Princeton University’s Office of Human Resources seeks a Disability Specialist for a three-year, benefits eligible term position. The Disability Specialist plays a key role in supporting the administration of short-term and long-term disability programs for faculty and staff. This position works collaboratively with employees, managers, key campus partners, and external vendors to facilitate and coordinate return-to-work processes for short-term disability cases. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with HIPAA, federal and state leave requirements, and relevant University policies. Core responsibilities include vendor management, reviewing disability claim denials, and overseeing the second-level appeals process. Additionally, this role serves as a backup to the Disability Administrator, assisting with escalated data entry tasks and troubleshooting/reporting technical issues.
Return to Work Coordination from Short Term Disability including:
Primary contact for managers regarding status of employees; interact with high level of professionalism and customer service; provide guidance and assistance with simple and complex problems that require research and analysis.
Notification to Manager and maintenance of manager contact list for The Hartford
Coordination with department, The Hartford, and employee, as well as other key campus partners as needed
Follow up on employee recovery and return to work date; keep department apprised of status.
Coordination of return to work if 100% or direct return to work review and coordination to University Health Services (if return requires accommodation / temporary or permanent).
Assist The Hartford as needed with confirming if employee is returning to work or seeking extension if employee is unresponsive.
Ensure functional capacity exams are accurately communicated to The Hartford and ensure return to work does not occur without exam if required.
Review of all denials by The Hartford before notification to employee. Determine if claim should be approved fully or at state rate with assistance from University Health Services (UHS); inform all parties of determination by PU for benefit and/or the state rate benefit. If approved, case requires this role to manage case and coordinate return to work with assistance from UHS and other parties as appropriate.
Manage 2nd appeal process including collaboration with OHS and decision making
Vendor management for Short Term Disability outsourced administration
Other assigned duties including:
Troubleshoot and investigate technical issues in Extended Absence; coordinate with Absence Mgmt Team including monitoring ticket progress
Tracking disability information for reporting purposes
Back-up for Disability Administrator including Worker's Compensation-related tasks; escalated data entry
Coordinate between PMA (WC vendor) and The Hartford as needed (i.e employee erroneously checks off that disability is work-related or applies for WC and is denied)
Attend regularly scheduled and adhoc meetings with vendor and key campus partners
Assist with projects as needed including education of Princeton University community
• 3+ years of Benefits or Human Resources experience is required
• Excellent analytical and judgment skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple cases and activities
• Strong service orientation and sense of urgency in responding to customers
• High level of integrity, professionalism with balanced approach to problem solving
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS