Tort and Sundry Claims Specialist

Tort and Sundry Claims Specialist

This recruitment will be used to fill 2 vacant positions.
This position will operate in a hybrid work setting, with the requirement to come into the office as needed.

Who We Are

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) provides centralized business services to state government agencies; to other public entities such as cities, counties and tribes; and to Washington residents. DES’ mission is to strengthen the business of government for a sustainable and just future. Learn more about DES.

About the Division
The Department of Enterprise Services (DES), Office of Risk Management (ORM) supports the agency mission to strengthen the business of government by managing the Self-Insured Liability Account (SILA) to pay for legal liabilities and defense costs associated with the tortious conduct of state officers, employees, and volunteers under the provisions of RCW 4.92. ORM is required by statute to receive and process citizen's tort claims against Washington State, maintain a centralized claims database, and pay approved claims filed against state agencies.

About this Opportunity
This position is a member of the Claims Support Unit, which processes all tort and sundry claims utilizing the state's risk management information system, Origami Risk (Origami). The primary purpose of Origami is to facilitate the processing and adjudication of tort claims and cases, as well as serve as the State’s centralized loss history repository mandated by RCW 43.41.350(3) for the purpose of identifying and analyzing risk exposures. The incumbent in this position reviews, analyzes and processes tort and sundry claims and payments, filed against the State of Washington.

This role determines validity and potential impacts of claim or denial of claim; case reserve amounts; proper claim interpretation, categorization, and affected party(ies); interpretation of settlement/agreement and proper payment amount(s) and distribution of payment(s) to payee(s); payee(s) tax reporting requirements and amount, and instructs agency financial staff on how to accomplish appropriate income reporting. The Tort and Sundry Specialist investigates, processes, negotiates, and resolves Department of Corrections’ inmate tort claims. This is a key position that is responsible for reducing the cost of government operations by applying Lean principles and is responsible for the delivery of exceptional services. This position interacts with all members of the Office of Risk Management, claimants, claimant’s attorneys, agency staff and the general publics.

For the full job description, email the recruiter: Rachel Vaughan jobs@des.wa.gov.

Duties

Some of what you'll enjoy doing includes:

• Analyzes incidents and claims
• Uses judgment to determine the allegations and the appropriate state agency or agencies with potential legal liability, to identify parties and witnesses involved, and to create, maintain, and update claim information within the claim database
• Makes an initial determination regarding state liability
• Reviews, enters and assigns vehicle accidents that could result in a recovery to the state
• Regularly reviews assigned claims for updates and data accuracy
• Prepares documentation and processes tort claim payments
• Closes resolved claims
• Reviews SAAG invoices and creates SAAG payments
• Assists in developing procedures and standards regarding claim and payment processing
• Using knowledge of civil liability and defenses, investigations, and DOC policies/operations, reviews relevant documents, facts and conclusions presented by DOC facilities
• Assists DOC in identifying a reasonable monetary amount that would fairly compensate the claimant for the damages/injury allegedly suffered or determining that the claim should be denied when there is no basis in law or fact supporting state liability
• Regularly responds to telephone inquiries from claimants, general publics, attorneys, state agency personnel and claims staff regarding claim status and tort claim process
• Provides support and assistance to claims staff in Risk Management including file maintenance, scanning claims and attachments and preparation of new claim files
• Assist with other duties to support ORM and DES
  

Salary

• $3,665 - $4,882/month

Qualifications

Ways to meet qualifications:

[OPTION 1]

• Eighteen months of experience processing general liability, insurance or accident claims including coding and use of a computerized database operation and investigation, resolution and payment of tort and sundry claims.

[OPTION 2]

• Professional certification as an associate in risk management, or certified property and casualty underwriter and two years of experience processing general liability, insurance or accident claims

[OPTION 3]

• A bachelor’s degree

[OPTION 4]

• Qualifying experience will substitute for education on a year-for-year basis**

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of statutes, policies, and procedures, claims investigative and settlement practices, liability, tort and negligence issues relating to the State's tort and sundry claims process
• Office procedures and practices
• Legal terminology, forms and documents
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines while planning and scheduling work activities
• Analyze and make independent decisions on tort and sundry claims
• Interpret procedures and policies relating to tort and sundry claims, court judgements and settlements
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

AND

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies
Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following competencies:

• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DES DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization, or community
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization

Other Information

How to Apply: Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click “Apply” at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest that explains how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not be substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for detail or your application may be disqualified.

Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Opportunity for All:
The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan via email at jobs@des.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026