Billing and Collections Specialist at Assurant - Bothell, WA (Remote Opportunity)

Are you passionate about helping people navigate their financial obligations while providing outstanding customer service? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your negotiation skills and problem-solving abilities can make a real difference? If so, Assurant is looking for a dedicated and results-oriented Billing and Collections Specialist to join our team in Bothell, Washington. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a leading global provider of risk management solutions while enjoying a rewarding career with excellent benefits and growth potential. Plus, enjoy the flexibility of remote work after initial training!

Role Overview

As a Billing and Collections Specialist, you will be responsible for contacting former tenants to discuss outstanding debts, negotiating payment plans, and resolving disputes. You'll utilize state-of-the-art software and innovative techniques to investigate, negotiate, and facilitate resolutions. This role requires resilience, persistence, and strong communication skills to navigate challenging situations and maintain composure under pressure. We'll provide you with comprehensive paid training on relevant laws, regulations, and best practices to equip you for success.

A Day in the Life of a Billing and Collections Specialist

Here's a glimpse into your daily routine as a Billing and Collections Specialist at Assurant:

• Morning: Start your day by reviewing your assigned accounts and prioritizing those requiring immediate attention. Check for any new information or updates on existing cases.
• Outreach: Make outbound calls to former tenants, initiating conversations about their outstanding balances. Actively listen to their concerns and challenges, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
• Negotiation: Discuss various payment options and negotiate mutually agreeable payment plans that align with the tenant's financial situation and Assurant's policies.
• Documentation: Meticulously document all communication and actions taken on each account in the collections software system.
• Dispute Resolution: Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies or disputes raised by tenants, working collaboratively with internal teams to gather necessary information.
• Compliance: Adhere to all State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to debt collection practices, ensuring ethical and compliant behavior.
• Team Collaboration: Participate in team meetings to share best practices, discuss challenging cases, and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Training and Development: Continue to expand your knowledge and skills through ongoing training programs and resources provided by Assurant.
• Afternoon: Continue outbound calls, focusing on accounts requiring follow-up or those nearing critical deadlines. Process payments received and update account information accordingly.
• Wrap-Up: Review your daily progress, identify any outstanding tasks, and prepare for the next day's activities.

Why Bothell, Washington?

While this role offers the flexibility of remote work after training, our Bothell, WA office serves as the hub for your initial onboarding and ongoing collaboration. Bothell offers a fantastic quality of life, combining the charm of a smaller city with easy access to the amenities of Seattle. Here are just a few reasons to love Bothell:

• Beautiful Scenery: Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Bothell is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including lush forests, picturesque rivers, and breathtaking mountain views.
• Thriving Community: Bothell boasts a vibrant and welcoming community with a strong sense of local pride. You'll find numerous community events, farmers markets, and local businesses to explore.
• Excellent Schools: Bothell is known for its top-rated schools, making it an ideal place to raise a family.
• Outdoor Recreation: With its close proximity to hiking trails, parks, and waterways, Bothell offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing.
• Convenient Location: Bothell is conveniently located near major highways, providing easy access to Seattle and other surrounding areas.
• Growing Economy: Bothell's economy is thriving, with a diverse mix of industries, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Career Path

Assurant is committed to fostering the growth and development of its employees. The Billing and Collections Specialist role provides a solid foundation for career advancement within the company. Here are some potential career paths you could pursue:

• Senior Collections Specialist: Demonstrate exceptional performance and expertise in debt collection to advance to a senior-level role, where you may mentor and train junior team members.
• Team Lead: Lead a team of Collections Specialists, providing guidance, support, and performance management to ensure team goals are met.
• Collections Supervisor: Oversee the day-to-day operations of a collections department, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations, and driving overall team performance.
• Quality Assurance Specialist: Focus on ensuring the quality and accuracy of collections processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing best practices.
• Training Specialist: Develop and deliver training programs for new and existing Collections Specialists, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.
• Management Roles: With continued growth and development, you could advance to various management roles within the collections department or other areas of the company.

Salary & Benefits

Assurant offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent. Here's what you can expect as a Billing and Collections Specialist:

• Base Pay: $20 per hour.
• Commission: Uncapped commission potential, allowing you to earn significantly more based on your performance.
• Earning Potential: New employees can expect to earn an average of $60,000 - $75,000 in their first year, with the potential to reach $70,000 - $100,000 in their second year (income is performance-driven).
• Health and Wellbeing: Comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits starting on day 1 of employment, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement: Competitive 401(k) match to help you save for your future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday time off to support a healthy work/life balance.
• Work/Life Balance: Healthy work/life balance with no late night or weekend hours.
• Training and Development: Ongoing training and growth potential to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• New Hire Bonus: $500 new hire bonus upon completion of the required in-person training period.

Culture at Assurant

Assurant is committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Here are some key aspects of our company culture:

• Integrity: We operate with the highest ethical standards, always doing what is right for our customers and employees.
• Collaboration: We foster a collaborative and team-oriented environment where everyone's contributions are valued.
• Innovation: We encourage innovation and creativity, constantly seeking new and better ways to serve our customers.
• Customer Focus: We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships.
• Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.
• Employee Development: We invest in our employees' growth and development, providing opportunities for training, advancement, and personal fulfillment.

How to Apply

If you are ready to take on these challenges, demonstrate your exceptional skills, and contribute to our team's success in debt collection, we invite you to apply for the Billing and Collections Specialist position. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal. We look forward to hearing from you!

FAQ

1. What is the training period like? Our comprehensive training program covers State and Federal laws pertaining to collections, our software applications, and effective negotiation and dispute resolution techniques. We even pay for you to take the American Collectors Association Exam!
2. What are the internet requirements for remote work? You must have internet services with a minimum download speed of 15 Mbps and a minimum upload speed of 3 Mbps.
3. How is performance measured? Performance is primarily measured by meeting or exceeding monthly collection targets while maintaining quality customer service and compliance.
4. What opportunities are there for advancement? Assurant offers numerous career paths, including Senior Collections Specialist, Team Lead, Collections Supervisor, and roles in Quality Assurance and Training.
5. What is the company culture like? Assurant fosters a collaborative, innovative, and customer-focused culture where employees feel valued and respected.
6. What benefits are offered? We offer competitive base pay, uncapped commission, comprehensive health benefits, a 401(k) match, generous PTO, and a healthy work/life balance.
7. Is this a remote position? Yes, this is a remote position once the in-person training period in Bothell, WA is completed. Employees must reside within a 100-mile radius of the Bothell office.
8. What kind of software will I be using? You will be using state-of-the-art collections software designed to streamline the debt collection process.
9. What support is provided for handling difficult customers? You will receive training on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, and management support is available for complex situations.
10. What if I don't have prior collections experience? While experience is a plus, we provide comprehensive training, and we value candidates with strong customer service and negotiation skills.

Join us in making a difference in the financial industry and helping customers navigate their debt responsibilities with professionalism and empathy!