Sr. Underwriter

Determines appropriate risk classification for policies based on collection of data, detailed research, and sound judgment using company underwriting criteria and philosophy. Reviews cases and determines necessary medical, non-medical, and compliance requirements and provides information about the underwriting process to producers and customers. Trains and co-signs the work of less experienced underwriters.

Responsibilities

• Reviews insurance applications and documentation to evaluate the eligibility of each applicant in accordance with company guidelines and standards.
• Determines necessary medical, non-medical, regulatory, and compliance requirements.
• Reviews existing regulations and interprets their meaning and application; escalates applications to Compliance when further review is necessary.
• Determines appropriate risk classification based on detailed research, collection and analysis of data, and sound judgment using underwriting criteria and philosophy.
• Makes sound risk selections to protect the company and satisfy customer expectations.
• Assesses the need for additional information or for referral to a Sr Underwriting Consultant for opinion or recommendation.
• Advises financial professional and customer(s) about the rationale for underwriting decisions, including adverse ones.
• Assists the financial professionals when there is a request or need for information relating to any aspect of the underwriting process.
• Supports customers, financial professionals, and internal associates with complex underwriting service issues.
• Co-signs the work of other underwriters.
• Mentors and trains less experienced underwriters.
• Participates in review of contestable claims to identify underwriting process improvements and consult on the overall outcome of the claim.
• Assists System’s Development Methodology (SDM) with business requirement development, test plan development, test plan execution, regression test plan development, user acceptance, and post implementation.
• Has approval authority for $250,000 Standard through $4,999,999 all rates, co-sign authority through $5 million all rates, and review limits up to $25 million.
• Reviews workflows and assigns work as directed.
• Performs project and committee work as assigned.
• Performs basic clerical duties required to support the underwriting process.
• Interprets normal electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG).
• Identifies and orchestrates updates to the Life Underwriting Guide.
• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience required.
• 5+ years of life underwriting experience required.
• Active pursuit or completion of a LOMA designation preferred.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to effectively communicate underwriting decisions.
• Strong knowledge of underwriting risk assessment principles, research techniques, and medical terminology and treatments.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in the application of underwriting techniques.
• Excellent product knowledge.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant department software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to mentor more junior underwriters.