Senior Tort Claims Investigator

Summary King County’s Office of Risk Management Services is seeking a skilled claims professional to support the County’s risk management efforts through thorough investigation, evaluation, and resolution of complex liability and bodily injury claims. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding public resources while ensuring fair, timely, and well-documented claim outcomes. The successful candidate will apply sound judgment, collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, and uphold King County’s commitment to Equity and Social Justice in daily decision-making. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a high-performing team dedicated to service, accountability, and continuous improvement. Summary King County’s Office of Risk Management Services is seeking a skilled claims professional to support the County’s risk management efforts through thorough investigation, evaluation, and resolution of complex liability and bodily injury claims. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding public resources while ensuring fair, timely, and well-documented claim outcomes. The successful candidate will apply sound judgment, collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, and uphold King County’s commitment to Equity and Social Justice in daily decision-making. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a high-performing team dedicated to service, accountability, and continuous improvement. About The Office Of Risk Management Services Claims: King County investigates, evaluates, and resolves claims made against the county in a fair and expeditious manner. Insurance: King County administers a self-insurance program and purchases a variety of other insurance policies and related services consistent with sound risk management practices and the needs of the County. Contracts: Risk Management advises King County agencies on insurance requirements in all types of contracts. Risk Management actively negotiates and, together with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, assists agencies in pursuing and tendering claims arising out of contractual relations. Recovery Services: Risk Management is charged with seeking compensation for damages caused to King County property or injury to King County employees by negligent third parties. Enterprise Risk Management Program (ERM): ERM works to proactively identify and assess high priority risks King County owns and improve controls for those risks. The program provides King County departments with consultation, data, and direct support to improve decision making and action planning.? Finance & Administration: provides a wide range of financial and administrative support services to the division including budget, accounting, and general office support. Open Government: Seeks to deliver government transparency, accountability, and accessibility through administration of the Public Records (Disclosure) Program, Ethics Program, Financial Disclosure Program, and Lobbyist Disclosure Program. Job Duties

SCOPE OF WORK

To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum be able to demonstrate skill and ability to: Assess settlement value and negotiate resolutions with claimants and/or attorneys for claims involving complex liability issues and significant bodily injury damages. Conduct thorough research, investigation, documentation, and analysis of complex third-party auto, property, and liability claims filed against King County. Analyze claims involving negligence, proximate cause, and comparative negligence in accordance with applicable statutes, ordinances, King County Code, and case law. Review medical records and related materials to evaluate high-value bodily injury claims and determine appropriate settlement recommendations based on liability exposure and damages. Work collaboratively with Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys on litigation matters by attending depositions, participating in arbitrations, mediations, and settlement conferences, and representing King County in small claims hearings. Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of investigations, negotiations, and the disposition of claims and lawsuits; identify matters appropriate for loss-control action. Demonstrate independent judgment, initiative, and the ability to identify and implement workflow and productivity improvements. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Have a strong background in complex tort claims investigations, including auto liability, municipal and public-sector risks, general liability, and bodily injury claims. Experience with litigation file handling and high-value bodily injury evaluations is strongly preferred. (An equivalent combination of experience and education that demonstrates the ability to perform these duties will be considered.) Provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders, with professionalism and clarity. Are adaptable, open to change, and committed to continuous improvement in work processes and personal professional development. Possess strong negotiation, problem-solving, analytical, verbal, and written communication skills. Work collaboratively within a diverse team environment and value different perspectives, backgrounds, and working styles. Are proficient using Microsoft Office applications and comfortable documenting claims work in a Risk Management Information System (Origami). Are proactive and able to take on additional projects or assignments that advance division goals, improve workflows, and support broader department initiatives. Demonstrate a commitment to King County’s Equity and Social Justice principles, incorporating these values into daily work and decision-making. Supplemental Information Work location The Risk Management team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Work schedule This position is Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and therefore is not overtime eligible. Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule, every other Thursday. #J-18808-Ljbffr King County, WA