Life and Annuity Claims Specialist II

Individual Markets - Annuity Claims Specialist (SO2)

At Guardian, we live our Purpose every day. As champions of wellbeing for ourselves, our communities, and consumers, we focus as a team to turn what's possible into a reality. We create experiences for you to grow and enrich your career and future as an Annuity Claims Specialist. We believe in your aspirations for purpose, leadership, and achievement in your professional and personal lives.

We will help build the core competencies you will need to be a successful Annuity Claims Specialist. In your first year, we will provide extensive training in a highly supportive environment. If you have an internal drive to investigate using your critical thinking skills, assess complex policy matters, and can manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines, this is your opportunity to make a difference, grow your career, and be a part of moving the organization into the future.

In the role, you will:

• Be responsible for timely and accurate adjudication of individual annuity claims, ensuring compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
• Work within a team providing strong customer service, making thoughtful decisions on claims involving multiple beneficiaries, trusts, estate settlements, or contested designations.
• Review annuity contracts, riders, and payout options (e.g., lump sum, annuitization, structured settlements) to ensure proper claims handling.
• Manage complex, high-value claims with precision to minimize financial risk and ensure accurate payouts.
• Identify discrepancies in beneficiary designations, missing paperwork, or conflicting legal documents, resolving issues in a timely and efficient manner.
• Maintain composure and direction in high-pressure situations, especially in dealing with grieving beneficiaries or legal representatives.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, underwriting, and financial teams to ensure claim accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Leverage claims systems, workflow tools, and automation to streamline processes and reduce manual tasks.
• Develop critical thinking to issue spot and identify resources needed to assist in making claim determinations.

You have:

• A college or university degree or the equivalent work experience that provides knowledge and exposure to claims, service, or other related principles and concepts.
• At least two years of claim-related work experience (Annuity Claims preferred), with a strong understanding of annuity products, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
• Advanced technical and industry knowledge, including complex claims handling, regulatory expertise (state insurance laws, unclaimed property laws, IRS Form 1099-R), and contract interpretation.
• Expert-level analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in fraud detection, risk assessment, and resolving discrepancies in beneficiary designations or legal documentation.
• Strong communication skills, particularly in handling sensitive matters with grieving beneficiaries, legal representatives, and financial advisors.
• Proven ability to negotiate and resolve disputes over claims, including legal interpretations and service delays.
• Experience in managing high-volume claims processing, ensuring speed and accuracy while adhering to deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing tasks and manage large caseloads effectively.
• A strong understanding of the latest regulatory and industry updates, with the ability to stay informed on changing compliance requirements.
• Leadership capabilities, including mentoring junior adjudicators, sharing insights on complex cases, and contributing to policy/process improvements.

Reporting Relationships
As an Annuity Claims Specialist, you will report to our Claims Manager, who reports to our Head of Life and Annuity Claims.

• The primary office location for this position is remote with occasional travel to our Bethlehem, PA, or Pittsfield, MA offices to meet business needs.

Salary Range:

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise

At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals.  Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.

Inspire Well-Being

As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact applicant_accommodation@glic.com.

Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.