Claims Specialist II - Litigation

UFG is currently hiring for a Claims Specialist II - Litigation who will be responsible for investigating, evaluating, negotiating and resolving moderate complexity litigated casualty claims.  This position requires extensive experience in casualty claims, superior analysis and negotiation skills, and effective and efficient litigation management skills.  This position is responsible for conducting timely and thorough investigations, verifies applicable coverages, vets and retains appropriate defense counsel, analyzes liability, evaluates damages for reserve and settlement, and implements litigation management practices in accordance with claims best practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review new claim assignments to determine the nature of the claim and action required.
• Secure a complete copy of the complaint and review the pleadings and coverage to determine if there is a duty to defend. If coverage issues are present, draft excess exposure, detailed coverage disclaimer or Reservation of Rights as appropriate to the insured and agency.
• Determine if an attempt to resolve the suit prior to assignment to defense counsel is appropriate.
• Vet and retain appropriate defense counsel for the claim.
• Collaborate with defense counsel on case strategy and action plan, documented in the lit plan and budget
• Actively manage the claim file and defense counsel to execute on the agreed plan, proactively pushing the claim to resolution.
• Document all file activity through detailed file notes and prepare reports for the claim file per claims best practice guidelines.
• Evaluate damages and recommend reserves per reserve timeliness and accuracy guidelines.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies and proactively push claims towards resolution.
• Actively identify contribution and subrogation potential and posture claim for successful recovery.
• Identify risk transfer opportunities and exposures. Draft tender letters and place all potential parties on notice.
• Work with defense counsel in vetting, selecting and retaining experts when necessary. Be constantly aware of and apply expense management initiatives.
• Notify insured of key developments and demands throughout the case, and communicate with the agency and underwriting regarding significant shifts in exposure.
• Conduct independent analysis of cases and lead direct negotiation efforts. Assert early resolution opportunities.
• Review fee statements and negotiate adjustments in accordance with UFG billing guidelines.
• Inform underwriting of increased hazards or unusual circumstances concerning a risk or policy exposure.
• Lead and participate in company sponsored educational programs and other educational opportunities to develop team knowledge and skill.
• Lead and participate in various claims committees to drive claims initiatives.
• Demonstrate a supportive attitude and presence within the team by adapting well to change in process or procedure. Share innovative ideas to improve work product and outcomes. Take initiative to identify and learn about areas of professional development. Proactively seek out opportunities to collaborate with peers.
• Mentor other Claims Specialists to further their development and technical skills.

Job Specifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Licensing/Certifications/Designations:

• Meet the appropriate state licensing requirements to handle claims.
• CPCU, AIC, SCLA or Legal Principles, CCLA and PCLA of the AEI series, or to be completed in 2 years

Experience:

• 7+ years of casualty claims experience.

Knowledge:

• Claims best practices
• Unfair claims practices/bad faith
• Various lines of policy coverages
• Applicable laws, regulations and venue
• Fraud indicators
• Civil procedure
• Resolution strategies
• Contractual issues
• UFG billing guidelines

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret policy language, endorsements, and contracts while applying them to the claim.
• Analytical ability to determine coverage, risk transfer, liability, and bodily injury/property damage evaluation for reserves and settlement.
• Must possess strong negotiation skills, human relations skills, analytical skills, organization skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to concisely document information into appropriate file notes and reports.
• Strong negotiation skills direct with attorneys, as well as effective mediation and arbitration techniques.
• Demonstrate aptitude for mentorship / leadership.
• Proactive management of defense counsel and expense management.
• Service-Oriented Mindset
• Clear and Concise Communication
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Attitude of Collaboration and Curiosity
• Proactive Decision-making and Problem-solving
• Proven Effective Negotiation Approach
• Time management and Sense of Service Urgency
• Mentoring and development.
• Polished presentation skills and ability to present and articulate claims to committee

Working Conditions:

• Working remote from home or general office environment.
• Frequently the job requires working irregular hours.
• Occasional overnight travel and weekend hours may be required

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Additional tasks and requirements may be assigned, as necessitated by business need. UFG retains the right to modify the description of this job at any time.