Description -
The Commercial Lines Underwriting Assistant is responsible for the processing and rating activities for automated and manual commercial lines policies for assigned lines of business. The position also assists in training of other members of the Commercial Lines Processing Team to ensure that quality products and superior service are provided to our agents and insureds. As required by specific business needs within identified underwriting office locations, this position may be assigned to support 1-3 Senior Territory Managers or exclusively handle an agency, as the duties noted below under Essential Duties and/or may provide administrative and clerical support to assist in the achievement of Personal Lines business goals.
Competencies and Essential Duties of the Commercial Lines Underwriting Assistant
Team Building:
Trains less experienced team members and new employees on tasks and processing in new lines of business
Adheres to the work group’s expectations and guidelines; fulfills team or work group responsibilities; demonstrates personal commitment to group goals
Attention to Details:
Monitors designated mailboxes for proper handling
Accesses and records the statistical information necessary for the development of statistical and actuarial reports
Reviews the work of other team members for quality and reports results to the Service Coordinator
Has a working knowledge of multiple systems and can discern inconsistencies between each
Quality Orientation:
Gathers necessary data for assigned transactions, in accordance with the Company’s rate, rule and form filings, to assure an accurate product
Processes automated and manual transactions for assigned lines of business, to include: quotes, new business, renewals, endorsements, audits, cancellations (notices and return premium calculations) and related activities such as reviewing policies after audits for possible renewal updates, determining fire rates on-line, interim billings, etc.
Gathers required base rates, LCM, and other details from ISO Suite and other sources, sets up and manually rates (does calculations for) transactions not 100% automated within the policy processing systems for assigned lines of business. Completes manual transactions including forms and Declarations
Enters transaction information into the PC, as applicable, to record it on the system for processing and document production
May provide direct support to 1-3 Sr. TM’s, working independently with the Sr. TM’s to complete work required of a CL UA. May also have work assigned to them by the Service Coordinator
Monitors and handles various reports such as RPTProd & those received through STAFF-DATABASE ADMIN, etc.
Assists with Bond tasks, such as new and renewal of POAs, Agency terminations, etc.
Planning and Organizing:
Initiates and follows-up on correspondence with agents on routine matters
Positive Approach:
Works closely with the CSS to resolve errors and account or agency issues or concerns
Participates in special projects, as assigned by the Service Coordinator
Applied Learning:
Puts new knowledge, understanding, or skill to practical use on the job; furthers learning through practice and ongoing feedback
Readily absorbs and comprehends new information and develops skills from formal and informal learning experiences
Performs various projects requested or assigned by the Service Coordinator
Corporate Core Competencies of the Commercial Lines Underwriting Assistant
Effectively Communicates and Connects:
Communicates clearly and concisely
Prepares written communications that adhere to department standards
Attentively listens and asks clarifying questions
Builds a positive relationships within the workplace
Customer Focused:
Develops and maintains knowledge about the needs of customers and how the team provides value
Aware of customer risks and when to escalate risks
Identifies and utilizes the appropriate resources to solve customer problems
Accelerates follow-up and action to resolve issues
Talent Development Mindset:
Brainstorms ideas for technical and/or professional development
Works with supervisor to identify relevant development opportunities, shadow opportunities, including technical skill building and professional skill enhancement
Acts on opportunities to recognize colleagues for a job well done
Demonstrates Adaptability:
Seeks to understand others' needs and perspectives, especially those different from incumbent’s own
Open to learning about new and challenging ideas to drive the success of the work in which incumbent is involved
Learns how to be flexible to accommodate deliverables and prioritize work effectively
Demonstrates Accountability:
Takes ownership of mistakes and consults with others to resolve, learning from the experience
Consistently checks the accuracy of work
Provides coverage or assistance to others when needed
Proactively steps up to provide guidance or assistance
Special Relationships for the Commercial Lines Underwriting Assistant
The Commercial Lines Underwriting Assistant reports to the Service Coordinator
This position regularly interacts with all levels of personnel within the processing unit and the assigned underwriting office, including both Sr. and non Sr. Territory Managers
Occasionally interacts with personnel from the claims service office and Billing Services; as well as personnel from agents’ offices
If the incumbent in the position is providing administrative and clerical support to Personal Lines underwriting initiatives, the individual will have the opportunity to interact with Personal Lines agents and agency staff personnel, as well as Personal Lines underwriters and processing staff. These incumbents will also have a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Personal Lines Underwriting Manager
Why Penn National Insurance
A career with Penn National Insurance offers a total rewards package that makes us a regional employer of choice. When you are part of the Penn National Insurance family, we want you to feel secure in:
Your Career: We offer a comprehensive benefit and compensation package including a generous 401k match, graded profit sharing, recognition programs, and incentive compensation. Additionally, Penn National Insurance company policy provides for remote access, flex-scheduling, and a dress-for-your-day dress code.
Your Employer: Penn National Insurance celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. With the one billion dollar direct written premium threshold in sight, the company is utilizing innovation solutions and analytic insights to grow its share of the small commercial and middle market business, as well as personal lines. Our proud tradition of adhering to a relationship-driven business model, and our ability to adapt to changes over time reinforce our reliability and strength.
Your Community: The Company and our employees donate more than half a million dollars annually to fund enrichment programing throughout the communities we serve. Our United Way campaign raised an additional three hundred fifty thousand last year. We are also taking real steps to decrease our environmental impact. We have added bicycle accommodations, enhanced energy efficiency, introduced water conservation measures, and implemented cool-roof technology.
Your Future: We create a rewarding career path and enable long-term retention by offering enhanced benefits around continuing education and professional development. The average employee tenure at Penn National Insurance is 14 years!
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Qualifications -
Qualifications for the Commercial Lines Underwriting Assistant
Education/Credentials:
High School Diploma or equivalent required
Experience:
1 to 2 years’ experience in a clerical support position, preferably in the property/casualty insurance industry
Prior commercial lines rating experience, with the ability to rate one or more of the major lines of business; i.e. Business Auto, Workers’ Compensation, Business Owners, Artisan Contractors, Commercial Property, General Liability, and Umbrella, preferred
Technical/Professional Knowledge:
Good interpersonal skills
Good oral and written communication skills
Basic math skills
Good PC skills, with an emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite
Net typing speed of 30 wpm, with an 80% accuracy rate
Good attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Good proof-reading skills
In underwriting offices where business needs require the Commercial Lines Underwriting Assistant to provide administrative and clerical support in the achievement of Personal Lines business goals, the following additional job knowledge must be known, or acquired, by the incumbent:
Working knowledge of Personal Lines rating and processing systems
Basic understanding of Personal Lines policies and coverages for all major lines of business
Job Requirements (as required by ADA):
This position is primarily a sedentary position that requires occasional standing and walking throughout the office environment.
Must be able to see and effectively use a computer monitor.
Must be able to operate a computer, keyboard and applicable printers and other general office equipment.
Must be able to access and enter information accurately using automated systems.
Must be able to hear and communicate via the telephone and/or monitoring devices to both internal and external clients.
Must be able to present information to individuals and groups.
Must be able to interpret and apply concepts that may or may not be based upon established guidelines.
Must be able to maintain acceptable attendance and adhere to scheduled work hours.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
Must be able to travel, with overnight stays required.