Sr. Short Term Disability Specialist-1
About The Position
Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own. We’re actively seeking a talented Senior Claims Specialist - Short Term Disability join our Workforce Benefits Team (remote) in Chattanooga, TN. As a Senior Claims Specialist - Short Term Disability, you’ll move Pacific Life, and your career, forward by leading the end-to-end adjudication of complex Short Term Disability claims, partnering closely with clinical and vocational resources to support claim decision-making and help employees in their return-to-work (RTW) journey. You will play an instrumental part in developing and refining claims processes, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and helping deliver a best-in-class, empathetic claims experience. You will fill an existing role that sits on a team in the Workforce Benefits Division. You'll play an instrumental part in developing and refining claims processes, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and helping deliver a best-in-class, empathetic claims experience. This position combines hands-on case management with leadership and mentorship responsibilities. As a trusted resource and role model, you’ll elevate team performance, ensure consistency in service delivery, and uphold Pacific Life’s core values of integrity, innovation, and accountability.
Requirements
- College degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of experience handling Short Term Disability claims
- Strong understanding of Short term Disability claim adjudication and relevant federal/state regulations (e.g., FMLA, ERISA, HIPAA, ADA).
- Experience partnering with clinical/vocational professionals to support RTW efforts and complex decisioning.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex decisions clearly and empathetically.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills with a customer-first mindset.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Proven ability to mentor peers and support a collaborative team environment.
- Proficiency with claims administration platforms and workflow/documentation tools.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
- Growth mindset with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
- Strong time management and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Experience supporting cross-functional or enterprise initiatives and change management efforts.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Long Term Disability and/or absence management
Responsibilities
- Manage a diverse and often complex caseload of STD (Short Term Disability) claims from initial intake through resolution, ensuring timely, fair, and accurate decisions using sound judgment and adherence to policy provisions.
- Collaborate with clinical and vocational partners to develop effective RTW strategies and determine appropriate benefit eligibility and durations.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on STD claim practices, consulting on best practices and contributing to the design and refinement of internal procedures, workflows, and system requirements.
- Leverage a deep understanding of disability contract provisions, exclusions, riders, waivers, and applicable regulatory and statutory requirements (e.g., FMLA, ERISA, HIPAA).
- Ensure detailed and accurate documentation of all decisions and interactions, and communicate clearly with claimants, employers, and internal stakeholders.
- Mentor and support onboarding of new team members; share expertise and foster knowledge growth within the team.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Compliance, Legal, Intake/Admin, Clinical and Vocational Services, and other business units to deliver a coordinated and compliant claims experience.
- Proactively identify process gaps or opportunities and contribute to continuous improvement efforts and enterprise initiatives.
- Demonstrate agility in adapting to changing priorities, business needs, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity in all claim-related activities.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Wellbeing Reimbursement Account
- Generous paid time off options
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Schedules
- Financial Planning Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
