CLAIMS ADJUSTER

Liability Claims Adjuster

The City of Fort Lauderdale employees possess a passion for public service demonstrated by a high degree of enthusiasm, self-reliance, and job proficiency. They effectively convey the vision and mission of the organization and provide excellent service and satisfaction to our internal and external customers.

This is professional work of average difficulty pertaining to liability claims adjustment against the City. An employee in this class investigates claims, collects data relating to claims, creates claim files, settles or recommends settlements with claimants, and assists with reviewing and approving certificates of insurance. Work requires extensive contact with claimants, City officials, attorneys, insurance companies, and public agencies. The employee must exercise reasonable initiative and independent judgment on preparing cases, analyzing facts, arranging settlements, or recommending resolution of claims.

Possession of a 620 license (Licensed All-Lines Adjuster) issued by the State of Florida Department of Insurance should be clearly indicated in the "Certificates and Licenses" section of each qualifying application.

This is a Management Category IV position which includes five (5) additional Management Vacation Days and a Vehicle Allowance of $120/month. This is a classified position covered by the Personnel Rules.

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Investigates claims and counter-claims filed against and on behalf of the City, which may include, but not be limited to, scene/field investigations, interviews witnesses, takes statements and affidavits, photographs scenes of accidents, and assembles evidence for court presentations
• Evaluates claim circumstances, injuries and conditions according to current liability laws and regulations
• Prepares and presents the facts of the claim and makes recommendations to the City's senior staff for claim resolution or defense
• Attempts to secure settlements out of court and negotiates settlements subject to supervisor's approval
• Processes subrogation files to recover expenses owed to the City
• Supports senior adjusters with attending trials and mediations on behalf of the City
• Assists with reviewing outside counsel legal bills for payment approval
• Assists with processing financial electronic transfers between Risk Management and other departments
• Attends Claims Review, Risk Management Committee, and other inter-departmental meetings
• Supports senior adjusters with reviewing and determining liability exposure on City contracts, film permits, bonds, business tax applications, and caf permits
• Supports senior adjusters with reviewing vendor insurance coverage sufficiency on certificates of insurance
• Assists with coordinating Risk Management's responses to public records requests via the City Clerk's Just FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) program
• Works with internal City staff and external providers
• May supervise subordinate clerical personnel for task accomplishment
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Job Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, Public Administration, or related field.
2. Three (3) or more years of experience in the investigation of liability claims adjustment. Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience or education.
3. Must possess the State of Florida 620 (Licensed All-Lines) license at time of application (it is the responsibility of the employee to maintain validity of license throughout employment with the City). Possession of this license may substitute for one (1) year of the experience requirement.
4. Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days after hire (it is the responsibility of the employee to maintain validity of license throughout employment with the City).

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience adjusting/investigating municipal (state, county, city) liability claims, especially for a self-insured entity in accordance with Florida Statute 768.28.
2. Insurance certifications or other advanced degrees such as: AIC, CPCU, ARM, RMPE, MPA, or MBA.

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time, but may walk or stand for extended periods of time.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.