Client Associate Jobs in Ocean Springs, MS (NOW HIRING)

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.

About Ross & Yerger

Since 1860, Ross & Yerger, a Top 100 Independent Insurance Agency headquartered in Jackson, MS, has had an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of its employees, clients, and community. As a perennial “Best Place to Work” organization and one of Mississippi’s healthiest workplaces, we nurture a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement. It’s in that spirit that we offer tremendous benefits including competitive compensation, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, continuing education reimbursement and generous Paid Time Off.

Note: This job description is not all-inclusive and may be supplemented as business conditions change.