Long Term Disability Claims Specialist I

Job Location: Virtual, but must be commutable to the Tampa, FL office.Employees are required to come into the office for training.After training, employees are to report to the office 1x a month.Key Responsibilities:Virtual roles predominately work from a home office with periodic visits to the assigned office as needed for team events, meetings, training, business continuity, etc.Effectively manages some level of oversight an assigned caseload which consists of pending, ongoing/active reviews. The LTD CS will be evaluated for increases in their authority levels as they become more experienced in their decision-making and demonstrate consistency in meeting all key performance indicatorsProvides timely, balanced and accurate claims reviews, documentation and recommended decisions in a time sensitive and fast-paced environment and in accordance with state and department of insurance regulations.Develop actions plans and identify return to work potentialProvides frequent, proactive verbal communication with our claimants and/or their representatives demonstrating empathy and active listening while providing clear updates, direction and explanations regarding the claim process, benefits and other pertinent plan provisions. These calls are used to gather essential details regarding medical condition(s) and treatment, occupational demands, financial information and any other information that may be pertinent to the evaluation of the claim. Once telephone calls are completed, you will be required to document the conversation within the claim file in a timely manner utilizing the appropriate level of detail and professional writing skillsInteracts and communicates effectively with claimants, customers, attorneys, brokers, and family members during claim evaluationsCompiles file documentation and correspondence requiring extensive policy and factual detail. Analyzes information to determine if additional information is needed to make a reasonable and logical claims determination based off the information availableCollaborates with both external and internal resources, such as physicians, attorneys, clinical/vocational consultants as needed to gather data such as medical/occupational information in order to ensure reasonable, thorough decisions.Clarifies and reconciles inconsistencies when gathering information during claim evaluations and collaborates with Fraud Waste and Abuse resources as neededAddresses and resolves escalated customer complaints in a timely and thorough manner. Identifies and refers appropriate matters to our appeals, complaint, or litigation support areas.Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills:Required:New hires should live a commutable distance from the site the role is posted inHigh School DiplomaMinimum 2 years of experience in external customer service or related experienceDemonstrated critical thinking in activities requiring analysis, investigation, and/or planningCreative problem-solving abilities and the ability to think outside the boxExcellent interpersonal and communication skills in both verbal and written formExcellent customer service skills proven through internal and external customer interactionsOrganizational and time management skillsPreferred:Bachelor's degreeBusiness CategoryOperations - ClaimsAt MetLife, we're leading the global transformation of an industry we've long defined. United in purpose, diverse in perspective, we're dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers.Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/VeteransIf you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at accommodations@metlife.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.