[Hiring] Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant @Guardian Life Insurance

Role Description

As the Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant, you will develop cost-effective strategies to assist individuals with disabilities in returning to the workplace. The VRC will work with Guardian plan holders, employees, and physicians to coordinate return to work opportunities through job accommodations and return to work strategies.

• Provide assessment of LTD, STD, and Life claims to determine claimants’ level of functionality.
• Evaluate work capabilities or independence in activities of daily living according to contractual definitions.
• Identify claimants that may be eligible for return-to-work planning and assistance, transitional work, job modification, and/or vocational rehabilitation programs.
• Possess a thorough working knowledge of medical diagnoses and treatment modalities.
• Understand the interface of medical pathology and employment functionality.
• Assess claimants' medical, psychological condition, social and economic situation, aptitudes, work experience, restrictions and limitations, educational background, and behavioral/motivational factors.
• Maintain proactive dialogue with claimants, plan holders, and treatment providers to formulate viable return-to-work plans.
• Utilize vendors to provide rehabilitative services to support program goals.
• Coordinate with public services/governmental agencies to control costs and identify similar benefits.
• Collaborate with Disability Clinical & Vocational Services staff and case managers.
• Serve as an educational resource on vocational rehab aspects of claims.
• Utilize standard vocational resources effectively to perform occupational assessments.
• Perform transferable skills analyses and labor market surveys to assist Claims Department in benefit eligibility determinations.
• Apply knowledge of the ADAA to identify effective work-related accommodations and stay-at-work options.
• Work with plan holders to identify/effectuate appropriate worksite modifications and transitional work plans.
• Manage part-time work claims to increase full-time return to work potential.
• Utilize vocational expertise within a flexible environment to support Guardian’s current and future products.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience providing vocational rehabilitation/case management services to disabled individuals in an insurance setting.
• Case Management experience strongly preferred.
• Master’s Degree required, preferably in Rehab Counseling.
• Receipt of, or eligibility for, certification in profession, such as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), or Certified Case Manager (CCM).
• Excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Ability to exercise independent & sound judgment in decision making.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, clinical, and information research skills.
• Excellent time management & organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage changing priorities.
• Ability to remain flexible due to changing business needs.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OASYS, ERI, OOH, BLS.

Requirements

• This is a mobile position with preference for candidates within commuting proximity to a Guardian office.
• Occasional travel of 0-10% of the time.

Benefits

• Support and flexibility to achieve professional and personal goals.
• Opportunities for skill-building, leadership development, and philanthropic activities.
• Contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources.