Disability & Leave Program Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

A certified absence management program manager within the University Human Resources Benefits Center of Expertise who manages the disability center of expertise and provides strategic, consulting and technical subject matter expertise related to disability and leave management strategy, design, implementation, administration and management of disability, leave and absence management plans and programs.  This includes short-term disability, long term disability, family medical leave, paid parental leave, wellness leave, as well as other leaves including military, public service/government leaves.

This position is primarily involved in managing third party vendor contract and service delivery, and ensuring plan and policy management for leave, disability, and absence management programs to ensure appropriate risk management, quality, audit cost control and adherence to the law.  This role develops processes and practices, procedures and communications to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and agreements.

Requires in-depth knowledge of FMLA, VDI, STD, LTD, PFL, ADA, Military Leave, public service/government leave, and other federal and state laws, worker’s compensation coordination, reasonable accommodations and return to work programs.

CORE DUTIES*:

• Responsible for the design, strategy, implementation, administration and management of Stanford’s disability and leave absence management plans and programs.
• Responsible for vendor management and partnership with third-party administrator, consultants and internal teams, including HR community teams, to provide guidance and ensure alignment and excellent execution of processes.
• Provide recommendations, analysis and consultation based on in-depth knowledge of FMLA, VDI, STD, LTD, PFL, ADA, Military Leave, public service/government leave, and other federal and state laws, worker’s compensation coordination, reasonable accommodations and return to work programs.
• Ensure compliance with standard work, federal/state regulations and company policy.
• Manage the disability leave program and perform or consult on plan administration including system updates, issue resolution, data validation, benefit calculation quality and audit, and vendor management.
• Maintain plan documents, complete legal and audit filings, respond to inquiries and changing legislation.
• Oversee and monitor key metrics by evaluating the plans, benchmarking and performing cost analysis, as well as claim quality and benefit calculation accuracy and audit.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance the operational efficiency of the program.
• Participate actively in the negotiation of vendor contracts, review language, terms and performance guarantees and processes and communications, involving internal and external collaborators as appropriate.
• Key stakeholder in projects and system updates and implementations.
• Develop, review and modify plan communications, including delivering presentations and training to HR leaders and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Responsible for managing direct reports and overseeing the work activities of the unit and providing subject matter expertise.
• Monitor and ensure disability and leave absence management performance measures to ensure successful service delivery.
• Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions to achieve disability and leave absence management goals.
• Direct the design and revision of department communications and work processes.  Manage functional projects and actively participate in compliance audits.
• Train and coach disability leave specialists on processes, cases, reporting, analysis, calculations, projects and initiatives.
• Key representative of UHR to Stanford on disability programs, policies, or initiatives at workshops, presentations, or in meetings with employees, faculty, and HR leaders.

 *Note: The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of leave, absence, and disability absence management experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven subject matter expert is disability and leave absence management processes, programs and systems.
• Expert understanding of state and federal regulations related to benefit plans and all applicable laws related to leave and disability administration (FMLA, VDI, STD, LTD, PFL, ADA, Military Leave, public service/government leave, and other federal and state laws, worker’s compensation coordination, reasonable accommodations and return to work programs).
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to lead strategy, process design and ownership of multiple projects and achieve deadlines successfully and effectively.
• Advanced experience working with outsourced and interfaced internal systems to administer leave administration, preferably Oracle.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to lead teams independently and to establish and build collaborative relationships with vendors, internal partners, leaders and colleagues.
• Project management experience required.
• Advanced and strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills with proven ability to organize, analyze and report data.
• Strategic thinker and detailed oriented.
• Outstanding customer service focus, ability to influence adoption and adaptation, and excellent oral/written communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle highly sensitive and personal information with sound judgement, tact and discretion.
• Ability to manage and direct the work of others. 

Certifications and Licenses:

Certified Absence Management Specialist (Disability Management Employer Coalition, Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), IFEBP Certified Absence Management, Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently stand/walk, sit; frequently use and perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally use a telephone, write by hand, sort/file paperwork, twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Rarely kneel/crawl.

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasional travel on campus to schools/units.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $149,940 - $190,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.