Senior Case Manager, Accommodations and Absence ; Hybrid and Remote
Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, 01002, USA
Listed on 2025-12-27
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HR/Recruitment
Talent Manager, Employee Relations, Regulatory Compliance Specialist, HR Manager
Job Summary
The Senior 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. The 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 the absence management function.
- Serve as the primary lead and subject matter expert for complex and sensitive leave and accommodation cases, exercising independent judgment and decision‑making.
- Lead the ADA interactive process from initial request through accommodation implementation, including direct consultation with medical providers, employees, and department managers to develop tailored accommodation plans.
- Manage the return‑to‑work process in partnership with Risk Management, supervisors, and health professionals, ensuring compliance and facilitating timely reintegration.
- Provide expert guidance and training to HR partners, supervisors, and department leaders on leave policies, legal compliance, and best practices for managing absences and accommodations.
- Oversee case tracking, producing detailed reports and analytics on leave activity and compliance, and use data insights to proactively identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
- Review, develop, and implement policies, procedures, and employee communications related to absence management to enhance clarity, compliance, and efficiency.
- Lead or contribute to cross‑departmental projects and initiatives aimed at improving absence management systems, workflows, and employee experiences.
- Mentor and support junior team members, providing coaching and knowledge transfer to build team capability.
- Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity when handling sensitive employee information and complex workplace situations.
- Monitor and interpret evolving federal, state, and local regulations impacting leave and accommodation programs; ensure organizational alignment.
- Collaborate with legal counsel and risk management on complex case reviews and dispute resolutions.
- Participate in professional networks and training to maintain and enhance expertise in absence management and disability compliance.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s 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 and demonstrated experience 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 issues, demonstrating sound judgment and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong consultation, training, and interpersonal skills with ability to 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.
- Proficiency with HRIS and case management systems, data analytics, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience working in a unionized, higher education, or public sector environment.
- ADA Coordinator Training Certification (ACTCP) or equivalent professional credential.
- Experience conducting workplace assessments, ergonomics evaluations, and developing reasonable accommodations.
- Leadership or mentoring experience within HR or disability management teams.
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule- Monday‑Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (core hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time).
- Opportunity for hybrid or remote work schedule.
Salary Level 27 – Exempt Hiring Ranges.
Application InstructionsAlong with the application, submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Provide contact information for three professional references. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
AdvertisedNov 21 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications closeFeb 20 2026 Eastern Standard Time
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