Claims Specialist

Are you looking for more than just a job? Do you want to have a voice and feel a sense of belonging? At ICW Group, we hire innovative people who consistently adapt, grow and deliver. We believe in hard work, a fun work environment, and embracing creativity that only comes about when talented people collaborate to develop solutions. Our mission is to create the best insurance experience possible.
 

Headquartered in San Diego with regional offices located throughout the United States, ICW Group has been named for seven consecutive years as a Top 50 performing P&C company offering the stability of a large, profitable and growing company combined with a small-company entrepreneurial spirit. Our purpose-driven ethos provides team members with opportunities to contribute, develop, and belong. 

PURPOSE OF THE JOB 

This role will be responsible for handling complex claims with a focus on providing exceptional service for stakeholders in order to drive claims to an equitable resolution within Company standards.  The Claims Specialist works with a sense of urgency, understands insurance coverage concepts, and navigates the legal system with the support of counsel to drive strategic outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages all aspects of a complex claims inventory. 

• Effectively communicates with policyholders, agents, attorneys, and witnesses to gather information and provide the highest possible level of customer service.
• Promptly investigates claims to determine exposure, works with appropriate experts and makes strategic recommendations.
• Utilizes appropriate resolution tactics (e.g., mediation, negotiation, denial, litigation or offer) to proactively drive outstanding results.
• Operates within the requirements of related state and/or the governing entity rules and regulations as well as internal claims handling policies and procedures. 
• Directs defense counsel throughout the litigation process in line with ICW litigation guidelines while monitoring legal fees and costs.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Consistently provides exceptional customer service.
• Effectively collaborates with team members from various departments for project and process discussions.
• Acts as a Subject Matter Expert for the department.
• Makes recommendations for streamlining processes and adopting the industry’s best practices.
• Ensures accuracy of data in claims system for compliance with applicable regulatory reporting.
• Provides knowledge transfer across the organization.
• Continuously seeks to improve technical skills by attending job related training and tracking current case law. 
• Acts as a mentor and provides training for less experienced team members.

Additional Responsibilities in Workers’ Compensation: 

• Prepares and presents claims status reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Administers timely and appropriate benefits to injured workers; manages and approves payment of benefits within designated authority level.  Works within applicable state rules, regulations as well as ICW Group’s internal claims handling policies and procedures.
• Creates and adjusts reserves in a timely manner to ensure reserving activities are consistent with company policies.
• Resolves claims fairly and equitably, acting in the best interest of the insured while providing timely benefits to injured workers as required by law. 

Additional Responsibilities in Commercial Liability/Property: 

• Handles highly complex claims in multiple jurisdictions and/or nationwide. 
• Escalates claim summaries and makes strategic recommendations for approval.
• Frontloads investigations and moves with urgency by gathering information quickly to assess risk accurately.
• Examines claims investigated by outside adjusters.
• Works with vendors, independent adjusters and attorneys for claims assignments.
• Navigates the legal systems with counsel and builds rapport with opposing counsel.
• Attends depositions, hearings, and settlement conferences.
• Prioritizes early resolution options for every claim and attends resolution proceedings.
• Drafts coverage letters and correspondence with minimal to no guidance for management review.
• Researches and analyzes policy language, drafts correspondence with minimal to no guidance for management review.
• Provides advice to underwriters as necessary based on inspections, including any preexisting damages noted. 
• Works to understand and learn the nuances of reinsurance.
• Maintains current knowledge of the Department of Insurance rules and requirements.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position has no supervisory responsibility but will serve as a technical leader.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent education and experience) along with 8-10 years of related claims experience.  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Workers’ Compensation: Certification that meets the minimum standards of training, experience, and skill required. WCCA and WCCP preferred. State Workers Compensation License is required in some branches.

Commercial Liability & Commercial Property: Various state adjuster licenses and earthquake adjuster certification may be required. Licenses and certifications may be acquired within a specified timeframe after hire. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Thorough understanding of laws and jurisdictional restraints to manage injuries. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, time management, attention to detail and organizational skills required. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Must be adept at learning new technology and embrace change. Facilitates and leads meetings across a team of claims professionals for assigned projects.    

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

Office environment – no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands and employees are regularly required to sit, walk, stand, talk, and hear.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

This position operates in an office environment and requires the frequent use of a computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office equipment. 

The current range for this position is

This range is exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses.  If hired at ICW Group, your final base salary compensation will be determined by factors unique to each candidate, including experience, education and the location of the role and considers employees performing substantially similar work.

WHY JOIN ICW GROUP?
•    Challenging work and the ability to make a difference
•    You will have a voice and feel a sense of belonging
•    We offer a competitive benefits package, with generous medical, dental, and vision plans as well as 401K retirement plans and company match
•    Bonus potential for all positions
•    Paid Time Off with an accrual rate of 5.23 hours per pay period (equal to 17 days per year)
•    10 paid holidays throughout the calendar year
•    Want to continue learning? We’ll support you 100%

ICW Group is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. ICW Group will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.