Underwriter

Gleaner Life Insurance Society is a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society committed to supporting community programs and providing financial security to its members. Owned by its members, we prioritize service, community involvement, and member ownership over profit.

Summary

Underwrites life insurance applications within the guidelines established. Determines whether to accept, modify, or decline a risk through evaluation of an individual’s medical history or physical condition, occupational hazards, financial background, insurable interest, and other information pertinent to the decision. May consult with Senior Underwriter, Chief Underwriter, or Medical Director concerning any medical or non-medical situations that require assistance. Has contact with the field sales force, members, and vendors to gather information on which to base decisions. Have the authority to approve cases standard above.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews for acceptance or denial, authority limit of face amounts up to $50,000, fully underwritten to age 60,
• Verifies that appropriate application signatures and underwriting authorizations have been obtained and are valid.
• Determines and assures that appropriate information necessary to fulfill underwriting requirements and appropriate orders underwriting requirements, Attending Physician Statements, or medical reports, database research, investigations, and laboratory studies.
• Completes in-house telephone interviews and accesses any additional information needed.
• Interprets MIB codes and prepares data and reports to the Medical Information Bureau, which involves knowledge of MIB code meanings and procedures. May resolve MIB disputes and corrections, or requests for additional information follow-up.
• Follows all department policies, procedures, and processes to maintain or improve quality standards that ensure proper mortality experience.
• Establishes a collaborative relationship with agents/field management, applicants, vendors, other business units, and managers to ensure sales goals are maximized.
• Communicates by letter, telephone, or personal contact with sales agents, applicants, and professional personnel to obtain additional data.
• Refers cases outside the prescribed approval authority to the Senior Underwriter or Underwriter II for review.
• Meets established productivity and quality expectations for the position.
• Demonstrates commitment to career development by actively participating in Gleaner Life sponsored training opportunities and independent industry programs to ensure industry knowledge is current and maintained.
• Maintain product knowledge of Gleaner’s current and past life portfolio.
• Actively attends all available training sessions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Knowledge & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or medical certification or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in insurance, financial services, and/or medical industry.
• Experience in life insurance underwriting or a related role is highly valued.
• Understands insurance contracts and forms, preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of medical conditions, impairments and financial and legal aspects of risk selection and other factors pertaining to the acceptability and assessment of Life Insurance applications preferred.
• Understands MIB rules and procedures preferred.
• Demonstrated basic math skills, including calculating percentages.

Personal Attributes

• Strong bias for action with a sense of urgency and high energy.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness.
• Proficient with computer applications and underwriting software.
• Ability to present ideas in clear, user-friendly language.
• Highly self-motivated and self-directed.
• Able to multi-task, prioritize, and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Keeps underwriting knowledge current by participating in educational seminars, courses, industry study, or other training offered by Home Office.

Language and Communication Skills

• Strong verbal communication for use when speaking with society members, agents, coworkers, management, and other business partners.
• Strong written communication for use when corresponding with society members, agents, and coworkers via letters, facsimiles, or emails.
• Candid, clear, and concise in communication. Effectively matches style, tone, and method to the audience. Connects with the intended audience.
• Excellent telephone skills.
• Strong business and analytical problem-solving skills.

Work Conditions

• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other computer components.
• Office-based.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person