March 14, 2012 -- Asurion, a global provider in technology protection services, announced this week that it hopes to hire more than 200 people in the Yuma area over the coming months to work as customer service representatives.

They would be able to work at home as they assist customers with the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged cell phone devices as well as offer roadside assistance. They will respond to inbound calls but won't do any outbound calling.

Asurion will begin adding Virtual Contact Center professionals immediately and will continue hiring throughout 2012, according to the company. In addition to paying an above-market wage of $10 per hour for bilingual associates, Asurion offers full benefits, including health insurance, vacation, performance bonuses and a 401(k) program.

In cooperation with Yuma Private Industry Council and Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp., Asurion will be hosting events in Yuma to attract potential employees.

Interested job applicants should visit YPIC at 3826 W. 16th St. to learn more about Asurion's work-at-home model and how to apply. For hours of operation, visit www.ypic.com.

Also, YPIC and Asurion will be at the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Air Show Saturday to offer information about the Virtual Contact Center employment opportunities.

Asurion covers consumers in the event of loss, theft or out-of-warranty damage, including liquid damage. Customers who file a claim by 11 p.m. Eastern time most often receive a replacement phone the next day.

"To keep up with Asurion's growth, the company chose Yuma for its known base of support professionals who deliver the very best customer experience," said Patrick Goetz, YPIC business services officer. "We're especially delighted, and also very proud, that Yuma is adding jobs and growing its economy during these challenging economic times."

Julie Engel, president and CEO of GYEDC, said the organization has been working with Asurion for several months and its decision to hire people in the Yuma area will be a big boost to the community's image.

"It's such a prestigious company. It will give Yuma a lot of credibility. Having these kinds of names associated with the community sends a message to other industries that Yuma warrants a look."

One thing she's really pleased about, Engel said, is that even though the Yuma-area employees will work from home, they will have all the benefits of other Asurion employees. "This isn't the typical work-from-home situation."

She said the company's goal is to add 25 people a month.

Asurion will contract with local businesses to provide technical services, she noted.

"We did a lot of research before deciding the support professionals in Yuma provided us the best talent pool from which to hire," said Bettie Colombo, spokeswoman for Asurion. "We quickly found Yuma has a reputation for having not only a quality work force, but also a history of quality customer support centers."

Basic job requirements include:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English (strongly preferred).

• One year of call center experience.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Interest in working from home.

• Own a computer, high-speed Internet connection and a phone line.

• Have a quiet place to work in the home.

For more information about Asurion our website.

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: http://www.yumasun.com