Claims Adjuster

The claims adjuster will perform professional and technical work in the on-site appraisal, investigation, and adjustment of claims.

Responsibilities

Process and resolve claims that often involve outside of the office investigation and adjusting work. This includes reviewing loss notices, confirmation of coverage, interviewing members, claimant(s) and witnesses, and conducting on-site investigations to determine liability and damage exposures. Frequent travel outside of the office is required.

Collect oral and written statements, law enforcement records, contracts, meeting minutes, photographs, and other supporting documents from the NDIRF member, claimant(s) or witnesses, companies, or government entities. Responsible for preparing diagrams which support or dispute claims. Analyze contracts and other evidence to determine if loss or defense of the claim can be tendered to other responsible parties or their insurance carriers.

Responsible for supervising attorneys and independent adjusters on assigned claims. Works in partnership with assigned defense counsel to develop a legal plan of defense or to consider the possibilities of early resolution of the litigated claim. Attend settlement conferences, mediation conferences, statements under oath, depositions of plaintiff(s) or important witnesses, when necessary. Participate in settlement negotiations and adjust and settle claims within settlement authority. Monitor reserves of open claims and accurately reserve loss and loss adjustment expense.

Enter payment requests into the claims system. Perform salvage and subrogation duties. 

Prepare memoranda and/or loss reports which support determinations regarding liability and damage. Communicate regularly with agents and other appropriate parties regarding the status of claims. Review the status of assigned claims with the Assistant Director of Claims.  

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration or a related field; and

·      Four to five years of increasingly responsible experience in handling multi-line claims; or

A combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.

·      Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid ND drivers license.

·     Ability to negotiate settlements, make decisions, and work independently in the absence of supervision.

 ·     Ability to pay attention to detail.

 ·     Possess and use strong organizational and time-management skills. 

·      Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 ·     Knowledge of good faith settlement tactics and the operational characteristics, services, and activities of a claims management program, including negotiation and settlement principles and practices.

 ·     Knowledge of insurance, claims and legal issues, including basic tort liability law, as they relate to claims management.

 ·     Knowledge of general insurance principles, practices, and terminology, including the various coverages offered by the NDIRF.

 ·    Knowledge of state and local government organization, and policies and procedures.

·     Knowledge of and proficient in the use of modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers, computer software and related equipment.