Medical Leaves Case Management Consultant

The Opportunity

Cornell University is seeking an experienced Medical Leaves Case Management Consultant to coordinate the case management needs of employees utilizing various disability and leave programs within the endowed and contract colleges. This role oversees a broad portfolio of programs, including self-insured and State Insurance Fund workers' compensation plans, short- and long-term disability programs, FMLA, and related wellness and occupational health initiatives. The position requires thoughtful, proactive case management within Cornell's uniquely complex academic and employment environment, while providing guidance to HR staff, managers, and employees on university policies, state and federal regulations, and sensitive medical/employment situations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate case management for employees using disability and leave programs (short-term medical leave, workers' compensation, long-term disability, FMLA, etc.).
• Provide expert guidance to HR staff, managers, and supervisors on university policies, procedures, and state/federal regulations regarding leave programs.
• Assist faculty, staff, and supervisors in navigating complex medical/employment situations and offer tailored counseling and recommendations.
• Collaborate with third-party vendors and treatment providers to deliver proactive and comprehensive case management support.
• Maintain knowledge of associated support programs (occupational health, wellness programs) to aid academic appointees.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), endowed position that is based in Ithaca, NY. This position follows a hybrid work arrangement, with an expectation of on-campus presence as business needs require; it is not a fully remote role. This hybrid work arrangement is subject to change at any time. Typical work hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

About Medical Leaves Administration

When health issues impact the ability to work, Cornell's Medical Leaves Administration is responsible for coordinating many campus resources that can enhance the health and well-being of all faculty and staff and maximize the quality of working life while minimizing the negative impact of illness and disability. Additionally, the office provides complex case management, addressing challenging situations that require tailored solutions and coordination among multiple stakeholders.

What We Need

We are seeking a team member who is empathetic, collaborative, organized, and detailed oriented. Additionally, you will have:

• A Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination
• Well-developed counseling skills.
• Ability to listen carefully and make an appropriate recommendation to often complex problem and/or policy interpretation.
• Exceptional interpersonal relations, customer service skills and professional attitude necessary.
• Excellent communication skills with a wide variety of constituents.
• Strong writing skills including drafting, editing, and proofing.
• Experienced in maintaining confidential files.
• Demonstrated initiative, and a high level of professionalism, organizational ability, and confidentiality.
• Exercise independent judgment and decision-making in responding to high priority situations and medical leave situations as they arise; and take initiative to research issues and advance projects.
• Ability to prioritize and manage numerous cases at one time.
• Flexible and adaptable with ability to work well with shifting priorities and within a team environment.
• Strong understanding of higher education as a workplace.
• Skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment and disability/medical leave laws.

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
• This position is based in Ithaca, New York.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.