Claims Adjuster or Senior Claims Adjuster

Location: 400 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater FL

***ONLY PINELLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN THE  RISK DIVISION MAY APPLY***

Protecting our County’s citizens and employees from risk is a critical function within Pinellas County Government and Pinellas County Risk Management. Pinellas County Risk Management’s mission is to protect and safeguard the County’s assets from property, casualty and occupational risks.

This position serves in a leadership role supporting managers and claims adjusters to complete the most complex cases in one or more lines of insurance. This is advanced level technical work with administrative responsibility in performing complex bodily injury, property damage, public liability and workers’ compensation claims adjusting and mitigation. The incumbent is responsible for performing as well as leading, assisting, and training other adjusters to complete the most complex claim cases. The incumbent coordinates and acts as the department’s expert and lead staff in one or more lines of insurance. An employee in this class assists in the development, implementation and maintenance of professional claims programs. The incumbent plans, coordinates, monitors, and participates in the analysis and investigation within the standardized practices for claims handling. Responsibilities include interpreting and applying rules and regulations; maintaining working relationships with attorneys, governmental agencies, insurance companies, physicians, the public, and all levels of county employees. Work is performed with considerable independent judgment and initiative, but problems encountered of an unusual nature are referred to a supervisor for resolution. Positions allocated to this classification are filled competitively.

What Would You Do?

• Plans, organizes, reviews and conducts investigations, negotiations and final dispensation of multi-line claims; provides guidance to inter-departmental, constitutional officials, and subordinates with technical advice and assistance regarding compliance with statutory regulations and county policies/procedures;
• Coordinates defense preparation with attorneys, inter-departmental staff, and constitutional officials; attends and assists at depositions, mediations and hearings as a representative of the county for matters in litigation, as may be required;
• Coordinates with all levels of professional individuals and organizations to facilitate recovery and resolution;
• Compiles and analyzes data utilizing Risk Management Information System (RMIS) and other data processing systems; prepares statistical and other reports for management use;
• Assists in development and implementation of operational procedures and professional claims procedures;
• Assists in annual budget preparation and annual internal and external audits;
• Assists in supervision, training, assignments and reviewing work of personnel performing a variety of duties relating to examination and adjustment of insurance claims;
• Negotiates with attorneys, individuals, and insurance companies to effect an equitable settlement; recommends payment of settlements; and supervises the collection of subrogation monies;
• Reviews financial reserves necessary to administer the County’s Self-Insurance Program; reviews each claim assigned, calculates and changes estimated reserves as necessary;
• Maintains frequent contact with claimants relating to status of condition and progress, requests and reviews supporting documentation (often highly confidential in nature) to effectively manage claim and facilitate recovery or resolution
• Attends conferences, workshops and meetings to ascertain new developments or changes in law pertaining to the industry;
• Responds to emergencies and provides assistance or instruction;
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

What Do You Have To have?

• Candidate to possess and maintain appropriate State of Florida license in the form of an All Lines Insurance Adjuster.

• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver’s License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.

• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Claims Adjuster

• Six (6) years of experience in performing complex insurance claim tasks including claims adjusting and risk management analysis for multiple forms and types of insurance coverage; 

• or Bachelor’s degree with major course work in risk management, public administration, business administration or related field and two (2) years of experience as described above; 

• or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.

Senior Claims Adjuster

• Seven (7) years of experience as described above; or
• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in risk management, public administration, business administration, or related field and three (3) years of experience as described above, or
• Related field that includes team leader or supervisory training; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.

Highly Desirable

• Knowledge of statutes, case law, standardized practices, regulations, and ordinances applicable to multi-line claims administration.
• Knowledge of litigation techniques relating to evidence, admissibility, and testimony.
• Knowledge of appropriate safety laws, codes, standards and regulations such as OSHA and ANSI.
• Knowledge of appropriate federal laws, codes, standards and regulations such as FMLA, FLSA and HIPAA.
• Knowledge of standard office software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, Internet access and data processing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, resolve stressful and difficult situations, and conduct effective negotiations with all levels of employees, individuals, professionals, the public, and organizations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct in-depth investigations of accident circumstances and responsibilities.
• Ability to analyze statistical and factual reports, exercise sound judgment, and determine appropriate action.
• Ability to train and supervise the work of subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of claims handling concepts, practices and techniques, including but not limited to sovereign immunity, coverage issues, subrogation, contractual risk transfer and reporting requirements to excess carriers as it relates to Pinellas County's self-insurance program.
• The ability to handle assigned claims following Pinellas County Governments guidelines and industry best practices with minimal amount of supervision.
• Self-Insurance liability claims handling experience, including application of governmental immunity act, general liability claims, auto liability claims, bodily injury claims, property damage claims and subrogation/recovery claims.
• Field investigation experience, investigation of complex coverage issues, experience with complex litigated files, experience with the mediations and legal process.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels including co-workers, Managers, Directors, County Administrator and Board members.
• Ability to motivate co-workers to complete projects, problem solve quickly and help maintain a positive work place.

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
• We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!

Want To Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link. 

Claims Adjuster