Disability Underwriting Specialist

Job Description: Underwriter Trainee

Employment Type: Full-time

Location Type: [Not specified]

Salary:

• Pay Range - Start: $52,220.00
• Pay Range - End: $96,980.00
• Geographic Specific Pay Structure:
  • 170 - Structure 110 (Exempt): $57,470.00 USD - $106,730.00 USD
  • 170 - Structure 115 (Exempt): $60,060.00 USD - $111,540.00 USD

Note on Compensation: We believe in fairness and transparency. Salary ranges are provided, but final salaries depend on candidate skills and experience, market conditions, location, and other factors identified during hiring. Standard pay structures are listed, but geographic-specific structures may apply in eligible locations like California or New York City.

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Position Overview

This role involves building relationships with Financial Advisors and internal partners. You will develop the skills necessary to underwrite Disability insurance policies in an inclusive and fast-paced environment, ensuring all quality, service, and production goals are met.

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Key Responsibilities

Field & Client Experience

• Maintain credible and effective relations and communications with the field and customers.
• Provide guidance and assistance to the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and Financial Representatives regarding case underwriting and risk appraisal.
• Handle prescreen inquiries with guidance.

Underwriting

• Analyze and appraise a broad range of insurance applications; approve, classify, or decline applications for various ages and policy amounts with guidance.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of application review and adherence to underwriting standards, Northwestern Mutual (NM) product types, and changes.
• Develop and demonstrate change agility while maintaining mortality and morbidity expectations.
• Show continuous learning through early adoption of new underwriting methods.
• Develop a basic understanding of financial, medical, and lay underwriting assessments, and reinsurance programs.
• Underwrite applications, maintaining industry-leading mortality and morbidity, and providing the best possible offer.
• Manage cases and requirements actively, providing customized service with guidance.
• Communicate and negotiate with Field Partners to explain modified or declined decisions and assist in policy placement.
• Actively utilize effective methods to obtain necessary information, including internet searches, digital health data, direct contact with the insured, and communication with third-party advisors (Accountants, Attorneys, etc.), with guidance.
• Adhere to procedures and regulatory processes.
• Understand and meet all quality, service, and production goals.
• Solve issues and escalations with guidance.
• Discuss cases with peer reviewers and medical and technical staff as needed.
• Partner with Underwriting Support for case management.
• May serve as an underwriting representative for product process improvements in collaboration with functional partners.

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Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment in rule application.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to handle confidential information, exercise tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness.
• Proficient computer skills and experience with various software packages.
• Ability to work accurately while maintaining speed and flexibility in both team and independent production environments.
• Highly organized with the ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Displays agility to manage multiple tasks and adapt in a changing work environment.
• Candidates must successfully complete and pass any required testing.

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Application & Hiring Process

• Target Start Date: October 6th, 2025
• Hiring Process Duration: Approximately 6-8 weeks from application entry to offer.