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.

• Communicating effectively and professionally with a wide variety of both internal and external Sun Life business partners, peers, and resources

• Strong computer skills, proficient in PC environment and MS Word, Excel, and email systems.

• Ability to work professionally and effectively with co-workers, clients, claimants, vendors, and others with whom Sun Life does business.

• Effective ability to use legal resources and demonstrate a proven ability to comprehend and interpret legal and medical terminology to make final decisions to approve or further investigate claims.

• Attention to detail with documentation, reporting and communication.

• Demonstration of strong mathematical skills for calculations and adjustment of claim payments.

• Facilitation skills in a variety of circumstances and with a wide variety of input.  Ability to influence and teach. 

• Abe to set direction, monitor performance and initiate and communicate changes in direction as needed.

• Demonstrated ability to influence others to achieve results.

• Able to build agreement on actions by resolving conflicts in an open and positive manner.

• Manages performance of employees in a constructive and timely way.

• Able to promote change and build understanding, acceptance, and commitment of that change.

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work and multi-task.

• Strong research, analytical, critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making skills.

• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to be both pleasant and professional.

• Strong written communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Ability to initiate and prioritize regular work duties and projects.

• Detail oriented, organized, the ability to multi-task, and strong time management skills.

What is in it for you?

• Excellent benefits and wellness programs to support the three pillars of your well-being – mental, physical and financial – including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, a partially-paid sabbatical program, medical plans, company paid life and AD&D insurance as well as disability programs and more

• Retirement and Stock Purchase programs to help build and enhance your future financial security including a 401(k) plan with an employer-paid match as well as an employer-funded retirement account

• A flexible work environment with a friendly, caring, collaborative and inclusive culture

• Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S.

• Named as a “Top 10” employer by the Boston Globe's “Top Places to Work” two years running

   
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  
   
If you are a California resident, the salary range for this position is:  

Southern California region: $75,800 - $113,700 annually 

Central California region: $79,900 - $119,900 annually 

Northern California region: $85,400 - $128,100 annually 
  
If you are a Colorado or Nevada resident, the salary range for this position is $72,300 - $108,500 annually 
 
If you are a Connecticut or Maryland resident, the salary range for this position $75,800 - $113,700  annually 
 
If you are Washington or Rhode Island resident, the salary range for this position is $79,900 - $119,900  annually 
  
If you are a New York resident, the salary range for this position is $85,400 - $128,100  annually 
   
We consider various factors in determining actual pay including your skills, qualifications, and experience.  In addition to salary, this position is eligible for incentive awards based on individual and business performance as well as a broad range of competitive benefits.  
  
Sun Life Financial is a leading provider of group insurance benefits in the U.S., helping people protect what they love about their lives. More than just a name, Sun Life symbolizes our brand promise of making life brighter -for our customers, partners, and communities. Join our talented, diverse workforce and launch a rewarding career. Visit us at www.sunlife.com/us to learn more.  
  
At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.   
  
#LI-remote    

Our Affirmative Action Program affirms our commitment to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitation of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email recruitingUS@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.