At American Equity Investment Life Holding Company®we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.
Service Specialist II is responsible for providing a top-notch experience for our internal and external customers via omni-channels of communication by responding to customer questions and completing transactions regarding annuity accounts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responds to internal / external customer calls, emails and other forms of communications, resolving inquiries promptly, efficiently and professionally.
- Maages large amounts of inbound and outbound calls in a timely manner in a fast-paced environment.
- Communicates answers and solutions to customers verbally and/or in writing
- Available to answer calls, uses appropriate aux codes when unavailable to take calls due to breaks, training, projects or lunch.
- Researches questions and/or issues to identify causes and solutions and/or to disseminate accurate information to customers.
- Meets or exceeds department standards by adhering to schedule, providing accurate information, using soft phone skill techniques, and following all other performance metrics defined by Customer Excellence.
- Assists other teams within operations depending on business needs.
- Updates contracts promptly with notes so the most current information is readily available to all company personnel.
- Utilizes and navigates multiple computer systems, applications, and procedure tools to access and identify information.
- Initiates and takes ownership in creating solutions, answering questions and finding information for internal and external customers.
- Collaborates with teammates in creating solutions for different customer issues and situations.
- Actively collaborates with manager and team on ideas and ways to improve efficiencies in department; collaborates and works with team promoting a positive and professional work environment.
- Regularly communicates status of pending work and promptly responds to manager emails requiring a response.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Partners with Quality Control to ensure company reputation is upheld.
- Identifies red flags for customer fraud and report.
- Manages processing tasks in a timely manner in a fast-paced environment.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports: 0
General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3 downs): 0
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED); plus a minimum of one (1) year of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in a business environment.
- Experience and understanding of insurance and related products preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must possess computer skills, type 40+ wpm accurately and know how to operate a computer, as well as computer programs and applications.
- Strong customer service orientation with a pleasant demeanor.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
- Ability to relay thoughts, opinions and ideas clearly.
- Mathematical skills and strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, customers, and other outside third parties.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- The ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
- Effective time management skills.
- Ability to actively listen to internal/external customers.
- Willingness to learn.