Senior Manager, Absence & Disability Claims

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

Location: We support US virtual working arrangements in the contiguous 48 states. 

At Sun Life, we look for optimistic people who want to make life brighter for our Clients. We understand the value of diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities, and want you to bring your full and authentic self to work. Every day, you’ll be empowered and challenged by working with dynamic colleagues to find new and innovative ways to make Sun Life the best benefits company in America. 

The opportunity: 

The Sr. Manager is a high level customer service role, managing a staff of Absence & STD specialists who work with employers, employees, and health care providers to administer an integrated Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) rights and responsibilities, Paid Family Medical Leave, Paid Family Leave, and Short-Term Disability claims. The Sr Manager is  a subject matter expert for internal partners, clients and claimants and provides advice/counsel regarding leave administration and effectively coordinates all cases/claims in compliance with the FMLA and all related employment laws.  Responsible for the teams’ performance and meeting the established operational area standards for the professional management of both routine and complex claims for Group Short Term Disability.  This position will be required to assist in finalist presentations, the implementation of new business, and developing new business processes.  Will be responsible for establishing and expanding partnerships within the company to develop and maintain an effective and integrated process.  Possesses excellent Disability and Absence Management knowledge with demonstrated expertise in Federal/State FMLA, short-term disability, statutory disability plans, and ADA.  Will work within a team environment among a peer group and business partners with related subject matter expertise to service client needs related to absence, disability, and accommodations.

How you will contribute: 

• Interprets and administers leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.).

• Facilitation and engagement in interactive dialogue with employees, medical professionals, supervisors, and HR business partners to assist employees.  

• Provides strong leadership and direction to a team who specialize in Absence and STD claims management. 

• Manages the team’s performance ensuring expectations of service standards are met.

• Accountable for talent development, including selection, retention, performance management, and resource development responsibilities.

• Develops a high performing and motivated staff.

• Establishes and maintains a supportive learning environment by ensuring continuous development, training, and growth of specialists.

• Is actively involved in the team’s work, setting objectives, creating plans, assigning work, addressing team performance issues.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Documentation of the request for absence including detailed points of contact and actions taken to coordinate the accommodation request.

• Reviews and signs off on claim payments within established limits and/or reviews recommendations made by medical resources to determine proper disposition of claims.

• Sets claim action plans to ensure that determinations are adjudicated in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner.

• Interprets contracts and ensures consistent, fair claims practices and adherence to appropriate laws, regulations, and procedures.

• Protect and maintain personal health information with a high level of confidentiality abiding by Sun Life procedures and by HIPPA rules and regulations.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What you will bring with you: 

• Ability to work with a diverse group of people.

• 4+ years of Absence and STD claims experience.

• Previous management experience in related industry strongly preferred.

• Co