Benefit Specialist Trainee - Long Term Disability

Unum Group•Portland, ME

About The Position

The Benefit Specialist Trainee is an entry-level position in Unum’s Benefits Organization. Trainees receive a formal mentor for 6–12 months while developing the knowledge and behaviors needed to adjudicate assigned long-term disability claims. The role involves using critical thinking and independent judgment in accordance with claims philosophy, policies, procedures, and applicable contract and regulatory requirements. Trainees develop the ability to manage a caseload, use reporting tools and metrics, synthesize information from claimants, employers, and financial, medical, vocational, contractual, and legal sources, and make timely claim decision recommendations with decreasing support. Strong customer service and demonstrated readiness for independent work are expected before advancement to an exempt Benefits Specialist role. The position requires learning Unum’s products, claims systems, investigative resources, and claim validation and return-to-work strategies. It also involves maintaining service and quality standards, documenting determinations clearly, communicating recommendations, protecting the company against extra-contractual liabilities, and taking ownership of personal and professional development. Unum describes itself as an organization focused on employee benefits and service solutions, with approximately 10,000 employees serving more than 39 million people worldwide. The posting gives a minimum starting hourly rate of $25.97 and a base salary range of $40,000–$75,600. Actual pay depends on skills, geographic location, and experience.

Requirements

College degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
Customer service and/or decision-making experience, and/or college experience.
Ability to use claim-investigation techniques to identify and evaluate information fairly and objectively, including identifying resources needed for claim decisions.
Detail-oriented, with the ability to analyze and research complex contractual information.
Confidence to make fair and appropriate decisions amid disagreement, while remaining open to changing an opinion when new information becomes available.
Ability to work with urgency and make balanced claim decisions and recommendations 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 goals and priorities in a complex, changing environment.
Self-motivated and independent, with the ability to work effectively on a collaborative team.
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.

Responsibilities

Develop skills to manage a caseload of complex claims and ensure appropriate sign-offs are obtained; caseload size may vary by product.
Learn Unum products, policies, procedures, contracts, applicable policy definitions and provisions, exclusions, riders, waivers, and regulatory and statutory requirements.
Apply contractual and policy knowledge to assess eligibility, liability, and appropriate payees.
Develop analytical and logical problem-solving skills.
Provide accountable, customer-focused service to internal and external customers and use team resources to support fair, objective claim decisions.
Verify ongoing liability and develop return-to-work strategies where appropriate.
Develop claim-validation and return-to-work techniques, where applicable.
Prepare objective, clear documentation and technical rationales for claim determinations, and communicate determinations and recommendations verbally.
Learn and use 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 quickly to inquiries.
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 through personal growth and professional development.
Contribute to a nimble, creative, and decisive environment and culture of curiosity.
Accept change, identify continuous-improvement opportunities, and champion change management.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health, vision, and dental coverage.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Performance-based incentive plans.
Paid time off, including paid time to volunteer.
401(k) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%, plus an additional 4.5% employer contribution whether or not the employee contributes.
Mental health support.
Career advancement opportunities.
Student loan repayment options.
Tuition reimbursement.
Flexible work environments.