Senior Insurance Claims Specialist (BAKERSFIELD)

Why USAA?

At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the #1 choice for the military community and their families.

Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values – honesty, integrity, loyalty and service – define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful.

We are proud to support active-duty military spouses. USAA roles may offer remote or hybrid flexibility for active-duty military spouses consistent with applicable policy and business needs.

The Opportunity

As a dedicated Property Adjuster Specialist, you will work within defined guidelines and framework, investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and settle complex property insurance claims. You will confirm/analyze coverage, recognize liability exposure and negotiate equitable settlement in compliance with all state regulatory requirements. Recognizes and empathizes with members' life events, as appropriate.

Property Adjuster Specialist focus on using technology and desk adjusting for a virtual first approach to inspections and claims handling. USAA also provides a company vehicle to physically inspect losses within your locally assigned territory. Field Adjusters may travel outside of their local territory to respond to claims in other regions when needed. This is an hourly, non-exempt position with paid overtime available.

This is a field-based role in the Fresno or Bakersfield, CA area . Candidates who are willing and able to work in this area are encouraged to apply.

What you'll do:

• Proactively manages assigned claims caseload comprised of complex damages that require commensurate knowledge and understanding of claims coverage including potential legal liability.

• Partners with vendors and internal business partners to facilitate complex claims resolution. May also involve external regulatory coordination to ensure appropriate documentation and compliance.

• Investigates claim damages by conducting research from various sources, including the insured, third parties, and external resources.

• May identify and resolve potential discrepancies and identifies subrogation potential resulting from unusual characteristics.

• Identifies coverage concerns, reviews prior loss history, determines and creates Special Investigation Unit (SIU) referrals, when appropriate. Determines coverage through analyzing information involving complex policy terms and contingencies.

• Determines and negotiates complex claims settlement within authority limits. Develops recommendations and collaborates with management for determining settlement amounts outside of authority limits and accurately manages claims outcomes.

• Maintains accurate, thorough, and current claim file documentation throughout the claims process.

• Advance knowledge of estimating technology platforms and virtual inspection tools.

• Utilizes platforms and tools to prepare claims estimates to manage complex property insurance claims.

• Supports workload surges and catastrophe (CAT) response operations as needed, including mandatory on-call dates and potential evening, weekend, and/or holiday work outside normal work hours.

• May be assigned CAT deployment travel with minimal notice during designated CATs.

• Works various types of claims, including ones of higher complexity, and may be assigned additional work outside normal duties as needed.

• Works independently solving complex problems with minimal guidance; acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

• Adjusts complex claims with attorney involvement.

• Recognizes and addresses jurisdictional challenges such as applicable legislation and construction considerations.

• May require travel to resolve claims, attend training, and conduct in-person inspections.

• Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.

What you have:

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.

• 2 years of relevant property claims adjusting experience of moderate complexity losses that includes writing estimates, involving dwelling and structural damages.

• Advanced knowledge of estimating losses using Xactimate or similar tools and platforms.

• Proficient knowledge of residential construction.

• Proficient knowledge of property claims contracts and interpretation of case law and state laws and regulations.

• Proficient negotiation, investigation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

• Proven investigatory, analytical, prioritizing, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to travel 50-75% of the year (local & non-local) and/or work catastrophe duty when needed.

• Acquisition and maintenance of insurance adjuster license within 90 days and 3 attempts.

• Successful completion of a job-related assessment may be required.

What sets you apart:

• Hands-on experience in the field handling high-severity and complex property claims such as fire, water damage, vandalism, malicious mischief, foreclosures, earth movement, collapse, and liability.

• Residential property field adjusting experience with dwelling, structure and additional living expenses.

• Experience working directly for a standard insurance carrier handling claims from start to finish (first notice of loss, reviewing policy, making coverage decisions)

• Proficient in using estimating platforms and virtual inspection tools like Xactimate, ClaimXperience and XactAnalysis

• Insurance industry designations such as AINS (Associate in General Insurance), CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), AIC (Associate in Claims), or SCLA (Senior Claims Law Associate) or actively pursuing

• Active Property & Casualty adjuster license

• Currently reside in the Fresno, CA area, enabling quicker response times for local claims and a better understanding of regional risks

• US military experience through military service or a military spouse/domestic partner

Physical Demand Requirements:

• May require the ability to crouch and stoop to inspect confined spaces, to include attics and go beneath homes into crawl spaces.

• May need to meet all USAA safe driving requirements including verification of driving record through MVR & possession of valid driver's license.

• May require the ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds to include lifting a ladder in and out of the trunk of a car.

• May require the ability to climb ladders and traverse roofs, this includes the ability to work at heights while inspecting roofs and attics.

Compensation range: The salary range for this position is: $76,400 - $137,520.

USAA does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Please do not apply for this role if at any time (now or in the future) you will need immigration support (i.e., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT Training Plans, etc.).

Compensation: USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market data of the position. The actual salary for this role may vary by location.

Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

Benefits: At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs. Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals.

For more details on our outstanding benefits, visit our benefits page on USAAjobs.com

Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis, this posting will remain open until the position is filled. Thus, interested candidates are encouraged to apply the same day they view this posting.

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.