Senior Life Insurance Underwriter

Overview

Independently evaluates and classifies risks on applications for life, accident and critical illness insurance including supplemental benefits and policy changes in accordance with mortality and morbidity pricing assumptions. Underwrites life insurance applications and associated risks. Classifies the risk with a minimum of underwriting requirements. Verbally discusses cases with Field Sales associates and applicants, which may involve explaining the reasons the Company took adverse action on an application and attempting to diminish any negative reaction by the applicant. Develops a strong knowledge of human physiology in order to glean the necessary information from the data collected. In addition, builds a high level of knowledge of other technical aspects of the underwriting process, which includes financial needs, insurable interests, avocations and occupations along with a comprehensive knowledge of the Company's products and procedures. Concurs on cases that are over the Underwriters' limits of authority; the Senior Underwriter will be responsible for the final approval of these cases. Reviews the cases of the Underwriters to determine the quality of the work and any developmental needs.

Responsibilities

What you will do:

• Review life applications, policy change requests, and reinstatements for completeness and accuracy, ensuring underwriting rules, philosophies, laws and practices are followed.
• Evaluate medical, financial, and non-medical information, as developed, to determine the risk classification according to company guidelines.
• Determine appropriateness of applied coverage (i.e., sufficient financial justification, appropriate insurable interest).
• Make underwriting decisions that produce claim results within the Company's mortality expectations.
• Review and provide approval on cases completed by less tenured underwriters.
• Comply with federal and state rules and regulations (i.e., MIB, Fair Credit Reporting Act, blood testing, Replacements, 1035 Exchanges, etc.).
• Communicate clearly and provide accurate information verbally and in writing to the field force, vendors, reinsurers, various Home Office associates, etc., while following proper rules of punctuation, grammar, dictation, and style.
• Train new underwriters on processes, systems and underwriting philosophy. Develop and presents structured job-specific training as management directs, applying appropriate adult-learning principles.
• Gives proper direction to the New Business support staff and Underwriters.
• Serves in the lead position for the team on a periodic basis, communicating workflow to the group and other teams.
• Periodically prepare procedures to be used in work-related procedural and training manuals, and also prepares formal reports in conjunction with department projects.
• Maintains confidentiality of information including sensitive medical, financial, personal and payroll information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• College degree or relevant underwriting experience - Preferred
• 5 years experience as a life insurance underwriter - Required
• 1 year experience as a Nurse Practitioner or equivalent position - Required
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology. -
• Demonstrated strong negotiation skills and experience “selling” adverse decisions to producers in a clear, concise and positive manner that leaves producers feeling good about the decisions. -
• Proven strong analytical skills, including demonstrated experience identifying and quantifying problems and providing effective resolution. -
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information to internal and external customers in a clear, focused and concise manner. -
• Proven examples of handling difficult situations effectively while maintaining high volumes of work. -
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills. Cite examples of organization and time management methods used to manage or prioritize workload demands. -
• Proven ability to successfully demonstrate strong financial and medical underwriting skills. -
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications. -
• LOMA 280, 290, 311, 320, ACS-100 (Designation), ALU-1, ALU-2 and/or commensurate experience as outlined in the selection criteria section. - Required

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.

Travel Requirements:

• 5% travel Occasional travel for industry conferences or producer meetings.