Benefit Specialist - Columbus Office

McGohan Brabender

Position: Benefit Specialist

About Us:

McGohan Brabender is renowned for recruiting top-tier talent within the employee benefits industry. As one of the nation's largest employee-owned (ESOP) benefit firms, we are true entrepreneurial disruptors in the field. Our team embodies agility, serving as advisors, financial strategists, and innovative problem solvers.

Our corporate culture is infectious, grounded in our unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is accorded the utmost dignity and respect. At the core of all our values, whether in life or business, lies our dedication to people. We wholeheartedly encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work every single day.

About the Role:

As a Benefit Specialist at McGohan Brabender, you will be at the forefront of our mission to provide comprehensive benefit solutions to our clients. As part of an Account Management team, you will collaborate closely with clients, insurance carriers, and internal teams to design, implement, and manage employee benefit programs that align with our clients' objectives and meet the needs of their workforce.

Newly hired Benefit Specialists will begin their journey at McGohan Brabender as part of our Benefit Specialist Academy, a structured onboarding program designed to build a strong foundation for success. For the first three months, each new team member will work with a dedicated trainer who provides hands-on instruction, support, and coaching. This immersive experience allows new hires to gradually learn the intricacies of the role, develop key skills, and build confidence before joining an Account Team. By the end of the Academy, Benefit Specialists will be well-prepared to integrate with an Account Team, picking up more team-specific training while also starting to contribute meaningfully to client relationships and deliver outstanding service.

We believe that with the right attitude, a commitment to learning, and a passion for helping others, you can excel in the role of Benefit Specialist, even if you haven't previously worked in the insurance or benefits industry. Soft skills such as initiative, teamwork, and a customer service orientation, are the key strengths we look for in new Benefit Specialists.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Support: Act as a trusted partner to our clients, conduct needs assessments and offer exceptional customer service by responding to day-to-day service issues and depending on their assigned team, scheduling client meetings. Keep minutes in client meetings, take notes and identify and execute follow up tasks.

2. Compliance and Regulatory Expertise: Ensure clients remain in compliance with rules and regulations. Collect and review SBCs, Certificates, SPDs, 5500s, and Wrap Docs.

3. Meeting Preparation & Logistics: Create, design, facilitate, and present materials for all client meetings. Including, but not limited to, open enrollment PowerPoints, core meeting deck prep Xplore websites, iPad loading, and printing logistics. Collaborate with clients on AccelerateGo communication strategies as well as assisting clients with other MB value-added resources. Depending on their assigned team. Benefit Specialists may be called upon to independently conduct a full open enrollment presentation.

4. Vendor Management: Manage relationships with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and other benefit providers to ensure seamless service delivery.

5. Benefits Administration: Oversee benefit enrollment, changes, and terminations, maintaining accurate records and addressing employee inquiries.

6. Technology Utilization: Stay informed on benefits technology platforms clients may utilize to streamline administration and enhance employee and client experiences. Additionally, take full advantage of the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint. Follow MB’s renewal workflow in Salesforce

8. Quoting Management: Assist Account Managers with the quoting process by preparing presentations and documents, gathering census information, and guiding the client through the market review process.

9. Policy Implementation: Manage the implementation of new benefit policies by acting as the liaison between the carrier and the client; assist the client with installation paperwork, terminate any prior policies, and request a deductible credit report and certificate of coverage for the new policy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• Self-starter who will take initiative in meeting client’s needs.
• Exceptional communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Client-centric mindset.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Comfortable presenting in front of groups (once knowledge base is acquired).