Associate Consultant Leave, Absence & Disability

The Associate Consultant will be part of EPIC’s Life, Absence & Disability practice and will have primary responsibilities for client satisfaction, service delivery and vendor management for life, disability and absence/leave coverages. This role supports EPIC’s consulting team nationwide with management of life, leave and disability programs. By leveraging data and analytics the associate consultant assists in the development of short and long-term strategies and identifies actionable process improvement solutions and favorable plan provisions. They will also be responsible for RFP management, vendor evaluations, special projects, and implementation of products and services.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Support client engagements involving the management of group disability, absence management and life insurance programs
• Serve as primary contact day-to-day contact for clients and their respective vendors
• Organize, develop content, and participate in client meetings
• Communicate industry trends, benchmarks, emerging products and innovative vendors to clients
• Project management, procurement and implementation including but not limited to preparation, management, analysis, and subsequent presentation of Request for Proposals for insured products and ASO and software services
• Serve as an advocate for our clients and maintain positive working relationships with vendor partners
• Serve as project manager for client initiatives, compliance deadlines, communications and annual program deliverables which includes tracking all deliverables and advising client teams and internal teams of status
• Assist in proofing, managing and delivering communication materials for annual enrollment and/or benefit related activities that pertain to the LAD practice
• Review of carrier agreements and policy documents to ensure final documents reflect benefit design and client intent
• Understand and be able to communicate relevant local, state, and federal legislative updates along with steps for adherence and potential collaboration with client’s vendors
• Conduct benchmarking analysis for life, leave, disability and time away plans including sick, vacation, bereavement.
• Manage escalated claim issues to resolution
• Assist in the development of collateral on Life, Absence and Disability topics for internal colleagues as well as client facing materials
• Assist in the building and maintenance of templates for RFPs, benchmarking reports and cost analysis
• Assist in the building and maintenance of a vendor capability database
• Provide support for:
o Vendor procurement
o Paid family and company leave program support
o Statutory program review/design

QUALIFICATIONS
• 5+ years' experience and success in the management of group life, disability, absence programs gained in a carrier, consulting and/or brokerage environment
• Knowledge of federal and state leave and disability regulations
• General understanding of data flow between carrier/TPA partners and client payroll, HRIS and benefit administration systems
• Track record of success in supporting client relationships
• Proven experience in successfully leading projects and providing high touch client service
• Superior ability to collaborate with clients, vendors, internal colleagues and work across all levels of an organization
• Ability to work independently and on a team within a fast paced, deadline driven environment
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Teams, Excel and PowerPoint
• Detail oriented, organized, efficient, and proactive
• Superior written/verbal communication skills – ability to communicate technical concepts using everyday language
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent educational training/business experience
• Residence State Life and Health license required or obtained within 90 days of hire
• Flexible to work outside of normal working hours in support of clients nationwide
• Travel (as needed) with potential for overnight stays

WHY JOIN EPIC? 

• Ranked #17 Top 100 Largest U.S. Broker by Business Insurance
• Awesome Benefits:  401K matching, Generous Time Off Policy, Flexible Work Options, Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Cancer Insurance, Wellness Programs, Employee Award Programs (Trips!).

EPIC embraces diversity in all its various forms—whether it be diversity of thought, background, race, religion, gender, skills or experience. We are committed to fostering a work community where every colleague feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard. It is our belief that diversity drives innovation and that creating an environment where every employee feels included and empowered, helps us to deliver the best outcome to our clients. 

The national average salary for this role is $93,000.00 - $100,000.00 in base pay and exclusive of any bonuses or benefits. The base pay offered will be determined based on your experience, skills, training, certifications and education, while also considering internal equity and market data.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• California Life and Health License; Preferred, or willing to obtain within 90 days of hire;
• Valid Driver License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Ability to travel independently to clients; some air travel may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT and ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. There is no or very limited exposure to physical risk.