Sr Underwriting Specialist

TheLong-TermCare Underwriteris responsible forevaluating, classifying, andrenderingappropriate riskdecisions on Long Term Care insurance applicationsin accordance withestablished underwriting guidelines, company standards, and service expectations. This position requires sound analytical judgment,strong communicationskills, and the ability to manage cases effectively while supportingprofessionaland responsive experience for field partners, clients, and internal stakeholders.

• PLEASE NOTE: Candidates with Long Term Care underwriting experience or relevant individual insurance underwriting experience will be strongly preferred.

Job Summary
TheLong-TermCare Underwriter develops andmaintainseffective working relationships with Financial Advisors, field partners, internal business partners, and clients. The incumbent evaluates Long Term Care insurance applications, assesses medical, functional, cognitive, occupational, and lifestyle risk factors, and makesappropriate underwritingdeterminations consistent with company guidelines, production standards, and service objectives.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Field & Client Experience

• Establishes andmaintainscredible, professional, and effective communication with field partners and clients, including responding to case inquiries, appeals, and placement-related questions.

• Provides guidance and support to the Financial Network and Financial Representativesregardingcase underwriting, risk assessment, and related underwriting considerations.

• Reviews and responds to prescreen inquiriesin accordance withestablished underwriting practices and service expectations.

Underwriting

• Analyzes and appraises Long Term Care insurance applications; approves, classifies,modifies, or declines applications based on established underwriting guidelines and sound risk judgment.

• Independently reviewsapplications andappliesLong Term Care underwriting standards, product knowledge, and risk selection principles with limited guidance as needed.

• Evaluates medical, functional,andcognitive information to assess morbidity risk and determine the best appropriate offer.

• Demonstrates ongoing learning and adaptability through the effective adoption of new underwriting practices, tools, and processes.

• Underwritesapplications whilemaintainingexpected morbidity outcomes, providing active case and requirement management, and delivering a customized service experience.

• Communicates and negotiates with field partners to explain modified or declined underwriting decisions and support policy placement whenappropriate.

• Applies sound medical, functional, and cognitiveunderwriting assessment skills andidentifiespractical solutions to support policy placement whenappropriate.

• Usesthe most effective available resources to obtain necessary information, including medical records, digital health data, direct contact with the applicant, and communication with third-party advisors asappropriate.

• Consults with peer reviewers, medical resources, and technical staff on complex cases, as needed.

• Meets established quality, service, cycle time, and production expectations whilemaintainingunderwriting integrity.

• Resolves case-related issues and escalations, seeking guidance as appropriate based on case complexity and authority level.

• Partners with Underwriting Support tofacilitateeffective case management andtimelycompletion of underwriting requirements.

Cross-functional leadership

• May serve as an underwriting representative on product, process, or operational improvement initiatives in collaboration with functional partnersparticipatinginadditionalprojects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’sdegree oran equivalentcombination of education and relevant experience is preferred.

• Minimum of 1.5 years of traditional underwriting experience; Long Term Care underwriting experience is strongly preferred.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make independent decisions, apply sound judgment, and interpret underwriting guidelines consistently.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain underwriting decisions clearly, handle confidential information appropriately, and exercise tact and diplomacy.

• Proficiency with computer applications and relevant software platforms required to perform underwriting responsibilities.

• Ability to work accurately whilemaintainingappropriate speed, flexibility, and productivity in both team-based and independent work environments.

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability toestablishpriorities, manage competing responsibilities, and meet established deadlines.

• Demonstrated agility and adaptability in managing multiple priorities within a changing work environment.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

Originally posted on Himalayas