Employee Benefits Claims Team Leader (HYBRID OR REMOTE)

Equitable•Syracuse, NY

8d•$68,000 - $92,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Equitable, we help clients secure their financial well-being so they can pursue long and fulfilling lives- a mission we’ve honed since 1859. Equitable is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Claims Team Leader, Claims Support to join our Disability and Absence Claims organization. This role will play a critical part in managing claims, fostering client relationships, and ensuring exceptional service delivery for one of our claim teams. Claims support will oversee internal team members who are designated/dedicated to specific customer groups that are high touch. We field inquiries and escalations from these customers. They work with internal partners to clarify and interpret policy information. They will be required to be customer-facing and take the lead on relationships with high profile customers. This position offers a flexible work schedule: it may be fully remote/hybrid. If you are located near one of our offices (e.g., Charlotte, NC; New York, NY; Syracuse, NY), a hybrid schedule with 2–3 days on-site per week is expected to foster collaboration and connection.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience
5+ years of client facing experience in Employee Benefits / Group Insurance Claims organization
3+ years of people leadership experience with excellent team management abilities
Specific experience with Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and/or Paid/Unpaid Leaves
Claims Management: Expertise in delivering a positive claims experience for Disability and/or Leave of Absence products, such as Short Term Disability, Statutory Disability Coverages, Long Term Disability, or State Paid Leaves. Proficient in deploying strategies and techniques to ensure claims processing meets the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
Effective Communications: Proficient in effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques. Capable of transmitting, receiving, and accurately interpreting ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Essential for managing client relationships and team interactions.
Leadership: In-depth knowledge of leadership practices and processes. Skilled in using strategies and techniques to inspire and guide internal claims teams towards achieving both short-term objectives and long-term goals.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Advanced proficiency in claims data analysis techniques and tools. Ability to interpret complex data sets to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Skilled in using date to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for enhanced processes.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of technology and industry trends
Excellent client relationship management skills
Strong verbal, written communication, and presentation skills
Comfortable dealing with complexity and ambiguity and able to explore multiple solutions
Previous experience with FINEOS Claims software platform highly desired
Previous experience with Salesforce platform a plus

Responsibilities

Oversees the end-to-end claims process for disability and/or leave of absence products. Ensures claims are processed accurately within regulatory and company guidelines.
Collaborate closely with distribution and other internal partners to ensure client needs are met. Provide clarification on policy interpretation, assist with amendment requests and help resolve claim escalations.
Fosters strong relationships with clients to understand their needs and ensure high levels of satisfaction. Addresses and resolves any client issues or concerns promptly.
Builds and leads high-performing internal claims teams. Provide coaching, mentorship, and development opportunities for team members. Sets performance goals for the teams.
Ensures all claims processes comply with relevant laws and regulations. Stays current regarding updated changes in legislation and adjusts processes accordingly.
Collaborates with internal departments, external partners, and other key stakeholders to execute a market-leading claims management experience.
This role will provide coaching and mentoring to the claims examiners as well as take referral tasks for complex items that require more tenured resources to administer ( e.g. amendments, account management related actions, systems issues)
Performs other duties as assigned.