Disability Account Representative

STRS Ohio, STRS

The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) is excited to announce an opportunity for a talented Disability Account Representative to join its Benefits Administrative Services Department. This position assists members through the disability application process and with the important work of evaluating applications for initial disability benefit eligibility and disability recipients for continued benefit eligibility.

Established in 1920 and serving Ohio’s educators, STRS Ohio is one of the nation’s largest retirement systems, serving over 500,000 active, inactive, and retired public-school teachers, and university faculty members, managing approximately $96.9 billion as of June 30, 2024, in assets and paying more than $7 billion in benefits annually.

STRS Ohio provides a competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package including on-site parking, educational assistance, subsidized medical insurance, fully paid dental and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and on-site fitness center. At STRS Ohio, you can experience rewarding work in a professional, business casual work environment. We welcome, celebrate, and promote respect for everyone. We are continually seeking bright and talented individuals to join our team.

Compensation:

$22.69/ hr. or commensurate with education and experience

Work Schedule:

8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday (Onsite)

General Summary:

Under the direction of the assistant director, Benefits Administrative Services and the manager, Disability, evaluate disability applications for completeness and ensure all required documentation is received and complete. Correspond with members to request information and keep them apprised of the process. Prepare files to be reviewed by the medical review board chair and the retirement board. Process accounts for reexamination and lead or assist in various annual verification processes. Prepare documents for cases going before the retirement board.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Evaluate disability applications for completeness and enter data into computer system.

• Communicate using discretion and rules of confidentiality, concerning disability accounts with members, applicants, recipients, employers, other systems, State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) staff, independent medical examiners, attending physicians, medical review board chair and the STRS Ohio retirement board.

• Analyze medical documentation received and prepare required information for review by the medical review board chair each week for the timely processing of each case.

• Track all information and requests for each file reviewed by the medical review board chair including additional information from the member or independent medical examiners. Ensure proper correspondence is mailed and requests are made for information. Monitor accounts to ensure responses are received and deadlines are met.

• Correspond in writing and over the phone with members and medical examiners to resolve any issue with the case or to obtain missing documentation.

• Prepare files for review by the medical review board and the retirement board ensuring the file is properly organized, complete and accurate. Prepare all retirement board and disability review panel cases by the deadline set by the manager.

• Answer inquiries concerning disability retirement applications, process requirements and eligibility requirements. Update call history. Work with call center on issues relating to call history.

• Lead or assist with annual team projects including, but not limited to review of job descriptions, reexamination mailings, employment and earnings verifications and incapacitated status verification.

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the persons so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of associates under supervision.

Summary of Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.

• College-level coursework or three years relevant experience required.

• Associate’s degree in business or related field preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze information and appropriately apply business rules to process requests such as, but not limited to, eligibility and benefit calculations. Above-average mathematical aptitude required.

• Excellent math and analytical skills required.

• Ability to proofread or evaluate written material.

• Ability to work with and preserve confidential information required.

• Above-average oral and written communication skills required.

• Interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively and courteously with internal and external contacts required.

• Excellent organizational skills and a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail required.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment while meeting deadlines with minimal direct supervision required.

• Excellent work record of attendance, punctuality and the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet business needs. Occasional evening, weekend and non-regular work hours may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Statement

State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, or caregiver status, in making employment-related decisions about an individual.

ADA Statement

STRS Ohio is committed to ensuring access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodations across all its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Posting Drug-Free Workplace Statement

The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) is a drug-free workplace. The use of recreational marijuana and non-medical cannabis is strictly prohibited.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing

All final candidates tentatively selected for employment will be required to undergo a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. This screening includes testing for illegal substances, including marijuana. A positive test result will disqualify the applicant from employment unless valid medical documentation is provided for legally prescribed medications or a physician’s recommendation for medical marijuana.

Pre-Employment Background Investigation

The final candidate selected for this position will be subject to a criminal background check. STRS Ohio will conduct an individualized assessment of any prior criminal convictions before making a determination regarding employment eligibility.