Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant

As the Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant 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. The Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant provides assessment of LTD, STD and Life claims, to determine claimants’ level of functionality and provide evaluation of work capabilities or independence in activities of daily living, according to contractual definitions.The Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant identifies claimants that may be eligible for return-to-work planning and assistance, transitional work, job modification, and/or vocational rehabilitation programs.The VRC must possess a thorough working knowledge of medical diagnoses and treatment modalities, criteria supporting vocational feasibility, and a clear understanding of the interface of medical pathology and employment functionality. You are A highly motivated and reliable individual who can work with varying levels of supervision – independently or collaboratively. You are detail-oriented and a decisive decision maker who can manage multiple priorities at the same time with a positive attitude. You can collaborate with stakeholders to provide effective case management within the boundaries of contractual definitions. You will Assess claimants medical, psychological condition, social and economic situation, aptitudes, work experience, restrictions and limitations, educational background, and behavioral/motivational factors to determine viability of and probability of success of vocational rehabilitation opportunities.Compare this assessment with policy rehabilitation provisions and make cost/benefit analysis to develop programs to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment. Maintain proactive dialogue with claimants, plan holders and treatment providers to formulate viable return to gainful work plans.Cost effective utilization of vendors to provide rehabilitative services to support program goal.Coordination with public services/governmental agencies to control costs and identify similar benefits. Collaborate with Disability Clinical & Vocational Services staff and case managers to move toward an appropriate plan to reduce the duration of disability and enhance probability of RTW. Serve as educational resource on vocational rehab aspect of claims. Educate parties involved in claim management regarding the extent of functional limitations and impact on ability to perform work activities. 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.Compare medically supported restrictions and limitations with job/occupational requirements to determine claimant’s residual functionality. Apply knowledge of the ADAAA to identify effective work-related accommodations and stay-at-work options to our plan holders and their employees. Work with plan holders to identify/effectuate appropriate worksite modifications and transitional work plans to help return claimant to employment. Case management of part‑time work claims to increase full‑time return to work potential, as appropriate. Utilize vocational expertise within a flexible environment to support Guardian’s current products (STD, LTD, Life, and ADA), as well as future products, to meet business needs. You have 5 or more years of actively providing vocational rehabilitation/case management services to disabled individuals in an insurance setting Insurance industry experience strongly preferred Master’s Degree required, preferred in Rehab Counseling Case Management experience strongly preferred Receipt of, or eligibility for, certification in profession, such as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), Certified Case Manager (CCM). Excellent verbal and communications skills Ability to exercise independent & sound judgment in decision making Strong problem‑solving, analytical, clinical, and information Excellent time management & organizational skills Demonstrated ability to multi‑task with the ability to manage continually changing priorities and the ability to prioritize work based on customer service needs and departmental regulations Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OASYS, ERI, OOH, BLS Location This is a mobile position where preference may be given to candidates within commuting proximity to a Guardian office with the ability to travel to Guardian offices as determined by the People Leader. Travel Occasional 0-10% of the time. Salary Range: $68,970.00 - $113,310.00 The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation. Our Promise At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill‑building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards. Inspire Well-Being As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well‑being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at Benefits apply to full‑time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits. Equal Employment Opportunity Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Accommodations Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site. Visa Sponsorship Guardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship. Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday. Every day, Guardian helps our 29 million customers realize their dreams through a range of insurance and financial products and services. Our Purpose, to inspire well‑being, guides our dedication to the colleagues, consumers, and communities we serve. We know that people count, and we go above and beyond to prepare them for the life they want to live, focusing on their overall well‑being — mind, body, and wallet. As one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we put our customers first. Behind every bright future is a GuardianTM. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com . Visa Sponsorship: Guardian Life is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship. #J-18808-Ljbffr