Dedicated professional with 10+ years of experience prepared to bring extensive expertise and a result-oriented approach managing workplace accommodation cases, providing consultation regarding disability, accommodation or leaves that include return to work programs. Known for effectively managing tasks and supporting organizational goals through collaborative efforts and adaptive strategies. Recognized for excellent communication and analytical skills, ensuring seamless operations and consistent outcomes.
Work History
HR, Leave Management and ADA Specialist
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
2022 - 2025
Processed Medical Accommodation requests in their entirety under ADA by performing the interactive process with the employee, management, business partners, and our legal team.
Provides beginning-to-end case management by serving as a subject matter expert on the accommodation process, including administration of the interactive process by understanding associate’s medical restrictions, need for a reasonable accommodation and developing potential solutions.
Conducted regular audits to maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures and industry regulations regarding disability, leave, and medical accommodations under ADA.
Supported associates that have questions about leaves and accommodations or need help understanding how to navigate the process.
Served as a consultant on applicant accommodations to hiring managers, HR partners or talent acquisition.
Consulted with leaders on accommodation requirements and decisions, including terminations and posting / backfilling roles.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline operational processes and enhance workflow efficiency.
Developed training materials to support onboarding of new team members, ensuring consistency in procedures.
Assisted in project management tasks, tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
Life Event Specialist
Unum Group
2020 - 2021
Oversaw and administered short term disability claims and leave requests arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state & local leave laws in their entirety.
Applied the appropriate contractual provisions; case management resources; and claim processes to ensure eligibility requirements and liability decisions are accurate.
Verifies on-going disability and participates in claim reviews with specialized resources including nurses, physicians, vocational rehabilitation, etc. to discuss return to work opportunities as appropriate.
Senior Leave Specialist
Unum Group
2019 - 2020
Promotion from Leave Specialist including all Leave Specialist's job description including the following:
Lead team strategy tactics to reduce backlog by 86% for the department and maintained constantly high 98% quality scores.
Collaborated on high priority projects with tact and a strong attention to detail and utilized effective planning skills to achieve effective company growth rates.
Experience working in a multi-state, multi-site organization, large-scale, complex, and fast-paced environment
Leave Specialist
Unum Group
2015 - 2019
Oversaw and administered leave requests and accommodations requiring specialized attention, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state & local leave laws including FMLA, ADA, CFRA, PDL, PFL and SDI in conjunction with company policies to ensure employees understand and receive all potential leave and accommodation rights/benefit.
Advised managers and employees on the interaction of leave and accommodations laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Education
Miller Motte Technical College
Chattanooga, TN
01-2010
Skills
Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to apply logic, problem solve, and deliver results on complex data analysis
Manage confidential and sensitive employee information and adhere to strict data privacy standards
Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, WorkDay)
Multitasking Skills with the ability to handle multiple projects
Supervisor, Provider Quality Outreach at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc.Supervisor, Provider Quality Outreach at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc.
Senior Customer Service Professional at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc.Senior Customer Service Professional at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc.