Integrated Disability Leave Specialist Associate

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

1d•$22 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Initiate absence management processes through effective communication and utilization of integrated disability management protocols, while adhering to company, city, state and federal regulations and promoting benefit cost effectiveness for AEP in system-wide management of all employees off work for leave, including sick leave, FMLA, Workers Compensation, Long Term Disability and military absences.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources management, industrial management, health care administration, psychology, or equivalent education and/or experience.
A minimum of one year of experience in medical terminology, case management, or human resource management preferred but no prior work experience required.

Nice To Haves

Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels within the organization.
Strong conflict resolution skills desired.
Strong computer skills with the ability to learn new programs/databases quickly.
Competency using Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Overtime as required.
Organizational and analytic/problem solving skills.
Prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

Perform individual case management and benefit assessments using accepted practices to determine appropriate interventions while maintaining compliance with federal, state, local leave laws and regulations as well as company absence and leave policies.
Counsel and advise stakeholders such as Human Resources, business unit partners and employees on employee absence management issues.
Perform transactional duties associated with absence management processes.
Monitor employee absence case progress for achievement of targeted milestones such as benefit change dates from 100% sick pay benefit utilization to 60% sick pay benefit utilization, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) exhaustion or long term disability (LTD) plan application qualification dates.
Utilizing case management best practice guidelines, provide required follow-up communications to both employees and business unit leaders regarding return to work ability or continued leave status.
Facilitate the interactive process regarding requests for accommodations in order to reach the most appropriate and cost-effective outcomes.
Authorize and communicate the approval or suspension of AEP sick pay plan benefits to supervisors, Payroll and external benefit vendors.
Perform individual case analysis and benefits assessments utilizing accepted practices to determine appropriate case management action while providing employee return to work recommendations to business unit management.
Utilize both internal and external services including independent medical exams, physician peer reviews and investigative services to maximize absence management consistency to achieve the desired program outcomes.
Maintain program cost effectiveness through active case monitoring, evaluation, and coordination of benefits for absence cost recovery.
Develop personalized return-to-work plans for employees that are consistent with standard practices and procedures by collaborating with relevant stakeholders in order to both acknowledge adequate treatment received and provide a safe return to work.
Maintain confidential employee records and protect personal identifiable information.
Prepare case notes and complete applicable forms and relevant absence management system data fields to document case activities in compliance with standard practices and regulations.
Participate in various department projects in order to meet required project objectives as needed or assigned.