Due to recent growth, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is seeking new employees at its Iron Range-based Operations Center.

The Eagan-based health plan will have a significant number of job openings for customer service and claims processing positions at its call center in Virginia in the coming months.

The Iron Range Operations Center handles calls from Medicare and Medicaid members, as well as members who purchase individual and family health plans, including through MNsure, the state health exchange.

More than 100 positions were added in the last year, and several more will be opening. Positions in customer service and claims processing will need to be filled by early 2016. Applicants should possess customer service skills along with basic typing, computer navigation ability, critical thinking skills and a high school degree. Advancement opportunities to jobs such as technical specialist, supervisory, and learning and development instruction, are available.

"We've seen a lot of new positions open up and are thrilled to see more opportunities in our northern offices," said Penny Erchul, director of service delivery at the Iron Range Operations Center. "I can say from my own experience that Blue Cross is a wonderful company and a great place to work."

Blue Cross employees receive comprehensive benefits, including health and dental insurance, paid time-off, a Pension Plan, a matching 401(k) retirement plan, numerous health and wellness programs and more. Depending on the position, some employees are able to telecommute, working out of their home or at another offsite location. All new customer service and claims employees will receive a minimum of eight weeks of training.

"You don't have to understand the ins and outs of the health care industry to apply," said Chrissy Carlson, regional office director of claims. "When you come to Blue Cross, you'll be fully trained to be able to do your job. From there, you can keep learning and growing into new positions. We encourage that."

The Operations Center, which opened in 2002, has seen strong growth since its opening. With more than 400 employees at its facilities in Virginia and Aurora, Blue Cross is proud to have become one of the largest employers on the Iron Range.

To apply, go to www.bluecrossmn.com and click on the Careers tab.

IRRRB provided assistance to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota for development of its Iron Range customer service centers.

Pictured above: Kristen Gauthier responds to a member call at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota customer service center in Virginia.