Employment Opportunities

Summary

Reporting to the Claims Manager and working independently and with great latitude for independent action, this position manages an inventory consisting primarily of claims with higher loss potential and complexity, and commensurate reserving, settlement authority, reinsurance reporting requirements, as well as claims of lesser exposure or severity as dictated by the needs of the department. Investigates, evaluates and settles claims within designated authority. Occasionally assigns and directs Independent Adjusters/Appraisers and regularly assigns and directs defense attorneys.

The ideal candidate would have 10+ years carrier experience and be capable of working independently as well as collaboratively and have prior experience working remotely from a home office. In this position, thorough knowledge and experience is assumed for one or more standard casualty lines, or for demonstrated experience in Property claims.

This position works out of the main office in Santa Cruz, CA or can be a remote, work from home position. Prior experience working remotely from a home office 100% of the time is required if the candidate works remote.

Responsibilities

The Claims Examiner IV responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Determines coverage(s) applicable to loss.
• Investigates, manages and resolves claims in a timely, unbiased and informed manner in compliance with company policies, state laws and regulatory performance standards.
• Sets and maintains adequate claim reserves based on facts of case and in accordance with company policy.
• Conducts investigation, assigning fieldwork as necessary and appropriate, in accordance with company standards.
• Determines liability.
• Evaluates and pays claims within designated authority.
• When requested, present coverage and claims analysis to management and make recommendations on resolution of disputed items.
• Set reserves up to the positions level of authority.
• Prepares and presents verbal and written claim status reports in accordance with company policy and pursuant to Reinsurance treaty requirements.
• Recommends payment, evaluates and reserves claims and reports to manager cases in excess of designated authority, as well as to Reinsurers pursuant to treaty requirements.
• Manages legal aspects through timely assignment of litigated cases to defense counsel, and on-going evaluation of legal process and expenses.
• Maintain electronic files necessary for documentation of the claim file.
• Analyzes and regularly reports to Claims Manager on the performance of defense counsel.
• Represents the company at litigation related settlement conferences, mediation, and arbitration when needed.
• Works closely with outside counsel to monitor claims and work with insureds to resolve underlying litigation
• Participates in both internal and external audits as needed
• Participates in weekly department meetings and Claims Committee Meetings as needed
• Promote the team approach to case and account management.
• Participates in marketing presentations and training programs as
• Provide accurate, courteous and timely information to all external and internal customers concerning claims status and other inquiries.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Competencies

• Requires highly technical claim management skills, and significant knowledge of and experience with more than one of the following: Employment Practices Liability, Social Service Professional, Sexual Abuse, General Liability, and/ or Automobile or demonstrates expertise in Property claims management as stand alone expertise in the Property area.
• Ability and willingness to obtain adjuster licenses as needed in various states.
• The incumbent will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current tort law and case law trends with respect to all casualty lines of business, civil procedure, insurance policy(s) and contract(s).
• Must demonstrate good written and oral communication skills.
• Must be organized and possess strong follow-up skills.
• Requires the ability to analyze and apply creative solutions to claim issues.
• Proven critical thinking skills that demonstrate analysis/judgment and sound decision making with focus on attention to details
• Strong negotiating skills, excellent telephone, written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Possesses and regularly demonstrates objectivity and pragmatism as well as strong conflict resolution skills
• Ability to manage total loss cost outcomes including ALAE to achieve superior results for our members and the company
• Incumbent must be aware of and follow guidelines concerning confidentiality.
• The position communicates with legal and medical personnel, third party claimants, policyholders, producers, Reinsurers, and senior level staff throughout the company.
• Demonstrated capability for working with a high level of independence
• Ability to deliver results in a fast-paced environment
• Positive approach, can-do attitude, flexibility and ability to operate with grace under pressure
• Ability to model and uphold appropriate professional boundaries in work with member-insureds
• Collaborate with other staff members and external partners
• Interest and commitment to the mission of the organization
• Commitment to inspired service
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, reach or sit for up to 3 hours at a time
• Must have adequate vision (with corrective lenses if needed) to clearly view computer screen
• Must have adequate hearing to perform job tasks
• PC literacy required; proficiency in Windows, Word, and Outlook preferr
• Travel required as necessary and must be able to be productive while traveling on business, including the ability to utilize laptops and other business tools as provided, subject to reasonable accommodation, if needed.
• Must have adequate hearing to perform job tasks
• If performing as a Property specialist, will be adept at large loss handling techniques, including catastrophe claims.

Experience

• The position generally requires a minimum of ten or more years of progressively more difficult claims handling experience.

Education

• Four year college degree or equivalent business experience.

If you are interested in applying for a position, please submit your resume and a cover letter that tells us why you want to work for AMS, a member of the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance via our Career Page.

Summary

Reporting to either the Underwriting Manager or the Chief Underwriting Officer and operating within guidelines and authority established in the NIAC/ANI underwriting manual, the Senior Underwriter performs risk selection and pricing on endorsements, renewals, and new business. Reviews new business and renewal quotes prior to issuance. Makes marketing calls to members and brokers on an as needed basis. This position requires a great deal of creativity and latitude.

This position works out of the main office in Santa Cruz, CA or can be a remote, work from home position. Prior experience working remotely from a home office 100% of the time is required if the candidate works remote.

Responsibilities

The Senior Underwriter’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assess and price all endorsements (beyond authority of underwriting assistant), renewals, and new business according to guidelines and authority as outlined in the underwriting manual. Lines of business to underwrite include general liability, auto liability and physical damage, improper sexual conduct, liquor liability, employee benefits liability, umbrella, property and crime, social service professional liability, and accident.
• Prepare the underwriting and rating work-up on all renewal and new business policies.  Such work-up to include but is not limited to:
  • Select and/or verify class code and premium base and rating exposure
  • Calculate final premium including specialty charges (special events and additional insureds)
  • Determine appropriate credits and/or debits to obtain a fair and sustained premium for risk
  • Determine all coverage forms and necessary endorsements
  • Effectively communicate to broker quote conditions
  • Provide accurate documentation in the file and/or in electronic notes of underwriting thought process
  • Ability to think outside of the box and develop solutions for our members that address their specific insurance needs
• A personal commitment to providing Inspired Service in every internal and external client engagement
• Provide customer service by responding promptly and courteously to all requests for information
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation and issuance of policies issuance. Effectively communicate company standards, mission, underwriting guidelines, and requirements to brokers and/or members.
• Provide accurate documentation in the file and/or in electronic notes of underwriting thought process.
• Order/review inspection reports to assess risk quality and to confirm exposure base accuracy.
• Actively manage assigned book of business.  Responsible for achieving company renewal retention ratio goal and amount of new business written on a monthly basis in addition to company profitability goals.
• Actively manage relationships with assigned brokers, customers and members
• Ensure that information available from internal and external resources is properly integrated into underwriting decision making.
• Ensure that referral guidelines are properly followed regarding all lines of business underwritten.
• Any and all assignments related to the insurance operations department as requested by the director or vice president of insurance operations.
• Provides training and mentoring for other members of the Insurance Operations team when required
• Some travel required.

Required Skills

• • Strong technical P&C underwriting knowledge and skills.
  • Advanced knowledge of ISO commercial class codes and CLM rules, forms, rating and regulatory requirements.
  • Advanced knowledge of NIAG polices and coverages and how they differ from competitor’s forms and coverages.
  • Very strong knowledge of underwriting and pricing principles and the ability to use this knowledge to make underwriting and pricing decisions with little oversight
  • Results-oriented, self-motivated problem solver with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Consistent customer service focus for members and brokers.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize workload with little supervision and efficiently make sound business decisions within level of authority.
  • Capacity to manage multiple tasks in response to both written and verbal requests.
  • PC literate. Basic to intermediate skills with Word, Outlook and Power Point. Intermediate skills in Excel.

• Should expect to assist with training and development of less experienced staff.  This includes the ability to do formal and informal training sessions/classes.
• Candidate should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, and sharp attention to detail.  This includes strong documentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate with other staff members and external constituents.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to climb, stoop, bend, reach or sit for up to 3 hours at a time.  The employee must occasionally lift/and or move up to 20lbs.
• Must have adequate vision (with corrective lenses if needed) to clearly view computer screen.
• Must have adequate hearing to perform job tasks.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years experience as an Underwriter in a multi-state and multi-line commercial insurance environment required.

Education

• B.A. or B.S. degree in Business or Insurance strongly preferred (or directly-related equivalent experience required).

If you are interested in applying for a position, please submit your resume and a cover letter that tells us why you want to work for AMS, a member of the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance via our Career Page.