order to analyze, investigate and make decisions for the approval of benefits on initial, ongoing and re-opened claims.
Perform initial evaluation via phone with employee and employer for assigned cases. Review estimated disability duration and return to work potential.
Coordinates the leave process; verifies eligibility, determines leave approval, coordinates applicable client leaves polices including integration with state leave laws, and supports the return to work process.
Bachelor’s degree preferred; concentration in HR or business preferred. (Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of degree).
2 years of leave management processing experience preferred OR 2 years of disability claims management experience preferred
Strong PC skills are preferred (including spreadsheet applications, word processing, and other professional databases).
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state leave laws as well as client leave policies preferred.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Work arrangement
Yes