Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (6 Months with possibility of extension) Industry: Financial Services / Life Insurance Salary: Competitive Market Rate (Hourly/Monthly)
In the world of life insurance, the “Claim” is the moment of truth. It is the moment a promise made to a client years ago is finally kept. A leading Life Insurance insurer is currently seeking a meticulous and empathetic Claims Administrative Assistant to join their Retail Life division on a contract basis.
This is an urgent requirement for a professional who can hit the ground running. As the intake volume for claims rises (due to seasonal spikes or backlog clearing), the claims team needs a steady hand to manage the administrative flow. This role is the “engine room” of the department, ensuring that Assessors have the right documents at the right time to make decisions that financially support grieving families.
If you are an organized administrator looking to gain specialized experience in the insurance sector, or a seasoned claims admin looking for a new project, this contract offers the perfect blend of operational rigor and meaningful work.
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Table of Contents
Background & Job Description
Retail Life Insurance refers to policies sold to individuals (not groups/companies), covering Death, Disability, and Critical Illness. The claims process for these policies is document-heavy and legally sensitive.
The Claims Administrative Assistant supports the Claims Assessors and Forensic team. You are not making the decision on whether to pay the claim; you are preparing the file so they can make the decision. You are the first line of defense against missing information and the primary organizer of the case file.
This position fits into broader organizational goals by improving Turnaround Times (TAT). A claim cannot be assessed until the death certificate, ID copies, and medical reports are perfectly filed. Your efficiency directly impacts how quickly a beneficiary receives their payout.
Key Responsibilities
This role requires a balance of high-speed data processing and high-empathy communication.
- Claims Intake & Triage:
- Monitor the central claims email inbox and physical mail.
- Register new claims on the administration system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or proprietary insurance software).
- Classify claims by type (Death, Retrenchment, Disability) and assign them to the correct Assessor queue.
- Document Verification (The “Gatekeeper” Role):
- Review submitted documents against a checklist.
- Verify certification of documents (e.g., ensuring the Death Certificate is computerized and stamped by the correct authority).
- Follow-up: Proactively contact financial advisors, doctors’ offices, or beneficiaries to request missing or illegible documents.
- Communication & Stakeholder Management:
- Send automated (or manual) status updates to clients: “We have received your documents.”
- Handle basic telephonic queries from beneficiaries regarding the status of their claim with extreme sensitivity and professionalism.
- Data Integrity:
- Update banking details for payment (ensuring strict adherence to anti-fraud protocols).
- Archive closed claims files in compliance with the POPI/GDPR Act (data privacy).
Claims Administrative Assistant – Retail Life Insurance (6-Month Contract)
Qualifications
Since this is a contract role, the company needs someone who requires minimal training on basic admin protocols.
Education
- High School Diploma / Matric: Mandatory.
- Tertiary Certificate: A certificate in Office Administration, Business Management, or Introduction to Insurance is highly advantageous.
Experience
- Admin Experience: Minimum 1–2 years of general administrative experience in a corporate environment.
- Industry Experience: Prior experience in Insurance (Life or Short Term), Medical Aid, or a Legal Office is strongly preferred. Familiarity with medical terminology or legal documents (like Estates/Wills) is a massive plus.
- Tech Stack: Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel). Experience with a CRM or Workflow system is essential.
Core Competencies
- Empathy: You will be dealing with people who have just lost a loved one. Your tone must be patient and kind, even when chasing paperwork.
- Attention to Detail: A wrong digit in a policy number or bank account can cause massive delays. Precision is non-negotiable.
Why Apply for This Position
1. Foot in the Door The insurance industry is notoriously hard to break into without experience. A contract role like this effectively “auditions” you. If you perform well, you become the first candidate considered for permanent roles or Assessor Trainee programs.
2. Recession-Proof Skill Set Learning how to process Life Insurance claims is a specialized skill. Once you understand the regulatory requirements (what a valid death certificate looks like, how to spot fraud), you become employable at any insurance company.
3. “Instant” Impact In a contract role, you aren’t bogged down in months of strategy meetings. You are there to do a specific job. There is satisfaction in clearing a backlog and knowing that 50 families got paid this week because you organized the files.
Application Tips & Insights
1. The “Empathy” Keyword In your cover letter, explicitly mention your ability to handle sensitive situations.
- Example: “In my previous role at [Company], I handled client queries with empathy and discretion, understanding that efficiency reduces stress for the client.”
2. Highlight Document Handling Did you manage a filing system? Did you have to verify IDs? Be specific.
- Bad: “I did admin.”
- Good: “I managed the intake of 50+ case files per week, verifying statutory documents and flagging discrepancies before passing to management.”
3. Address the “Contract” Nature State clearly that you are available immediately. Contract recruiters love candidates who have no notice period or a short (1 week) notice period.
Additional Information
- Duration: 6 Months (Fixed Term).
- Location: Hybrid (Processing often requires some office time for physical files, but remote data entry is possible).
- Work Hours: Standard business hours (08:00 – 17:00).
- Start Date: Immediate / ASAP.
How to Apply
- Prepare: Ensure your CV highlights your speed and accuracy.
- Apply: Submit via the company portal or job board (LinkedIn/Indeed).
- Subject Line: If emailing directly, use: “Application: Claims Admin Assistant (Contract) – [Your Name]”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a possibility of permanency? A: In Claims departments, yes. High-volume administrative teams often convert high-performing contractors when a permanent headcount opens up, as it saves them training a new person.
Q: Do I need to know medical terminology? A: It helps, but for an Assistant role, it’s not usually mandatory. You just need to know that “ICU Report” goes in the “Medical” folder. The Assessor reads the actual medical content.
Q: What is the dress code? A: Corporate professional. Even if you are back-office, insurance companies maintain a formal standard.
Suggested Focus Keywords
Claims Assistant Jobs, Life Insurance Administration, Contract Insurance Jobs, Claims Processing, Retail Life Insurance, Administrative Assistant Finance, Entry Level Insurance Jobs, Claims Intake
