Pros
If one is looking to be introduced to working with Medicare, than they may find this position helpful. Also, paid training for approximately 5 - 6 weeks is provided (you must pass a final test). There are 4 - shift times that are offered (Customer Service Department). Having said that you will select your desired start time while you are in training and the supervisor(s) will try to schedule you for what you selected. I was very blessed to get the work schedule that I had selected. Outside of what I have stated there aren't any other pros regarding this particular position (Customer Service) or employer.
Cons
I worked in Customer Service - Government Health Administrators Division. WPS holds contracts with CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), however, you are not a contract employee. You are directly working for WPS. WHAT TO EXPECT - Arrive at work, log onto the computer (Several programs must be accessed daily, so if working with multiple computer programs is not your thing, think carefully before applying), this will take about 5 - 10 minutes, to include logging into your phone. Therefore, do not plan on walking in the door 2 minutes before your shift, because you will be marked as late. Plan to be at your desk 10 – 15 minutes early to make sure that you are able to clock – in on time. Their attendance policy for being late/absent I was never able to understand; it is quite convoluted. From this point you will sit at your desk and take calls back to back, assisting providers with their Medicare claims. You must maintain a minimal amount of time between each phone call and complete your calls within a specified amount of time (Management will let you know that is). NOTE: THIS IS A HIGH PRODUCTIVITY POSITION and your productivity for every phone call will be tracked. At other companies you may wonder where you stand in regards to your job performance. At WPS you will receive weekly performance reports, so you have no doubt where your performance is; and you are given the opportunity to rebut the report. Be forewarned you may be correct in your rebuttal, but the chances of that being correct are slim. I was told this when I first started by another employee, and in fact did experience that. It was quite unfair. JOB STABILITY - This division has made quite a few big changes since obtaining this division from Mutual of Omaha in 2005. This has made for a feeling of instability in my opinion. It leaves you wondering if you will come into work and hear that your position has been eliminated. REASONS I LEFT - You do not receive 15 - minute breaks (this is not a law in Nebraska). However, in this position having a 15 - minute break is needed to allow time for your eyes to relax from looking at the computer all day. Unfortunately, I cannot say that my experience working for this organization was positive/pleasant. I was very tense and stressed out every day, which is not like me. This was attributed to the unfair practices of management, unclear policies and procedures, and inadequate training. If you forget to log one thing on your phone you will be accosted (as I was). I experienced rudeness and unprofessionalism from other employees (despite management’s knowledge). Also, I’ve never experienced working in a such an unwelcoming company. Employees did not smile and they seemed almost disgruntled, but if they were feeling the stress that I was feeling I can certainly understand. I do not believe I was treated fairly at this company; however, I don't hate it. That may seem odd to you that are reading this. However, my take on the situation is that I realize working for WPS is not a fit for everyone. There are employees that have been there for several years, so apparently it's a fit for them. I was looking for a professional, friendly, welcoming, organization where I could grow in my career; WPS was not that place for me. I hoped it would be, but it just wasn’t. BENEFITS - I opted not to take the benefits as I had other coverage. However, I did read over what they offered and I didn't find what they offered to be very good. I did read other reviews for WPS where others have stated that the benefits are constantly changing. I did hear that same sentiment stated by employees while I was working there. Also, the benefits were changed during my time at WPS. So, in this area I cannot offer much information. Just ensure that you inform yourself about the ins and outs of different health insurance policies, so that you can make an informed decision. AREA SPECIFIC - For those in Omaha looking to work here the parking is not ideal. You are provided free parking that is located a city block away. The alternative is to pay daily for the parking garage ($1/Hour and the First 3 – hours are free) or obtain a parking pass from ABM Parking which was about $75/month (which I did and they were very nice and easy to work with). I hope this gives a real look into this position and what to expect in this department. For those that obtain employment with WPS I wish you the best and hope you are happy there.