Property Claims Specialist/Field Adjuster

*Virginia Residents Only

Job Description

Under moderate supervision, this position is responsible for the handling of first party property claims including: investigating, evaluating, estimating and negotiating to ensure optimal claim resolution for personal claims of moderate severity and complexity.

This is a field adjusting position with company car. You must have experience using Xactimate, Xactanalysis and Contractor Connection.

Handles claims and other functional work involving property claims. Provides quality claim handling throughout the claim life cycle (customer contacts, coverage, investigation, evaluation, reserving, negotiation and resolution) including maintaining full compliance with internal and external quality standards and state specific regulations. This position does not manage staff.

Salary Range: $56,130 - $87,200

Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Handles 1st party Property claims of moderate severity and complexity as assigned.
• Completes an accurate scope of the damages using photographs, written estimates and/or computer assisted estimates.
• Broad scale use of innovative technologies.
• Investigates and evaluates all relevant facts to determine coverage, damages and liability of first-party property damage claims (including but not limited to analyzing leases, contracts, by-laws and other relevant documents which may have an impact), damages and liability of first-party property claims under a variety of policies.
• Secures recorded or written statements as appropriate.
• Establishes timely and accurate claim and expense reserves. .
• Determines appropriate settlement amount based on independent judgment, computer assisted building and/or contents estimate, estimation of actual cash value and replacement value, contractor estimate validation, appraisals, application of applicable limits and deductibles.
• Negotiates with multiple constituents, i.e.; contractors or insureds representatives and conveys claim settlements within authority limits.
• Writes denial letters, Reservation of Rights and other complex correspondence.
• Properly assesses extent of damages and manages damages through proper usage of cost evaluation tools.
• Meets all quality standards and expectations in accordance with Best Practices.
• Maintains an effective diary system, captures all required data accurately and documents claim file activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Manages file inventory to ensure timely resolution of cases.
• Handles files in compliance with state regulations.
• Provides excellent customer service to meet the needs of the insured, agent and all other internal and external customers/business partners.
• Identifies and refers claims with Major exposure or coverage question to the Supervisor.
• Performs administrative functions such as expense accounts, time off reporting, etc. as required.
• Actively provides mentoring and coaching to less experienced claim professionals.
• May attend depositions, mediations, arbitrations, pre-trials, trials and all other legal proceedings, as needed.
• Obtains experts as needed.
• Be available for CAT Duty in Virginia as necessary.
• Experience in utilizing computer technology; such as Microsoft Office, e-mail, Web-enabled applications, and database software required.
• General knowledge of construction, estimating and estimating systems required.
• Ability to accurately compute a variety of numerical calculations such as distance, square footage, areas, etc. required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must secure and maintain company credit card as required.
• This position may require the individual to access and inspect all areas of a dwelling or structure which is physically demanding, requiring the ability to carry, set up and climb a ladder weighing approximately 38 to 49 pounds, walk on roofs, and enter tight spaces (such as attic staircases and entries, crawl spaces, etc.). While specific territory or day-to-day responsibilities may not require an individual to climb a ladder, the incumbent must be capable of safely climbing a ladder when deploying to a catastrophe which is a requirement of the position.
• Must have knowledge of Xactimate estimating system.
• Customer Service experience.
• Time management skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Judgment, analytical and decision making skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to convey and receive information effectively.
• Investigative skills.
• Ability to analyze and determine coverages.
• Analyze and evaluate damages.
• Resolve claims within settlement authority.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree. A minimum of 3 years previous outside property or desk adjusting claim handling experience.

Education, Work Experience & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Job Specific & Technical Skills & Competencies

• Interpersonal and customer service skills.

Environmental/Work Schedules/Other

Environmental: Exposure to Excess Noise. Occasional exposure to dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, mold or other irritating substances. Frequent exposure to variable weather conditions. Occasionally, work schedules include weekend work and after hours, depending upon CAT activity.

As a condition of acceptance for the position, selected candidates for this position will be required to accept the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Disclosure Statement and Authorization. You may also be subsequently asked to accept similar FCRA authorizations periodically throughout your employment with the Company.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

Operate standard office equipment. Continuous sitting (can stand at will) Continuous standing. Lifting items up to 50 pounds. Frequent climbing unprotected heights (ladder, rooftop, stairs) - Frequent use of keyboards. Working in a confined or restricted area. Frequent driving.

This position may require the individual to access and inspect all areas of a dwelling or structure which is physically demanding, requiring the ability to carry, set up and climb a ladder weighing approximately 38 to 49 pounds, walk on roofs, and enter tight spaces (such as attic staircases and entries, crawl spaces, etc.). While specific territory or day-to-day responsibilities may not require an individual to climb a ladder, the incumbent must be capable of safely climbing a ladder when deploying to a catastrophe which is a requirement of the position.