Benefit Specialist Trainee - Portland

Unum•Portland, ME

79d•$40,000 - $75,600•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefit Specialist Trainee position at Unum is designed for individuals to learn and develop the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviors required to successfully resolve assigned claims in accordance with Unum's claims philosophy, policies, and procedures. This role involves a formal 12-month mentorship program to prepare the trainee for independent work. Success in this role requires the ability to effectively manage an assigned caseload, exercise discretion and independent judgment, and provide timely claims decisions with strong customer service before advancing to the Benefit Specialist role.

Requirements

College Degree preferred or equivalent work experience
Excellent customer service, decision making experience, problem-solving experience and/or college experience.
Able to utilize claim investigative techniques to identify and evaluate claim information in a fair and objective manner. Including appropriate identification of resources needed to assist with decision making process for file direction.
Detail oriented; able to analyze and research a variety of complex contractual information.
Maintain a high level of confidence to make fair and appropriate decisions even in the face of disagreement, while also being open and flexible to changing opinion based on new information.
Demonstrated ability to operate with a sense of urgency and make balanced claim decisions and recommend direction with the highest degree of integrity and fairness.
Able to influence others to reach appropriate and constructive conclusions.
PC skills are essential; ability to operate effectively in an imaged environment.
Demonstrated ability to multitask and balance goals and priorities effectively in a highly complex and ever-changing environment.
Self-motivated, independent with proven ability to work effectively on a team and work with others in a highly collaborative team environment.
Strong mathematical aptitude is essential.
Excellent customer service skills.
Strong communication; verbal, written, and listening, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Develop skills to manage a caseload of complex claims, ensuring appropriate sign-offs are obtained.
Gain an understanding and working knowledge of Unum products, policies/procedures, and contracts.
Develop an understanding of applicable contract/policy definitions and relevant provisions, clauses, exclusions, riders, and waivers, as well as regulatory and statutory requirements for claim products administered.
Apply contract/policy knowledge and analyze technical and complex contractual knowledge (policies and provisions) to ensure appropriate eligibility requirements, liability decisions, and appropriate payee.
Enhance problem-solving skills by demonstrating analytical/logical thinking.
Take accountability for the service provided to internal and external customers with a commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences.
Recognize multiple service connections through a team-based approach and resource partnerships, optimizing results by choosing the best strategies resulting in fair and objective claim decisions.
Verify on-going liability and develop strategies for return-to-work opportunities as appropriate.
Develop and strengthen claim validation and return-to-work techniques, where applicable.
Produce objective, clear documentation and technical rationale for all claim determinations and demonstrate the ability to effectively verbally communicate determinations and recommendations.
Effectively utilize a broad spectrum of supported resources (including financial, medical, vocational, and BRI support), materials, and tools regarding contractual, disability, and RTW strategies, as required.
Acquire an operating knowledge of the applicable claims system(s).
Coordinate and share information with other products as appropriate.
Provide timely and excellent customer service by paying appropriate claims promptly and quickly responding to all inquiries.
Maintain expected service and quality standards on all assigned claims.
Protect the Company against extra-contractual liabilities by following established guidelines and regulations.
Understand and demonstrate Unum values and Leadership expectations.
Take ownership and accountability for career and skill development by demonstrating commitment to personal growth and professional development.
Assist in creating an environment that is nimble, creative, and decisive through a culture of curiosity.
Be open to and accepting of change and identify continuous improvement efforts.
Take accountability to be an effective and positive change management champion.
May perform other duties as assigned.