Accommodation Specialist

Unum•Portland, ME

6d•$40,000 - $75,600

About The Position

The Accommodation Specialist delivers absence management solutions for key client partnerships by navigating regulatory and corporate leave policies and building trusted relationships with clients, third-party administrators, employees, and internal partners. The role manages day-to-day leave and accommodation operations, supports compliance, resolves operational issues, and contributes to process improvements. Specialists also provide guidance on absence policies and coordinate with relevant Unum teams and external partners to support effective service delivery. The position reviews medical certifications and other documentation, determines and documents leave status under FMLA, state, and corporate policies, and manages leave through its duration while reporting status to employers, employees, and internal units. It reviews medical information to assess eligibility for worksite modifications, identifies potential accommodations, tracks customer-provided modifications, and may coordinate independent medical evaluations. The Specialist may also facilitate discussions among employer representatives, employees, and physicians at an employer’s request. The role requires professionalism, confidentiality, adaptability, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders. The listed start date is February 2, 2027. Starting pay is $24.76 per hour; the posted base salary range is $40,000 to $75,600.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant business experience.
Demonstrated basic understanding of FMLA, ADA, and state leave laws; applies established procedures to routine cases under guidance and seeks clarification on unfamiliar or complex situations.
Resolves straightforward cases and routine issues using established methods.
Works within defined protocols and meets prescribed deadlines.
Produces credible reports and documents on related topics.
Can participate effectively in relatively ambiguous work situations and seeks guidance as needed.
Uses sensitivity, encouragement, and discretion with customers’ employees to encourage return to work or staying at work.
Works cooperatively with employers and vendors on routine return-to-work plans.
Proficient use of standard tools for tracking, documenting, and diary systems.
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability and seeks opportunities for skill development.
Demonstrates teamwork and participates in team tasks.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in disability management, leave management, workers’ compensation administration, clinical and/or vocational rehabilitation, disability case management, or human resources.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with clients’ third-party administrators to integrate processes, share information, and ensure seamless service delivery.
Manage daily absence operations, including case management, documentation, and compliance.
Maintain accurate records and communicate promptly and effectively with clients and internal partners.
Identify and resolve process issues and escalate complex cases as appropriate.
Support program implementation, process improvements, and system updates.
Provide subject matter expertise on absence policies, procedures, and best practices.
Determine and generate communications that comply with FMLA, state regulations, customer procedures, and client corporate leave policies.
Review medical certifications and related documentation, and document appropriate leave status under applicable regulatory and corporate policies.
Communicate medical or absence information with internal units, including STD, Intake, Leave, LTD, and PFL.
Manage leave through its duration and report status to employers, employees, and internal units.
Build and maintain effective relationships with employer contacts, clients, colleagues, external partners, and legal or operational stakeholders; respond to accommodation- and leave-related questions and issues.
Address complex operational issues and maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.
At an employer’s request, manage interactions among employer representatives, employees, and attending physicians, including obtaining documentation, explaining each party’s role, and facilitating discussions about support plans.
Partner with Unum entities, including the Law Department and clinical and vocational resources, disability and leave organizations, and client third-party administrators to deliver services.
Track customer-provided modifications and document interactions and customer modification decisions.
Review medical information to assess eligibility for worksite modifications, recommend accommodations, and partner with third-party administrators to support decisions.
Identify possible accommodations for employees whose medical conditions or functional limitations affect job performance and determine when to recommend or coordinate independent medical evaluations.
Perform other duties assigned by Unum or requested by the customer and approved by Unum.