Lead Long Term Disability Claims Specialist

Description and Requirements
Role Value Proposition:
At MetLife, we seek to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our customers and our communities. The Lead LTD Claims Specialist manages a caseload of long term disability insurance claims in accordance with plan provisions and within prescribed time service standards. In this role, the Lead LTD Claims Specialist will be a technical expert and emerging leader who will be responsible for coaching and mentoring new associates as well as participating in projects to drive continuous improvement and improve the customer experience. The Lead LTD Claims Specialist is the highest-level individual contributor managing claims within the LTD organization. The Lead LTD Claims Specialist is responsible for exercising independent judgment, demonstrating critical thinking skills, exemplary customer service skills as well as effective inventory management skills.
Position Location: 100% Virtual
Key Responsibilities:

• Independently manage an assigned caseload of the most complex claims which consists of pending, ongoing/active and appeal reviews. Provides timely, balanced and accurate claims reviews, documentation and recommended decisions in a time sensitive and fast-paced environment and in accordance with state and department of insurance regulations. Provides timely and detailed written communication during the claim evaluation process which outlines the status of the evaluation and/or claim determination and interacts and communicates effectively with claimants, customers, health care providers, attorneys, brokers, and family members during claim evaluations.
• Compiles file documentation and correspondence requiring extensive policy and factual detail. Analyzes information to determine if additional information is needed to make a reasonable and logical claims determination based off the information available. Proficiently calculates monthly benefits due after elimination period, to include COLA, Social Security Offsets, and Rehab Return to Work benefits, and other non-routine payments.
• Collaborates effectively with both external and internal resources, such as physicians, attorneys, vocational consultants and CPAs, as needed, to gather data such as medical/occupational information in order to ensure reasonable, thorough decisions.
• Clarifies and reconciles inconsistencies when gathering information during claim evaluations and collaborates with Fraud Waste and Abuse resources as needed and addresses/resolves escalated customer complaints in a timely and thorough manner. Identifies and refers appropriate matters to our appeals, complaint, or litigation support areas.
• Serves as an extended leadership team member, participates in new hire onboarding including coaching, mentoring and development, providing direct support to Unit Leaders, and partners with the leadership team to meet project goals related to quality, timely claim outcomes, customer service and staff development and provide detailed, balanced feedback to leadership on individual, team, customer or site performance and offers solutions on opportunities identified.

Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills:
Required:

• 5+ years of LTD/IDI Insurance Claims experience with excellent customer service skills proven through internal and external customer interactions and prior experience with independent judgement and decision making while relying on the available facts/problem solving/critical thinking while having the ability to effectively manage multiple systems and technology resources/Organizational and time management skills.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree and knowledge of STD/FML, state leave laws, worker's compensation, ERISA, and Social Security.

At MetLife, we're leading the global transformation of an industry we've long defined. United in purpose, diverse in perspective, we're dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers.
The salary range for applicants for this position is $46,300.00 - $78,000.00.
Benefits We Offer
Our U.S. benefits address holistic well-being with programs for physical and mental health, financial wellness, and support for families. We offer a comprehensive health plan that includes medical/prescription drug and vision, dental insurance, and no-cost short- and long-term disability. We also provide company-paid life insurance and legal services, a retirement pension funded entirely by MetLife and 401(k) with employer matching, group discounts on voluntary insurance products including auto and home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance, as well as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health programs, parental leave, volunteer time off, tuition assistance and much more!
About MetLife
Recognized on Fortune magazine's list of the 2024 "World's Most Admired Companies", Fortune World's 25 Best Workplaces™ for 2024, as well as the 2025 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For ®, MetLife , through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world's leading financial services companies; providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. With operations in more than 40 markets, we hold leading positions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Our purpose is simple - to help our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world at large create a more confident future. United by purpose and guided by empathy, we're inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it's #AllTogetherPossible . Join us!
MetLife is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law ("protected characteristics").
If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [email protected]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.
MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liabilities.
$46,300.00 - $78,000.00