Senior Claims Technical Specialist
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Promptly review new losses and determine initial plan of action in the handling of the claim
- Analyze coverage as it relates to the facts and allegations of the claim; prepare Reservation of Rights and Declination of Coverage letters, as applicable
- Initiate contact efforts with policyholder and claimants to confirm notice of loss description and determine the scope of the investigation, if needed
- Recognize, notify and pursue other culpable parties and seek contribution from such other responsible parties as warranted
- When appropriate, assign and clearly instruct independent adjusting firms to conduct the needed investigative tasks; manage and direct any future activity of the independent adjusting firm in any continued investigation of the claim
- On litigated claims assign, instruct and manage retain defense counsel by establishing litigation plans, legal budgets and aggressively move the claim towards a timely and appropriate resolution, which may include a trial on the merits
- Identify serious injury/damage losses and report them timely to upper management, reinsurers and update each as necessary
- Promptly evaluate all claims as the investigation develops and establish and adjust reserves as warranted
- Review all expense bills for appropriateness, accuracy and adherence to Company billing guidelines within the Company's e-billing system;
- Identify and ensure subrogation efforts are undertaken against other responsible parties, including pursuit of deductible recoveries, salvage by the Recovery Unit as applicable
- Direct defense counsel in the defense of all litigated claims in accordance with an established litigation plan
- Negotiate settlements; attend mediations and settlement conferences, as needed
- Mentor Claim Examiner trainees or new Claim Examiner, as requested
- Other duties as required
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / CERTIFICATIONS
- 8+ years commercial property and casualty experience
- 5+ years litigation management experience
- Completion of 3 or more CPCU, AEI or equivalent courses on Legal Principles, Liability Principles or Litigation Management
- SCLA or CCLA designation preferred
- Experience with client/server claims processing systems a plus
- College degree preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Excellent written communication skills
- Excellent oral negotiation skills
- Intermediate computer skills
- Ability to exercise independent judgment in handling claims within reserve and settlement authority combined with moderate supervision
- Some travel required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Physical demands are considered to be that of an office environment, climate controlled, with minimal physical exertion. This position requires prolonged sitting, ability to utilize a computer and interactions with others meetings or via phone.
BENEFITS
- We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, education assistance and paid time off.
IFG Companies is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. M/F/D/V