Benefit Specialist Trainee - Long Term Disability

Unum•Portland, ME

6d•$40,000 - $75,600

About The Position

This is an entry-level trainee position in Unum’s Benefits Organization focused on long-term disability claims. Trainees receive a formal mentor for 6–12 months while developing the knowledge and behaviors needed to adjudicate assigned claims in accordance with the company’s claims philosophy, policies, and procedures. The role requires managing an assigned caseload, using reporting tools and metrics, applying discretion and independent judgment, and synthesizing claimant, employer, financial, medical, vocational, contractual, and legal information to make timely claim recommendations. Trainees are expected to demonstrate strong customer service and decision-making capabilities before moving to an exempt-level Benefits Specialist role. The position involves learning Unum products, policies, contracts, applicable regulations, claims systems, and claim-validation and return-to-work practices. The trainee develops the ability to make fair, objective, and well-documented claim decisions, communicate recommendations, meet service and quality standards, and work collaboratively with internal and external partners. The minimum starting hourly rate is $25.97. The listed base salary range is $40,000–$75,600; actual pay depends on skills, location, and experience.

Requirements

Customer service, decision-making, and/or college experience.
Ability to use claim-investigation techniques to identify and evaluate claim information fairly and objectively, including identifying resources needed for claim decisions.
Detail-oriented, with the ability to analyze and research complex contractual information.
Ability to make fair and appropriate decisions with confidence, remain open to new information, and adjust views when warranted.
Ability to work with urgency and recommend balanced claim decisions with integrity and fairness.
Ability to influence others toward appropriate and constructive conclusions.
Essential PC skills and ability to work effectively in an imaged environment.
Ability to multitask and balance priorities in a complex, changing environment.
Self-motivated and independent, with the ability to work effectively both on a team and collaboratively with others.
Strong mathematical aptitude.
Excellent customer service skills.
Strong verbal, written, listening, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

College degree or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

Develop skills to manage a caseload of complex claims and ensure appropriate sign-offs are obtained.
Develop working knowledge of Unum products, policies, procedures, contracts, and applicable regulatory and statutory requirements.
Apply contract and policy knowledge to evaluate eligibility, liability, and appropriate payees.
Build analytical, logical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Provide accountable, high-quality service to internal and external customers.
Use team-based approaches and partner resources to support fair and objective claim decisions.
Verify ongoing liability and develop return-to-work strategies where appropriate.
Produce clear, objective documentation and technical rationale for claim determinations; communicate determinations and recommendations verbally.
Use available financial, medical, vocational, BRI, contractual, disability, and return-to-work resources and tools as required.
Develop operating knowledge of applicable claims systems.
Coordinate and share information with other products as appropriate.
Pay appropriate claims promptly and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
Maintain expected service and quality standards on assigned claims.
Follow established guidelines and regulations to protect the company against extra-contractual liabilities.
Demonstrate Unum’s values and leadership expectations.
Take ownership of career and skill development and demonstrate commitment to professional growth.
Help foster a nimble, creative, decisive, and curious environment; support continuous improvement and change management.
Perform other duties as assigned.