Sr. Claims Counsel

 

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, creative and collaborative insurance professional and attorney who wants to join us in finding creative “outside the box” solutions to our customers needs when faced with challenging claims. At Berkley Human Services, a Berkley Company, we insure those who serve others. We are devoted to meeting the needs of Human Services Organizations. We insure both nonprofit and for-profit social service organizations, such as child daycare, group homes, senior citizen centers, senior independent living, counseling services, YMCAs, YWCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs. Berkey Human Services sees empathy and understanding as critical skills and brings both a start-up mindset as well as the financial backing of a Fortune 500 company.

 

We understand that the social service organizations we serve are in a state of rapid change shaped by evolving social perceptions, legal developments, public welfare and social economics. All of these reflect in unique dynamics to the risks they face. We apply carefully crafted insurance solutions to traditional insurance products and embrace the current complexity of the social service community. 

 

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide. Each of the operating units within Berkley, participates in a niche market requiring specialized knowledge about a territory or product.

 

Our competitive advantage lies in our long-term strategy of decentralized operations, allowing each of our Berkley companies to identify and respond quickly and effectively to changing market conditions and local customer needs. This decentralized structure provides financial accountability and incentives to local management and enables us to attract and retain the highest caliber professionals. We have the expertise and resources to utilize our strengths in the present environment, and the flexibility to anticipate, innovate and respond to whatever opportunities and challenges the future may hold.

 

Our insurance policies are written through our Berkley affiliates, each of which is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company with a Financial Category of XV. We offer property and casualty coverages designed for the unique operational aspects of social service organizations. Our Human Services Program dates to 1989 and has continuously evolved to meet the unique needs of the market we serve.

Berkley Human Services is seeking a highly accomplished, customer service-oriented claims counsel to deliver superior claim results through the thoughtful execution of best practices in managing high exposure and complexity. These include professional liability, sexual abuse and high-exposure personal injury claims. This individual is expected to exercise significant judgment but will work within a highly collaborative team that most enjoys the problem-solving aspects of our work.

• Investigate assigned claims through application of defined best practices. Actively develop information on reported claims, including specific facts of case, nature and extent of injury, standard of care and causation defenses, venue specific factors and other characteristics that impact claim severity.
• Evaluate information obtained through claim investigations and estimate damage ranges for purposes of prompt identification of claims with potential excess exposure; apply ongoing triage rules to determine proper severity and assignment levels.
• Directly manage and actively intervene on the most technically complex and highest severity claims within company inventory.
• Timely recognize and evaluate claim exposures to establish accurate case reserves.
• Execute effective claim adjudication strategies/tactics to help achieve optimal outcomes on exposures within and in excess of account retentions.
• Cultivate strong business relationships with key personnel within current accounts, brokerage community, and law firms across the country.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Underwriting, Risk Management, and Actuarial partners.
• Aid in the development and modification of claim management practices, policies and procedures in furtherance of continuous process improvement culture.
• Assist Underwriting and Actuarial in risk selection and pricing accuracy through claim due diligence for new and renewal business.
• Utilize customer service skills with client contacts to advance business opportunities:
• Identify service needs for claim, risk management and data mining strategy;
• Understand renewal strategy;
• Extend discussion with client beyond claim transaction and toward potential needs not immediately recognized by the decision maker;
• Communicate effectively with team members.
• Develop, or assist with development, of claims marketing content and utilization of content for marketing purposes.
• Serve as mentor for claims associates and claims specialists; provide technical advice
• Work with other departments on special projects or assignments
• Maintain all State licensing requirements

 

May perform other functions as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; J.D. preferred.
• 15 years related experience handling claims.
• Experience servicing professional liability and high-exposure bodily injury lawsuits is preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of legal terminology and concepts.
• In-depth understanding of industry best practices for adjudicating claims.
• Proficiency with insurance contract interpretation and coverage issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. Sponsorship not Offered for this Role