Short Term Disability/Absence Claims Case Manager I - Remote-based position

The STD/Absence Claims Case Manager I (CM) is responsible for administering and medically managing Short Term and Absence claims with specific diagnoses or leave types that tend to resolve quickly. The CM will work with employers, employees, and health care providers to administer Short Term disability in conjunction with other paid or unpaid leaves covered by Guardian. These leaves can be Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), State Paid Medical Leave, and or State Paid Disability. The CM will manage the claim according to the plan provisions, state and federal guidelines, and established protocols. The CM must demonstrate the knowledge to work independently, interpret contract provisions, and utilize critical thinking skills for medical management to administer benefits through the appropriate claim duration or return to work. The CM is responsible for meeting key service deliverables such as turnaround times, quality assurance, and overall customer experience. This position utilizes problem solving and analytical, written, and verbal communication skills to ensure timely and appropriate disability claim decisions while providing superior customer service to all internal and external customers. This position will review claims for Short Term Disability and requires consistent and effective claim management skills to succeed in a collaborative, team-oriented culture with a goal to drive positive claim outcomes. Candidate Responsibilities Effectively understand contract language and plan design for group disability Communicate claim status and decisions via telephone and in writing Initiate communications to claimant, physician, and planholder to assess and facilitate job accommodation opportunities Proactive outreaches to claimants, planholders, and physicians via telephone for information needed for initial and ongoing claim management (e.g. current earnings, other income benefits, medical information, etc.); notifies claimants when claims are pended for missing information Proactively develop and execute an appropriate plan of action for pending and ongoing disability claims assigned by utilizing, managing and directing appropriate resources. Conduct timely and accurate benefit determination in accordance with policy provisions and regulatory and internal standards while providing sound customer service to all internal and external customers Investigate and analyze claim information in conjunction with contract provisions to determine coverage and benefit eligibility Recognize and adapt to fast-paced environment Determine if claimants meet the definition of disability as defined in the contact by reviewing occupational level and analyzing medical information Establish, document and execute claim action plan and recommended path including return to active work at claimant’s own job Determine Insured Earnings by reviewing payroll information from the planholder; then, calculate payable benefits according to plan provisions Follow all claim management procedures and facilitate potential return to work and job accommodation opportunities when applicable Utilize claim management resources such as MDA (Medical Disability Guidelines) and other disability tools to assist with appropriate durational disability Assess claim when other sources of income are received (e.g., social security, state disability, etc.,) to ensure accurate offsets are applied and recalculate benefits, as needed, to determine under/overpayments. Proactively work with claimants to recover overpayments in full or negotiate monthly installments according to established protocols Assess claim for restrictions and limitations to establish appropriate partnership with PRT Reporting Relationships This position reports to a Team Leader, STD/Absence. Functional Skills Outstanding customer service Excellent analytics Strong math aptitude Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet departmental turnaround times Demonstrate independent problem solving and decision-making ability Ability to clearly communicate claim decisions and contract language verbally and in written correspondence Ability to multi-task, balance goals and prioritize Ability to work independently and within a highly collaborative team environment Read and interpret medical information Strong skillset in Microsoft Windows applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) Effective and efficient time management Leadership Behaviors Continuously strives to achieve superior results Expresses oneself in a confident and trustworthy manner Demonstrates a sense of urgency in a fast-paced work environment Demonstrates the ability to adapt to change Position Qualifications High School Diploma or GED required. STD, Statutory, or Family Medical Leave (FML experience preferred or other equivalent work experience. Regulatory and Compliance experience is a plus Ability to provide expectational customer service by communicating clearly and professionally. Ability to prioritize and multi-task while navigating through multiple business applications in a fast-paced environment. Successful completion of a job-related assessment is required. Travel Very minimal travel, only as needed Salary Range: The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation. Our Promise At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards. Inspire Well-Being As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits. Equal Employment Opportunity Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Accommodations Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact applicant_accommodation@glic.com. Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday. Every day, Guardian helps our 29 million customers realize their dreams through a range of insurance and financial products and services. Our Purpose, to inspire well-being, guides our dedication to the colleagues, consumers, and communities we serve. We know that people count, and we go above and beyond to prepare them for the life they want to live, focusing on their overall well-being — mind, body, and wallet. As one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we put our customers first. Behind every bright future is a GuardianTM. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com.