Senior Case Manager, Employee Accommodations and Absence Support

Job no: 529136

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Human Resources

Union: Non-Unit Exempt

Categories: Human Resources

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and 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

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. 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 the absence management 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 from initial request 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 and facilitating timely reintegration.
• 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 proactively identify trends, 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 and supports junior 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 regulations impacting leave and accommodation programs; ensures organizational alignment.
• Collaborates with legal counsel and risk management on complex case reviews and dispute resolutions.
• Participates in professional networks and training to maintain and enhance expertise in absence management and disability compliance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• 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.

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 professional credential.
• Experience conducting workplace assessments, ergonomics evaluations, and developing reasonable accommodations.
• Leadership or mentoring experience within HR or disability management teams.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• Must be able to work within the University's core hours of 8:30 am - 5:00 pm eastern standard time.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.
• This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee's work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Salary Level 27

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Nov Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Feb Eastern Standard Time