Supervisor, Disability Management (Remote)

UPMC's Health Plan and Workpartners are hiring a Supervisor for their Disability Management Coordinator Team.

This is a remote position but may require coming into the Downtown Pittsburgh office for meetings and trainings.

The Supervisor, Disability Management will provide leadership, guidance and direction to administer Return to Work and centralized ADA/Job Accommodation programs. This role will be responsible for facilitating the management of all activities in support of Disability Management business priorities, to reduce the total cost of disability in all forms, facilitate return to work and alternative placement opportunities for all Workpartners clients (in compliance with federal, state and local laws) and continuously improve outcomes and customer service. The supervisor will be a knowledgeable information resource and liaison between all parties involved in the client's absence programs. This position will also provide management oversight for the administration of all ADA/accommodation requests to ensure quality for all Workpartners' clients. They will manage the workflow of their staff and conduct periodic quality review audits. The supervisor will work closely with the leave, intake workers' compensation and short-term disability units in developing an integrated leave management program and return to work initiatives that support the goals of the organization.
Responsibilities:

• Provide management oversight for overall program performance and day to day service delivery.
• The program staff will analyze reported leave requests to make determinations based on company policies within state and federal regulations. Supervisor will ensure that on-going leave management is within client company service standards and industry best practices.
• Supervisor oversees the intake and administration of all leave requests to ensure quality customer service for all Work Partners' clients, while maintaining a working caseload.
• Provide subject matter expertise during the program development to interpret regulations and client specific benefits and leave policies to ensure the accuracy of system configuration and leave processing.
• Establishes internal controls to ensure all leave adjudications are within established time frames and guidelines.
• Provides training to staff to ensure that all leave protocols are followed under legal, regulatory and client corporate policy.
• Research and review case law and apply knowledge and information to unusual case scenarios in order to determine eligibility of complex leave requests with legal input as necessary.
• Serves as the escalated communication link for all parties involved in absence program including employees, client company representatives, health care providers, union officials, and other UPMC or Work Partners professionals.
• Makes recommendations for FMLA second and third opinions when indicated Work Partner's clinical staff.
• Oversees the implementation of new customers and effective integration with other Work Partner programs or other client vendors.
• Helps prepare communications, training and resource materials for staff and clients. Monitors cost containment and quality standards consistent with internal goals and budgets.
• Proactively identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for enhancements to processing and reporting systems and procedures.
• Identifies absence program issues and trends and collaborates with customers to ensure processes are in place to continue to meet their needs in a changing environment.
• Develops implements and monitors performance indicators for staff. Provides feedback, training and corrective action as needed.
• Provide oversight for overall program management of all activities in support of Disability Management and self-insured claims management business priorities in order to reduce the total cost of disability in all forms.
• Facilitate return to work and alternative placement opportunities for UPMC staff members/clients (in compliance with federal, state, local laws), and continuously improve outcomes and quality of services.
• Assist the Director of Disability Services in forecasting staffing needs and recommending administrative efficiency strategies.
• Collaborate with the WC Claims Manager, WC Supervisors and STD Supervisor in reviewing open claims, determining best practice RTW management strategies, providing internal training sessions, developing/implementing quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in the development and submission of new business proposals, client training seminars, and marketing projects as well as participate directly in customer service calls with Work Partners' staff as needed.
• Provides support during the implementation of new customers and effective integration with other Work Partner programs or other client vendors.
• Prepare communications, ongoing training and resource materials for HR units, supervisors/managers and staff regarding all Work Partners programs such as: Return to Work, Workers' Compensation, Short Term Disability, Family Medical Leave/PLOA, Centralized ADA/Job Accommodation Requests.
• Develop professional relationships and collaborate with individuals at various levels (internally and externally) concerning employment issues for staff members with work-related injuries/illnesses and non-occupational disabilities.
• Identify a process and structure for developing and maintaining a variety of productive transitional work assignments at all business units, working closely with transitional work managers to develop on-the-job training opportunities for transitional workers.
• Serve as a resource/consultant to management and staff members regarding vocational rehabilitation, job modifications/reasonable accommodations, Workers' Compensation, and non-occupational Disability Management as well as FMLA challenges and job analysis.
• Hire, manage, evaluate and develop the activities of the UPMC Disability Management Coordinator(s) as well as graduate student externs/interns and transitional workers/participants in the Return to Work Assistance Program.
• Define, monitor and analyze performance metrics for Return to Work, Job Accommodations, Placements and Disability Management functions. Prepare and present individual and group progress reports to management regarding status of these programs.
• Coordinate and conduct regular and ad hoc claim reviews with internal staff/clients/business partners/defense attorneys in order to review claim trends, issues, concerns and to develop or revise management strategy or rehabilitation plan to effect claims resolutions.
• Manage the cost effective use of Vocational Rehabilitation vendors.
• Monitors cost containment and quality standards consistent with internal goals and budgets.
• Promotes professional development of program staff to maintain competency and compliance with legal, regulatory and corporate policy.
• Maintains a positive work environment that supports high performing teams and rewards people based on performance.

• Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, or related Social Sciences field required. Master's level education is preferred.
• 2 years of supervision/management experience required.
• 5-7 years professional employment experience as a Vocational Practitioner and Medical Case Manager Comprehensive understanding of the world of work and labor market demographics or 3 years as Team Lead, Disability Management
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of state and federal employment laws (specifically Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation, ADA, EEOC, FMLA), Disability Insurance, and Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously with minimal guidance.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Strong problem solving, analytical and decision making skills.
• Must be flexible and effective at exchanging ideas and managing the creative ideas of others to improve results.
• Customer service oriented with the ability to handle emotionally charged situations.
• Demonstrated time management skills, ability to prioritize and identify critical tasks that deliver highest impact.
• Must possess excellent analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills; sense of urgency, responsiveness and judgment to make effective decisions is required.
• Understanding of integrated Disability Management is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively across a large, highly matrixed and dynamic organization.
• Willing to learn new technical, business and system skills.
• Advanced PC skills are required (including proficiency in spreadsheet applications, word processing, use of claims management and other professional databases).
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality.
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  Licensure/Certification: One of the following is required: CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor), LPC (PA Licensed Professional Counselor), CDMS (Certified Disability Management Specialist), CCM (Certified Case Manager)
  
• Certified Case Manager (CCM) OR Certified Disability Management Specialist OR Certified Rehabilitation Counselor OR Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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