Customer Service Representative

Independent Health Association; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 21,593 - 30,754; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Health benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Independent Health Association is seeking full-time Customer Service Representatives starting on September 8th, 2026. The role includes a paid, on-site training period of approximately 10 weeks followed by a transition to a hybrid work arrangement.

The CSR will provide excellent customer service, assist members with inquiries and maintain accurate documentation of all interactions. The pay rate is $19 per hour, with additional opportunities for incentives and a range of benefits.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in customer service required.
• Experience in a call center is preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service and respond to inquiries.
• Maintain technical knowledge of contracts and benefits.
• Document all interactions accurately.

Skills

Customer service experience

Communication skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Office proficiency

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

FIND YOUR FUTURE

We're excited about the potential people bring to our organization. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits and a culture that fosters growth, innovation and collaboration.

We're excited to announce an excellent opportunity for full-time Customer Service Representatives starting on September 8th, 2026.

Training

• Approximately 10 weeks of paid, on-site training
• Monday-Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30pm
• Location: 250 Essjay Rd., Williamsville, NY

Schedule

• After training, this role transitions to a hybrid work arrangement
• You'll be assigned a regular shift between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM
• Shift Preferences will be discussed after training
• Occasional Overtime may be required, including holidays and weekends, based on business needs

Pay Rate

• $19 per hour

Overview

The Customer Service Representative (CSR) is responsible for displaying confidence, passion for service, and practicing empathetic listening while connecting to Independent Health members. The CSR actively listens, assesses needs and utilizes system tools and resources to address and resolve inquiries. In addition, the CSR makes appropriate process or regulatory determinations and follows escalation procedures when deemed appropriate. The CSR is called on to research complex issues pertaining to benefits, claims, plans, and eligibility across multiple databases which requires fluency in computer navigation and toggling while confidently and compassionately engaging with the member.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience and success working in a customer service focused environment required.
• Previous experience working in a call center preferred.
• Knowledge of CPT codes, ICD-9 coding, and medical terminology preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate with internal and external customers effectively and efficiently. Must be able to work collaboratively.
• Ability to think critically and listen with intent to understand.
• Ability to adapt behavior based on constructive feedback to improve job performance.
• Proficient in problem solving and ability to prioritize accordingly.
• Microsoft Office experience required with the ability to talk and type simultaneously. Must demonstrate proficiency in balancing keyboard accuracy with speed, the ability to correctly transmit data, and the ability to work efficiently while producing excellent customer service experiences.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to assume responsibility and maintain confidentiality. Strong sense of accountability is required.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as required by department. Flexibility in shift assignment required. Must have availability to work a shift between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during normal business hours. Weekend shifts and holidays may occasionally be required.
• Ability and willingness to meet with customers face to face at alternate locations when business needs require.
• Proven examples of displaying the IH values: Passionate, Caring, Respectful, Trustworthy, Collaborative and Accountable.

Essential Accountabilities

Service Customers

• Provide excellent customer service when responding to customers and de-escalate customers as needed.
• Relay accurate and up-to-date information on policies and procedures and communicate a successful resolution to inquiries.
• Document all calls accurately and timely.
• Escalate issues to the appropriate resources as outlined in policy and procedure guides.
• Meet or exceed all quality, productivity, accuracy, and call identification goals as stated in the most current departmental policy.

Maintain Core Knowledge

• Maintain technical knowledge regarding Independent Health's contracts and benefits and working knowledge of policies, procedures, and updates daily.
• Attend required training sessions as needed (including remote and onsite learning).
• Provide accurate and up-to-date information to all customers by documenting all pertinent information into appropriate systems to meet regulatory agency standards.

Technology Requirements

Utilize multiple systems and tools to obtain needed information related, but not limited to:

• Claims
• Enrollment
• Authorizations
• Finance
• Accounts Receivable
• Reference Screens
• Providers

• Ability to determine claim status and whether claim is adjudicated properly. Must have knowledge and ability to make claim adjustments using established criteria.

Immigration or work visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position

Compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to skills, education, location and experience.

In addition to base compensation, associates may be eligible for a scorecard incentive, full range of benefits and generous paid time off. The base salary range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer, Independent Health and its affiliates will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship and immigration status, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law. Click here for additional EEO/AAP or Reasonable Accommodation information.

Current Associates must apply internally via the Job Hub app.