Senior Case Manager, Employee Accommodations and Absence Support (Hybrid and Remote Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university thatseeksto expand educational access fuel innovation and creativity and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863 UMass Amherst sits on nearly1450-acresin scenic Western Massachusetts and boastsstate-of-the-artfacilities for teaching research scholarship and creative activity. The institution advances a diverseequitable and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valuedand thrives and offers a full range of undergraduategraduateand professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental social economic and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

TheSenior Case Manager Employee Accommodations and Absence Support is a senior-level professional responsible for independently managing complex and sensitive employee leave and workplace accommodation cases in compliance with university policies and applicable laws. This role serves as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to employees supervisors and HR partners providing advanced consultation training and process leadership. The Senior Case Manager leads the full lifecycle of ADA accommodations Workers Compensation claims FMLA and other leave programs ensuring seamless coordination legal compliance and positive employee outcomes. This position plays a key role in continuous process improvements reporting and cross-functional initiatives within theabsencemanagement function.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the primary lead and subject matter expert for the most complex and sensitive leave and accommodation cases including ADA FMLA PFML and Workers Compensation exercising independent judgment and decision-making.
• Leads the ADA interactive process frominitialrequest through accommodation implementation including direct consultation with medical providers employees and department managers to develop tailored accommodation plans.
• Manages the return-to-work process in partnership with Risk Management supervisors and health professionals ensuring compliance andfacilitatingtimelyreintegration.
• Provides expert guidance and training to HR partners supervisors and department leaders on leave policies legal compliance and best practices for managing absences and accommodations.
• Oversees case tracking producing detailed reports and analytics on leave activity and compliance. Utilizes data insights to proactivelyidentifytrends opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Reviews develops and implements policies procedures and employee communications related to absence management to enhance clarity compliance and efficiency.
• Leads or contributes to cross-departmental projects and initiatives aimed at improving absence management systems workflows and employee experiences.
• Mentors andsupportsjunior team members providing coaching and knowledge transfer to build team capability.
• Maintains confidentiality professionalism and cultural sensitivity when handling sensitive employee information and complex workplace situations.

Other Functions

• Monitors and interprets evolving federal state and local regulationsimpactingleave and accommodation programs;ensuresorganizational alignment.
• Collaborates with legal counsel and risk management on complex case reviews and dispute resolutions.
• Participatesin professional networks and training tomaintainand enhanceexpertisein absence management and disability compliance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge Skills Abilities Education Experience Certifications Licensure)

• Bachelors Degree with 4 years of progressively responsible experience in human resources disability management benefits administration or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• In-depth knowledge anddemonstratedexperience applying FMLA ADA PFML Workers Compensation and other applicable leave laws and policies in a complex organizational setting.
• Proven ability to independently manage complex cases involving sensitive legal and medical issuesdemonstratingsound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Strong consultation training and interpersonal skills withabilityto influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills including experience preparing clear concise and legally compliant correspondence and guidance materials.
• Proficiencywith HRIS and case management systems data analytics and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge Skills Abilities Education Experience Certifications Licensure)

• Experience working in a unionized higher education or public sector environment.
• ADA Coordinator Training Certification (ACTCP) or equivalent professionalcredential.
• Experience conducting workplace assessmentsergonomicsevaluations and developing reasonable accommodations.
• Leadership or mentoring experience within HR or disability management teams.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.