Bilingual Customer Service Representative (French)

Location: 

New Haven, CT, US, 06510

Category:  Operations Support

Feel Good About Doing Good

The Knights of Columbus is a tax-exempt Catholic fraternal benefit society that provides financial security to members and their families through our life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, investment and annuity products. Charity is at the core of our missions: our profits are donated to help those in need and to support our faith - $1.73B over the past ten years.

 

While we have many employees who are not Catholic, we follow the Church’s teachings in our investment strategies and our employee benefits. As part of our religious mission, we support the pro-life cause by contributing to the March for Life and pregnancy resource centers, we oppose assisted suicide and euthanasia, we are evangelists for the Catholic faith, and we help Christians who are facing religious persecution in the Middle East.  We all work together to support our two million members as they volunteer to help others in their parishes and communities around the world.

 

Share Your Talent. Live Your Purpose.

We are a growing and purpose-driven community of professionals. Join us to discover how you can meet your goals and ours!

Overview

Responds to a wide range of phone and email inquiries in French, providing detailed knowledge of the Order's insurance, annuity product offerings and fraternal organization utilizing all information systems data as appropriate and within guidelines. At all times, maintains professional, courteous and positive image to reflect positively on the Order's image and business operations.

Core Responsibilities

information systems data as appropriate to release information.

 

  • Engages caller, asks probing questions, as necessary, to determine the nature of the call and analyzes the issues of concern. Uses KofC online systems to search for and secure the information needed to answer the callers inquiry and provide the appropriate response. Responds to general and detailed questions from policyholders and field force on life insurance (old and new), ownership rights, cash values, accounting and taxation, tax sheltered/non tax sheltered annuities (FPA, SPA, Vantage) and SPIA, settlement options and fraternal rules as appropriate and within guidelines.
  • Follows procedures for release of specific policyholder information; assesses customer and field force needs for Home Office assistance. Forwards standard or special action requests to appropriate department to comply with callers request for written correspondence.
  • Reviews and determines nature of email inquiries, analyzes the issues and either responds or directs the inquiry to the proper department. Serves as liaison between KofCs website and its departments.
  • Performs other customer service-related duties in French/English, and translates for other business areas.
  • Routinely reads departmental communications, product updates and other tools to stay current with organizational developments.
  • Performs other customer service related duties as requested by supervisor.

 

Skills Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree or currently pursuing preferred
  • Experience providing outstanding customer service by showcasing expertise, fostering trust, and growing customer satisfaction
  • An effective communicator who understands the importance of listening, being empathetic, and remaining professional in a conversational manner
  • Solid written communication skills
  • Ability to work and grow in a fast-paced, high-volume call center environment
  • Willingness to learn new skills and ability to adjust to changes quickly
  • Open to feedback to support your performance and development
  • Solid computer and multi-tasking skills
  • Ability to speak French Canadian. Salary commensurates with bi-lingual proficiency.

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree or currently pursuing preferred
  • Experience providing outstanding customer service by showcasing expertise, fostering trust, and growing customer satisfaction
  • An effective communicator who understands the importance of listening, being empathetic, and remaining professional in a conversational manner
  • Solid written communication skills
  • Ability to work and grow in a fast-paced, high-volume call center environment
  • Willingness to learn new skills and ability to adjust to changes quickly
  • Open to feedback to support your performance and development
  • Solid computer and multi-tasking skills
  • Ability to speak French Canadian or Spanish is a plus but not required. Salary commensurates with bi-lingual proficiency.

Compensation

The wage range for this role takes into account a broad array of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.  The range below applies as long as the work is performed in Connecticut; the Knights of Columbus reserves the right to adjust the wage range if the position is performed in another location.  At the Knights of Columbus, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $41,000-63,500.

Authorization to work in the United States is required.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. 

Physical Demands

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for a majority of the workday.

KofC Cares

Our mission is focused on family and faith, and we support our employees in seeking a balanced life.

 

Employee benefits include:

 

Time Away: 13 paid holidays per year in addition to vacation and paid sick leave, and flexible workweek schedules.

 

Professional Development: Certifications, designation, and tuition reimbursement.

 

Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching company contributions, and cash balance retirement plans fully funded by the company.

 

Health and Wellness:

 

  • Short-term disability and term life insurance fully paid for by the company;
  • Up to 12 weeks of childbirth leave under STD policy.
  • One week of fully paid parental leave for all new parents, including adoptive and foster parents.
  • A variety of health insurance options, including premium-level family coverage and a pre-tax Health Savings Account with employer contributions. The Order's health plans do not cover abortion, sterilization, or contraception, and the Order has helped advocate for other employers who do not want to provide coverage.
  • Long-term disability insurance;
  • Dental insurance;
  • Vision insurance;
  • Health club membership reimbursement;
  • Employee Assistance Program

 


Nearest Major Market: New Haven
Nearest Secondary Market: Hartford