Rex Allen Smith
Charlotte
Summary
Dynamic Employee Relations Consultant with extensive experience at Wells Fargo, adept at navigating ADA compliance and FMLA regulations. Proven track record in facilitating successful accommodations and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Strong analytical abilities and exceptional communication skills drive impactful solutions, resulting in improved employee satisfaction and retention.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Employee Relations Consultant, AVP – Accommodations
Wells Fargo
Charlotte
01.2022 - Current
- Works with both team members and supervising managers in facilitating an interactive process to explore job modifications and accommodations
- Provide front line support in the prevention, investigation, resolution, and referral of employee relations concerns
- Review and analyze issues related to employee relations at all levels of Wells Fargo
- Communicate, guide, and educate on core and common Employee Relations or Human Resource policies
- Assists team members requiring a job search when reasonable accommodation cannot be accomplished within current job assignment
- Maintain accurate, timely, and required documentation of activities in case management system to ensure quality employee relations records and metrics
Accommodations Consultant
Wells Fargo
Charlotte
06.2020 - 01.2022
- Works with both team members and supervising managers in facilitating an interactive process to explore job modifications and accommodations
- Responsible for consulting with and assisting team members requesting job modifications/ accommodations
- Designs, develops, and implements products and services related to come-to-work, return-to-work and stay-at-work initiatives
- Provides specialized consultation and subject matter expertise in evaluating requests for accommodation in compliance with state and federal laws
- Interprets and applies specialized knowledge to effectively manage accommodation requests and ensures consistent application of Company policies and practices
- Educates team members and provides coaching for managers and Human Resources colleagues related to job accommodation process
- Works with supervising managers to implement job modifications/accommodations and coordinates implementation at the worksite
- Assists team members requiring a job search when reasonable accommodation cannot be accomplished within current job assignment
Medical/Vocational Case Manager
Genex
Minneapolis
11.2018 - 07.2020
- Responsible for facilitating the workers compensation process through communication with the injured worker, employer, medical provider and other parties in an effort to return the injured worker back to suitable gainful employment.
- Provides medical case management services through the facilitation of communications with the injured worker, the physician, claims adjuster and attorney.
- Prepares detailed evaluation reports, as per account guidelines, and case notes documenting each phase of activity as it is completed.
- Reports billing hours in accordance with case activity and billing practices.
- Works with the physicians and therapists to set up medical assessments to identify physical and mental capabilities which will aid in counseling the injured worker on vocational alternatives should limitations call for another type of work, or if necessary and appropriate, retraining.
- Coordinates case management with attorneys, insurance carriers, physicians, employers, and claimants.
- Serves as a main liaison in the rehabilitation process.
- Completes insurance carrier reports on a monthly (or as required) basis, as well as other necessary paperwork for the insurance company, state, or other regulatory bodies.
- Maintains all case documents in files ensuring a comprehensive and detailed source of information for all parties involved in the case.
- Maintains phone contact with all parties involved to monitor, update, and advance the vocational rehabilitation and to ensure that the case progresses.
ADA Regional Accommodation Specialist (Team Lead)
Amazon
Shakopee
11.2016 - 07.2018
- Coordinated the return to work, accommodations, and transitional work assignment program monitoring.
- Facilitated the interactive Process through investigation in order to ascertain the details of the case and find most effective way to address the employee’s needs.
- Communicated with Team Members requesting LOAs regarding the eligibility requirements and documentation needed for LOA approvals.
- Facilitated the LOA Management Process; including the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Consulted, coordinated and partnered with employees and our third-party administrators, HR, Safety, Legal, Payroll, Benefits, team members and other departments, in an effort to bridge the gap and get everyone aligned.
- Developed and provided training for employees, managers, HR and others on the LOAA program services.
- Performed case management and coordinate the accommodation process for end-to-end case management. This includes working with the associate, vendors, work location, and other stakeholders.
- Ensured compliance with regulations, company policy, standard work and employee requests for accommodation to support safe and productive assignments.
- Responsible for running daily case reports through Absence Management case management system and distributing new cases to accommodation specialist.
- Responsible for approving or overturning termination decisions related to leave and disability.
- Assisted employee’s with resolving conflicts related to the accommodation, leave and disability process.
SR Total Absence Management Consultant
UnitedHealth Group
Minnetonka
01.2013 - 11.2016
- Provided vocational counseling and consulting services to assure compliance with ADAAA and all federal/state leave laws, as well as provided manager education and training for these and related company policies.
- Reviewed, evaluated and monitored reasonable accommodation requests received from employees, management or medical providers; and determine appropriateness for reasonable accommodations.
- Worked as part of an integrated team educating employees and managers on accommodation and leave policies and processes and state/federal regulations, as well as employee and manager responsibilities.
- Drove the interactive accommodation process between employees and leaders and coordinated job task analysis on a case-by-case basis, for a caseload of 90+ employees.
- Managed and facilitated the proper placement of employees with medical conditions/disabilities to assist with stay at work and return to work.
- Collaborated with internal customers and disability vendors to effectively manage the return to work process for employees returning from a leave of absence and/or who have medical accommodation needs.
- Maintained constant communication with employees, leaders, and physicians to address any necessary treatment plan or medical accommodations for evaluation of assistive equipment and/or job modifications.
- Partnered with Employee Relations Consultants, Risk Management, and Legal Counsel to achieved effective and consistent case management.
- Responsible for $9.9 million in cost savings in 2015.
Behavioral Care Advocate/Licensed Therapist
UnitedHealth Group (Optum)
Minnetonka
11.2012 - 12.2013
- Reached out telephonically to members and leveraged clinical knowledge, motivational interviewing and behavioral modification techniques to determine best course of action.
- Assessed member needs; Collaborated and communicated with the healthcare team on a plan of care.
- Synthesized members needs and then identified appropriate opportunities to address their needs.
- Developed an individualized plan with members and healthcare team that enhanced access, quality and cost outcomes.
- Focused on initial inpatient admission for psychiatric and chemical dependency patients; and managed inpatient and outpatient mental health cases throughout the entire treatment plan.
- Reviewed benefits, treatment plans, and coordinated transitions between various areas of care.
- Accepted crisis calls and provided support to families in crisis.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, develop treatment plans, and make independent decisions in the field regarding the safety and well-being of the employee.
Disability Specialist
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
03.2012 - 10.2012
- Reviewed disability documentation of functional limitations to determine eligibility for services and to substantiate requests for reasonable accommodations.
- Assessed the interaction of the students disability with the academic environment and developed a plan for the provision of reasonable accommodations to facilitate equitable opportunities.
- Provided information, referral, and support to prospective and enrolled students with disabilities.
- Assisted students in understanding their disabilities and their rights and responsibilities relating to reasonable accommodations.
Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant
Aon/Hewitt Associates
Brooklyn Park
10.2009 - 12.2011
- Coordinated a wide range of rehabilitation counseling and case management services to employees with disabilities.
- Facilitated Return to Work efforts through negotiation between client, treatment provider and claimants.
- Developed and delivered training materials to ensure complete understanding of Return to Work process.
- Determined needs and coordinated medical and psychological assessments with physicians.
- Submitted status reports to manager as directed.
- Participated in initial liability, quality audits, and other projects as needed.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Management
Concordia University
St. Paul, MN01.2016
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counselor
Minnesota State University
Mankato, MN01.2003
Skills
- PC literacy
- MS Office proficiency
- PeopleSoft expertise
- Decision-making skills
- Judgment and consultation
- Influencing abilities
- Organizational capabilities
- Communication proficiency
- Knowledge of leave laws
- ADAAA compliance
- FMLA regulations
- Title VII understanding
- EEOC awareness
- HIPAA knowledge
- Analytical abilities
- Problem assessment skills
- Solution-oriented mindset
- Multi-tasking proficiency
- Adaptability in fast-paced environments
- Experience in large organizations
- Cultural competency with immigrant populations
Certification
- CPDM, Certified Professional Disability Management
- CRC, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
References
Available upon request
Personal Information
Title: Senior Level Consultant
Professional Organizations
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Keeper of Finance & Keeper of Record and Seal
- Campus Talent Summit, E-Mentoring Program, 2016
- Leadership Mentoring Circle, Steering Committee Member, 2014
- Datapark Toastmasters, VP of Membership, 2014
Timeline
Employee Relations Consultant, AVP – Accommodations
Wells Fargo
01.2022 - Current
Accommodations Consultant
Wells Fargo
06.2020 - 01.2022
Medical/Vocational Case Manager
Genex
11.2018 - 07.2020
ADA Regional Accommodation Specialist (Team Lead)
Amazon
11.2016 - 07.2018
SR Total Absence Management Consultant
UnitedHealth Group
01.2013 - 11.2016
Behavioral Care Advocate/Licensed Therapist
UnitedHealth Group (Optum)
11.2012 - 12.2013
Disability Specialist
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
03.2012 - 10.2012
Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant
Aon/Hewitt Associates
10.2009 - 12.2011
Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Management
Concordia University
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counselor
Minnesota State University
Similar Profiles
PATRICIA M. SCHERERPATRICIA M. SCHERER
Regional Bank Private Banker II at Wells Fargo Bank / Wells Fargo AdvisorsRegional Bank Private Banker II at Wells Fargo Bank / Wells Fargo Advisors
Andrew S. HollenbachAndrew S. Hollenbach
Collateral Valuation Analysis at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Wells Fargo Bank NACollateral Valuation Analysis at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Wells Fargo Bank NA
Laxmikanth ChittampallyLaxmikanth Chittampally
Senior Operational Processor at Wells Fargo India Solution PVT Ltd, Wells FargoSenior Operational Processor at Wells Fargo India Solution PVT Ltd, Wells Fargo
Mayank OberoiMayank Oberoi
Financial Accounting Associate/ Alteryx SME at Wells Fargo International Solutions Private LTD (Wells Fargo)Financial Accounting Associate/ Alteryx SME at Wells Fargo International Solutions Private LTD (Wells Fargo)
Da'Laycia FrazierDa'Laycia Frazier
Telecommunicator at Cityblock HealthTelecommunicator at Cityblock Health