Employee Benefits Client Associate

Ross & Yerger Insurance, Inc.; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Ross & Yerger Insurance, Inc. is seeking an Employee Benefits Client Associate to support client managers and producers in delivering high‑quality service to employer group clients.

You will handle day‑to‑day service needs, enrollment activities, and renewal support, while developing technical expertise and client relationship skills to advance toward a Client Manager role. Colleagues work closely with insurance carriers and internal teams to ensure accurate account administration, timely

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in employee benefits or related field is required.
• Ability to explain benefit information clearly to diverse clients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and agency systems.
• Licensure in Life & Health within 6 months of hire is expected.

Responsibilities

• Respond to client inquiries via phone and in person about coverage, enrollment, claims, and plan changes.
• Process enrollment forms, changes, terminations, and benefit summaries per carrier requirements.
• Maintain proactive client communication and keep managers informed of key activity.
• Assist with annual renewal processes, data gathering, and carrier proposals.
• Manage files in the agency management system and ensure compliant handling of sensitive information.
• Support ACA, COBRA, HIPAA compliance and related activities as directed.

Skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Self-management

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Employee Navigator

ADP

Ease

Job description

Summary

The Employee Benefits Client Associate is a foundational role within the Employee Benefits Division, designed as a structured pathway to becoming a Client Manager. In this capacity, the Client Associate works directly alongside Client Managers and Producers to deliver high-quality service to employer group clients — managing day‑to‑day service needs, supporting renewal activities, and building the technical expertise and client relationship skills necessary to advance. The Client Associate serves as a liaison between insurance carriers, group clients, and internal team members, ensuring timely communication, accurate account administration, and a consistent client experience that reflects the Ross & Yerger standard of service

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Client Relationship Management

• Respond to client inquiries via phone and in person, assisting with questions related to existing coverage, enrollment, claims, and plan changes.
• Obtain, process, and track enrollment forms, change forms, terminations, and benefit summaries in accordance with carrier and client requirements.
• Maintain proactive communication with clients throughout the plan year, anticipating needs and resolving issues with minimal direction.
• Explain benefit coverage, plan exclusions, and carrier procedures to clients and their employees in a clear and professional manner.
• Keep Client Managers and Producers informed of significant account activity, client escalations, and unresolved items.

Renewal and Market Management

• Assist Client Managers in preparing for and executing the annual renewal process, including gathering census data, submitting RFPs, and organizing carrier proposals.
• Generate coverage comparisons and benefit summaries to support renewal presentations and client decision‑making.
• Communicate preliminary renewal terms to clients and coordinate follow‑up actions under the direction of the Client Manager and Producer.
• Obtain and submit group premium, enrollment contracts, and coverage agreements to carriers in a timely manner.

Compliance and Administration

• Maintain organized and up‑to‑date group account files within the Agency Management System, documenting all client interactions, benefit changes, and carrier correspondence.
• Manage a personal follow‑up and suspense file to ensure outstanding items are tracked and resolved within expected timeframes.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of rating applications and procedures across group benefit product lines, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefits.
• Utilize carrier portals and industry websites to obtain plan information, certificates of coverage, and other client‑facing materials.
• Conduct all client and carrier interactions in a manner that minimizes exposure to errors and omissions.
• Support compliance‑related activities including ACA reporting assistance, COBRA notifications, and HIPAA‑compliant handling of protected health information.
• Escalate complex compliance questions or high‑risk situations to the Client Manager or Department Manager promptly.

Professional Development and Collaboration

• Actively pursue training, licensure, and continuing education to build proficiency in employee benefits products, compliance, and brokerage operations.
• Maintain all required state licenses throughout employment, including Life & Health licensure obtained within six months of hire.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and participating in department initiatives.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and commitment to the skills and competencies required for advancement to the Client Manager role.

Requirements

Required

• Life & Health License required within 6 months of employment; satisfactory employment record maintained throughout.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in employee benefits, health insurance, customer service, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to clearly convey benefit information to diverse client audiences.
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to manage multiple accounts and deadlines simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); basic data entry and agency management system skills.
• Demonstrated ability to self‑manage workload, prioritize tasks, and follow through on commitments without close supervision.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; combination of education and relevant experience considered.
• Prior experience in an insurance brokerage, TPA, or carrier environment.
• Familiarity with benefits administration platforms such as Employee Navigator, ADP, Ease, or similar systems.
• Working knowledge of ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA compliance requirements.
• Pursuit of or interest in professional designations such as GBA, CEBS, or RHU.