Underwriting Specialist

Job Classification:
Operations - Insurance Operations

Underwriting Specialist - Voluntary Benefits

Group Insurance is an operating unit within the U.S. Businesses Division that primarily focuses on creating, distributing, and administering a complex range of Life, and Disability and Voluntary Benefits insurance products for many top Fortune 500 companies. Prudential has been underwriting group insurance plans since 1916. Today, our Group Insurance business unit is the nation's second largest group life carrier and a leading disability carrier, proudly servicing nearly 20,000 clients-and insuring more than 20 million employees and their families. Group Insurance has operation centers across the United States.

The Underwriting Specialist is primarily accountable for underwriting Voluntary Supplemental Health proposals and/or in force case activity. The Underwriting Specialist is responsible for underwriting Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity cases in accordance with statutory regulations and existing underwriting policies and practices, assessing risk and making and communicating decisions in a manner which contributes to the profitability of the product and reputation of the company.

• Assesses, calculates and specifies the conditions under which Prudential is willing to accept risk on Voluntary Supplemental Health, for current and prospective clients. This includes, but is not limited to, the review and utilization of demographic data, actual case specific experience, product filings, statutory requirements and Prudential's current premium refund formula and policies.
• Communicates and partners with sales representatives, account managers, brokers, clients and prospective clients regarding case issues, underwriting assessments, pricing, rating etc. with a client focus. Actively engages in supporting the positive consultative outcomes crucial to our long-term success by enhanced application of growing underwriting and business expertise.
• Assists in the analysis and/or handling of complex situations with increased focus on client and company objectives demonstrating comprehension of underwriting and business dynamics.
• Determines whether to accept, modify, or decline a risk through evaluation of the client's employee census data, claims history, and other pertinent information within guidelines such as rating formula's, product filings and statutory requirements.
• Independently applies Underwriting judgment, formulates pricing decisions, negotiates within their authority limit, and handles standard to complex reporting requests. Understands and applies current pricing strategy across the book of business.
• Works closely with sales staff, brokers and clients to discuss financial results and support or directly engage in the negotiation process.
• Manage ad hoc projects, and or participate in periodic process and technical design work to improve service, efficiency, or profitability.
• Confidently and effectively communicates point of view through both verbal and written communications and negotiates with internal/external partners in various roles.
• Demonstrates an awareness of regional trends, competitive landscape and factors that influence the marketplace and regulatory environment.
• Strong ability to help others gain an understanding of the underwriting process, including case reviews, identifying training needs and developing and delivering training.
• Demonstrates problem solving skills on risk and service-related issues, and broad institutional knowledge in the development of solutions.

• Group underwriting experience in Voluntary benefits, preferably 4+ years
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• Ability to work independently
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize work with limited oversight
• Strong Analytical and mathematical skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to develop strong working relationships

• Market competitive base salaries, with a yearly bonus potential at every level.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and leave of absences, such as parental and military leave.
• 401(k) plan with company match (up to 4%).
• Company-funded pension plan.
• Wellness Programsincluding up to $1,600 a year for reimbursement of items purchased to support personal wellbeing needs.
• Work/Life Resources to help support topics such as parenting, housing, senior care, finances, pets, legal matters, education, emotional and mental health, and career development.
• Education Benefit to help finance traditional college enrollment toward obtaining an approved degree and many accredited certificate programs.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Shares can be purchased at 85% of the lower of two prices (Beginning or End of the purchase period), after one year of service.