Senior Claims Representative

The 'Apply with SEEK' option will be utilized for International applicants, mainly Australia. If this does not apply to you please use the 'Apply' option. Senior Claims Representative IF YOU CARE, THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE For a career path that is both challenging and rewarding, join Sedgwick’s talented team of 27,000 colleagues around the globe. Sedgwick is a leading provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits and integrated business solutions. Taking care of people is at the heart of everything we do. Millions of people and organizations count on Sedgwick each year to take care of their needs when they face a major life event or something unexpected happens. Whether they have a workplace injury, suffer property or financial loss or damage from a natural or manmade disaster, are involved in an auto or other type of accident, or need time away from work for the birth of a child or another medical situation, we are here to provide compassionate care and expert guidance. Our clients depend on our talented colleagues to take care of their most valuable assets—their employees, their customers and their property. At Sedgwick, caring counts®. Join our team of creative and caring people of all backgrounds, and help us make a difference in the lives of others. PRIMARY PURPOSE: To provide disability case management and claim determinations based on complex medical documentation and the applicable disability plan interpretation including determining benefits due and making timely payments/approvals and adjustments, medically managing disability claims; coordinating investigative efforts, thoroughly reviewing contested claims, negotiating return to work with or without job accommodations, and evaluating and arranging appropriate referral of claims to outside vendors. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES Analyzes, approves and authorizes assigned claims and determines benefits due pursuant to a disability plan. Reviews and analyzes complex medical information (i.e. diagnostic tests, office notes, operative reports, etc.) to determine if the claimant is disabled as defined by the disability plan. Utilizes the appropriate clinical resources in case assessment (i.e. duration guidelines, in-house clinicians). Communicates with the claimants providers to set expectations regarding return to work. Determines benefits due, makes timely claims payments/approvals and adjustments for workers compensation, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), and other disability offsets. Medically manages disability claims ensuring compliance with duration control guidelines and plan provisions. Communicates clearly with claimant and client on all aspects of claims process either by phone and/or written correspondence. Informs claimants of documentation required to process claims, required time frames, payment information and claims status either by phone, written correspondence and/or claims system. Coordinates investigative efforts ensuring appropriateness; provides thorough review of contested claims. Evaluates and arranges appropriate referral of claims to outside vendors or physician advisor reviews, surveillance, independent medical evaluation, functional capability evaluation, and/or related disability activities. Negotiates return to work with or without job accommodations via the claimants physician and employer. Refers cases as appropriate to team lead and clinical case management. Maintains professional client relationships. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES Performs other duties as assigned. Supports the organization's quality program(s). QUALIFICATIONS Education & Licensing Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college preferred. Experience Three (3) years of benefits or disability case/claims management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Skills & Knowledge Knowledge of ERISA regulations, required offsets and deductions, disability duration and medical management practices and Social Security application procedures Working knowledge of medical terminology and duration management Excellent oral and written communication, including presentation skills PC literate, including Microsoft Office products Analytical and interpretive skills Strong organizational skills Ability to work in a team environment Excellent negotiation skills Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies WORK ENVIRONMENT When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines Physical: Computer keyboarding, travel as required Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking NOTE: Credit security clearance, confirmed via a background credit check, is required for this position. The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.