[Remote] Customer Service Representative

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Sammons Financial Group Companies is seeking a Customer Service Representative to provide exceptional support to annuity policyowners, agents, and other stakeholders. The role involves handling inbound calls, addressing customer inquiries, and maintaining a strong knowledge of company products and policies to ensure a positive customer experience.ResponsibilitiesResponsible for front line/customer facing in responding to inbound calls by providing support to agents, policy owners, third parties or others in verbal and written communication using a professional and friendly approach. Calls must be handled according to company policy and procedure, Service Level and Quality Standard AgreementsAnswer calls regarding, but not limited to: policy values, various features and rider benefits, coverage options, indexed and variable policy performance, products, interest rates, address changes and allocation changes, withdrawals, surrenders, transfers and exchanges, beneficiary changes, ownership changes, guideline and regulations, annual and quarterly statements, completing forms and provide standard established turnaround times, as applicableAcquire and maintain working knowledge of company products. This includes staying familiar with the most up-to-date changes to procedures as well as completing any required training coursesField questions regarding policy loans, billing and accounting processing, grace processing and lapse notificationDisplay a working knowledge of premium and contribution regulationsCorrectly identify appropriate regulations to ensure proper handling of requests. Verify and provide explanation for tax documentsConsult and coordinate with all other applicable departments including New Business, Agency Services, Sales and Marketing, Customer Correspondence and the Annuity/Life DivisionSubmit accurate and timely requests via workflow system to ensure work item is handled in accordance with varying departmental procedures. Have working knowledge of each department’s job function and all designated service level agreements to manage end user expectationsMeet departmental expectations for phone and written quality, average handle time, held and consulted calls and availability checksNavigate and provide direction to agents and policy owners to access policy information via external websites. Troubleshoot website display errors, assist with setting up notification preferences, requesting illustrations and reviewing policy correspondenceIdentify, communicate and proactively work to solve problems or issues before a service breakdown or complaint occursMaintain multiple job functions such as incoming calls, e-mails, noting files, faxing, while being flexible between high and low call volumes while displaying exemplary customer service skillsEfficiently navigate multiple systems as well as Microsoft Word, Excel and OutlookProvide trends and feedback to department leadership to be shared with division and senior leadership, as received through communications with customers or agents. Openly discuss concerns within the area and/or team and provide ideas for improvement. Look for ways to improve a process and/or procedure and openly discuss your thoughtsPromote teamwork by supporting team members and sharing knowledge; provide feedback and coaching ideas for peer mentoring and personal developmentParticipate and apply continued training on additional job functions for department advancement. Participate in developmental workforce courses and apply learningAssist management with determining and implementing efficient workflow methodsDrive to meet/exceed all performance goals including KPIs (key performance indicators), SLAs (service level agreements) and other communicated standardsProactively participate in daily huddle board discussions offering ideas, insights and supportActively participate in problem solving sessions (standard work, root cause problem solving, etc.) as requested by your managerTake ownership of implementing standard work and other changes into your daily work processesContinuously strive to create a positive customer experience throughout all customer interactions, request processing/handling, and problem-solving effortsCommitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity)As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demandsOther duties as assignedSkillsMust have the ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with agents and policyownersMust have knowledge of and ability to maneuver through multiple information screensExcellent verbal and written communication skillsMust have strong organizational skillsStrong problem solving skillsAbility to work efficiently and independently or in a team environmentAble to adapt to frequent changeCriminal background check requiredBachelor's Degree PreferredPrevious customer service/call center experience PreferredBenefitsComprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.Invest in your future with our 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).Work–life balance that means something. Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.Commit to your growth with paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.Make an impact beyond the workplace through volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program, supporting the causes that matter most to you.An ownership culture that inspires; join a connected, values-driven workplace where employees take accountability, support one another, and are empowered to do their best work—together shaping our future shared success.Company OverviewSammons® Financial Group Companies (collectively, Sammons Financial Group) provide today’s most sought after life insurance, annuity, and retirement products. It was founded in 1938, and is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is https://www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.