Considering internal applicants at this time. Deadline for internal applicants to apply is January 13, 2025.
This position provides supervision and leadership to the Disability processing staff. This position is primarily responsible for developing the disability staff to a level of performance that can achieve member service goals that have been established for payment of approximately $11,000,000 in disability benefits annually. This position has direct responsibility for preparation and correspondence for Benefit Review Committee meetings. The disability staff is also responsible for providing information to the internal and external auditors as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Includes the following:
- Supervise and guide the staff as they investigate and analyze new and ongoing disability claims, and make final staff determinations to approve, deny, or terminate temporary, or total and permanent disability benefits for members.
- Conduct or arrange for new and on-going training.
- Monitor Horizon to ensure accurate payments and correspondence are being sent to members.
- Communicate and correspond with medical providers, attorneys, members, and our medical consultants to resolve the complex medical issues that cannot be resolved by staff. Answer member questions about disability claims and give general advice about Worker’s Compensation and Social Security application for disability.
- Conduct research on a variety of issues, inquiries, and requests for assistance from within IMRF.
- Oversee the monitoring of unit pending claim and production information and make necessary adjustments to insure balanced workloads and timely processing.
- Coordinate the scheduling of the agenda, and preparation of materials, for meetings of the IMRF Benefit Review Committee.
- Provide Medical Consultants with necessary information to make their recommendations
- Maintain individual and unit performance information and utilize to complete performance appraisals on each staff member. Make recommendations to the Disability Manager concerning salary increases and promotions.
- Update Disability Manager monthly reports of activities and status of on-going projects. Maintain a short-range plan and review with the Disability Manager.
- Prepare monthly reports for individual and unit production stats and quality accuracy
- Implement and revise new or existing unit procedures and correspondence
- Participate in the interviewing and hiring of staff, and when necessary, provide recommendations to management regarding terminations.
- Assist the Disability Manager in providing support to the Committee during Benefit Review Committee meetings.
- Provide input regarding disability system changes.
- Confer with IMRF’s legal consultants, Member Education Counselors, Employer Representatives, and Contact Center staff regarding Disability Claim issues
- Process all disability claims submitted for IMRF staff members, with the utmost confidentiality. As necessary, coordinate information with Human Resources, while maintaining compliance with fund HIPAA requirements
- Foster a positive culture in support of our Values and individual accountability.
- Support achievement of the organization’s Journey of Excellence, Vision and Strategic Objectives.
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- Support IMRF's deployment of the Baldrige Criteria, and result in enhanced end-to-end processes that achieve our six Customer Service Goals and provide excellent service for our membership
- Ensuring that the revised business process maintains or enhances IMRF adherence to the identified COSO control objectives
- Directing how business changes are to be implemented
- Driving change through the organizational hierarchy
- Establishing performance measures, performance targets, and reporting processes for monitoring and continually improving overall customer service and process performance.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises nine employees in the Disability department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to participation in Benefit Review Committee meetings, this position may require late afternoon & evening attendance.
Education and/or Experience Required
- Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year College or university AND two years related business or supervisory experience. Business-related major preferred.
OR
- Associates degree or 60 college credits AND four years of related business or supervisory experience. Business-related major preferred.
- Must demonstrate strong leadership skills with the ability to communicate, coach, and develop the skills of direct reports.
- Must have excellent customer service skills, with the ability to communicate to internal and external customers in a professional manner.
Salary range for this position is $78,958 - 85,500.
