Case Manager, Employee Accommodations and Absence Support

Title: Case Manager, Employee Accommodations and Absence Support

Executive Area: Human Resources

College/School/MBU: Human Resources

Department: Human Resources

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Remote

Job Summary

The Case Manager, Employee Accommodations and Absence Support is responsible for administering complex and sensitive employee support cases, with a strong emphasis on compliance, consultation, and employee-centered service. This position supports leave of absence programs (e.g., FMLA, PFML, Workers’ Compensation) and workplace accommodations under the ADA and related laws. Depending on operational needs, the Case Manager may focus on absence management, accommodations, or a combination of both.

The Case Manager partners closely with employees, departments, and HR colleagues to ensure a seamless and supportive experience across leave and accommodation processes. This role ensures alignment with federal and state laws, university policies, and collective bargaining agreements, and contributes to continuous improvement of integrated case management practices.

Essential Functions

Serves as a primary resource for faculty, staff, and department representatives seeking guidance on leave of absence and workplace accommodation matters, including complex or sensitive cases.

Manages a portfolio of cases from intake through resolution, ensuring a compliant, timely, and empathetic approach.

Provides guidance to employees on eligibility, documentation requirements, timelines, and processes related to leave and/or accommodations, ensuring clarity and accessibility.

Administers leave programs including FMLA, PFML, Workers’ Compensation, and other University leaves, as assigned.

Facilitates the interactive process for workplace accommodations, engaging employees, supervisors, and medical providers to assess needs and determine reasonable accommodations.

Evaluates medical documentation and collaborates with stakeholders to support appropriate determinations related to leave and accommodations.

Coordinates with employees, departments, and medical providers to support leave administration, accommodation implementation, and return-to-work planning.

Interprets and applies relevant federal and state laws (e.g., FMLA, PFML, ADA, ADAAA, Workers’ Compensation) and advises departments on appropriate action.

Maintains accurate, audit-ready case records using HRIS and case management systems; ensures data integrity and timely updates.

Reviews and refines documentation, correspondence, and internal workflows to support compliance and consistency.

Provides consultation and training to HR partners and department leaders on leave and accommodation best practices.

Identifies trends or service gaps and recommends process or policy improvements.

Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.

Other Functions

Stays current on regulatory developments and industry best practices related to leave management and workplace accommodations.

Supports reporting and analytics related to absence and accommodation programs.

Participates in cross-functional HR initiatives and projects related to integrated case management.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, leave administration, disability management, accommodations, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working knowledge of FMLA, PFML, Workers’ Compensation, ADA, ADAAA, and related laws and policies.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex and sensitive cases independently.

Strong consultation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to guide and support a range of stakeholders.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS or case management systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, ServiceNow).

Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a unionized or higher education environment.

Experience supporting both leave of absence and workplace accommodation programs.

Experience collaborating across HR functions to support integrated case management.

Additional Details

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

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Eastern Time Zone

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

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

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Special Instructions for Applicants

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

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.