Consultant, Claims - Indemnity Specialty

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Work Environment: This opportunity can be staffed in any of our office locations or fully remote.

What to expect: This claims professional will investigate and maintain specialty claims - sexual molestation, silica, asbestos and other toxic tort claims and/or pollution. 

• Participates in claim reviews, claim roundtables and other meetings with other claims representatives and management to discuss issues and emerging trends in toxic tort litigation.  

• Reviews and gives input in all levels to case strategy in each case. Ensures that defense counsel complies with Nationwide guidelines and expectations.   

• Adopts and implements strategic litigation initiatives, such as tolling agreements, resolution of lung cancer cases, motion practice, group settlements or other alternate means of resolving cases 

An ideal candidate will have the following:

• Environmental claims experience is a highly preferred, specifically sexual molestation experience.

• Technical Knowledge: environmental dangers or environmental legal cases

• Additional experience in silica or asbestos claims experience is a plus.

(Internal Use Only) Compensation Grade: G3

#LI-BC1

Job Description Summary

Our team handles some of the most unique and interesting insurance claims at Nationwide. Do you have deep insurance industry knowledge, good negotiation skills and understand litigation? If you like variety in your work, have desire to collaborate and bring fair resolution to sophisticated specialty claims, we want to hear from you!

As a Claims Consultant, you'll work within broad limits and authority on specialty claims assignments of the highest technical complexity and coordination. We'll count on you to investigate and maintain specialty claims - asbestos, toxic tort and/or pollution or sexual molestation.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Completes detailed review and analysis of claims. Investigates liability and damages.

• Brings files to closure, either by voluntary dismissals or by negotiation of settlements.

• Resolves amount of appropriate settlements or grounds for denial. Assists in the drafting of settlement documents.

• Provides reserve analysis to ensure timely and accurate case reserves in according to optimal claims practices.

• Negotiates cost sharing agreements between other insurance carriers and policyholders.

• Maintains current knowledge of assigned insurance lines, court decisions which may impact the claims function, current guidelines and policy changes and modifications. This may require attendance at various seminars or training session

• Creates and analyzes severe incident reports, reinsurance reports and other information to corporate office, Claims Management and Underwriting.

• Performs continuous review of claims inventory. Prepares appropriate internal reports, memos and analysis on a regular basis.

• Determines duty to defend and selects defense counsel as appropriate. Closely monitors outside counsel's work product. Reviews and gives input in all levels to interrogatories, etc. in each case. Manages litigation when appropriate.

• Serves as company witness on coverage position at depositions. Attends mediation sessions in attempt to resolve claims. Prepares legal audits at various law firms.

• Provides advice, counsel and training to Claims Representatives of all levels. Provides specialized training and consultation to non-claims areas as requested.

• Delivers a positive customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.

• Serves as lead Claims representative in area of specialty. Serves as back-up to claims management. Assists with selection and training of new representatives.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Claims Manager/Director.

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Undergraduate degree in related field preferred. Post-graduate studies preferred. 

License/Certification/Designation: State licensing where required. Relevant professional designations or certifications desirable (CPCU, CLU, IIA, AEI, etc.) 

Experience: Eight years of specialty claims experience preferred. 

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Proven superior knowledge of the best claims practices used to resolve the most sever and technically complex claims. Demonstrated knowledge of insurance contracts and legal aspects affecting regulatory and liability issues that relate to environmental and other specialty claims. Proven ability to meet customer needs and provide outstanding service by informing customers of the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience. Ability to lead and train employees in all aspects of specialty claims review. Advanced verbal and written communication skills for interaction with technical professionals, insureds, federal agencies, the legal profession and other insurance companies. Ability to handle and prioritize multiple assignments. 

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence. 

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the business unit executive and Human Resources. 

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Must be able to make physical inspection of loss sites, work irregular hours and travel with possible overnight requirements. 

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties. 
 

Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process. 

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 11/07/2024. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.

#claims

Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.

For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range.

The national salary range for Consultant, Claims - Indemnity Specialty : $84,000.00-$173,000.00

The expected starting salary range for Consultant, Claims - Indemnity Specialty : $93,000.00 - $139,000.00

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