Absence Case Manager / Casemanager Verzuim (Part-time)

JOB PURPOSE

Are you an experienced absence case manager who wants to make a real difference in supporting both employees and team leads? Do you have an eye for people and process? Then we’re looking for you!

At DEPT®, we’re continuously working on professionalizing our absence management approach. As our in-house case manager, you’ll play a key role in guiding short- and long-term absence cases. You’ll be the link between employees, team leads, People Business Partners and our external occupational health service provider @Arbo. With your eye for structure and your human touch, you bring clarity and progress in complex situations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage absence cases from the first day of illness up to reintegration, mutual agreement termination (VSO), or WIA procedures;
• Act as the main point of contact for our external provider @Arbo for both ERD and long-term sickness cases: you coordinate meetings, monitor timelines, and follow up on next steps;
• Safeguard compliance with the Dutch Gatekeeper Improvement Act (Wet Verbetering Poortwachter), ensuring timely actions and accurate documentation;
• Advise team leads and People Business Partners on case strategy, legal risk and reintegration options;
• Support and coach employees during their absence, offering guidance with empathy and practical perspective;
• Identify patterns (e.g. frequent absence, mental overload) and flag risks or trends to People Business Partners and team leads;
• While our People Business Partners own the broader prevention strategy, you play a crucial role in spotting early signs of risk and advising on preventive actions;
• Work within our internal RACI structure and manage your caseload in a clear, organized way;
• DEPT® is a self-insurer for the Dutch Sickness Benefits Act (Ziektewet) – you’ll actively help manage the associated risks and support this employee group carefully.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You have at least 3 years of experience as an absence case manager, preferably in a dynamic, people-first environment;
• You are well-versed in Dutch legislation on absence, the Sickness Benefits Act, Gatekeeper Improvement Act, WIA and sustainable employability;
• You’re comfortable navigating the needs of different stakeholders – from employee to company doctor to leads;
• You communicate clearly and empathetically, think in solutions, and don’t shy away from setting boundaries;
• You work independently, are well-organized, and take full ownership of your caseload;
• You are fluent in both Dutch and English;

WE OFFER

• A part-time position (24 hours per week) with high autonomy and impact;
• Flexibility in working hours and hybrid working options;
• A warm, collaborative and professional People team with space for your input;
• The right tools and short lines of communication with our external provider @Arbo;
• An organisation that genuinely cares about wellbeing, development, and sustainable careers
• Great perks: NS Business Card, lease bike scheme, access to OpenUp, discounts via Alleo, healthy lunches and more.
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021 and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big or small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and across all industries. And we celebrate all of our successes together!
• The opportunity for possibility. We want to enable you to do what you do best and help you develop your skills further with training, development and certifications.
• Global annual DEPT® Cares Month in which employees come together and donate their skills to support local charities

WHO ARE WE?

We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean? We are always looking forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 30+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients problems, no matter where you are in the world.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.