Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.
Stanford University Human Resources (UHR) is seeking 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 position manages the third-party administration and service delivery. 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 reports to the Senior Director Benefits.
We are open to a hybrid work arrangement (a combination of onsite and work from home). The number of days may occasionally fluctuate subject to business need, but the expectation is that this position will be onsite a minimum of 2 days/week.
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.
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.
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).
