Claims Specialist

Catastrophe Field Claims SpecialistMake a meaningful impact when people need it most. As a Catastrophe Field Claims Specialist, you'll be on the front lines helping customers recover after catastrophic events by conducting on-site inspections, evaluating damage, and guiding them through the claims process. This dynamic role combines problem-solving, relationship-building, and travel, offering the opportunity to deliver exceptional service while helping communities rebuild and move forward.Location Details: Detroit, Michigan and Chicago, IllinoisPosition Schedule / Shift: Hybrid– Field schedule Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM EST – 5:30 PM EST. Some weekend hours may be required based on work assignments.Key Responsibilities:Reviewing assigned claimsContacting the insured and other affected partiesSetting expectations for the remainder of the claim process, and initiating documentation in the claim handling systemComplete complex coverage analysisEnsure all possible policyholder benefits are identifiedCreate additional sub-claims if neededComplete an investigation of the facts regarding the claim to further and in more detail determine if the claim should be paid the applicable limits or exclusions and possible recovery potentialConduct thorough reviews of damages and determine the applicability of state law and other factors related to the claimEvaluate the financial value of the lossApprove payments for the appropriate parties accordingly.Refer claims to other company units when necessary (e.g., Underwriting, Recovery Units or Claims Special Investigation Unit)Thoroughly document and/or code the claim file and complete all claim closure and related activities in the assigned claims management systemUtilize strong negotiating skillsClaim Specialists assigned to Homeowner/CAT claim unit handle claims valued over $25,000 (for the inside desk role) and over $100,000 (for field role)Investigate claims requiring in-depth coverage analysisWhen handling claims in the field, must prepare damage estimates using claims softwareReview estimates for accuracyMay monitor contractor repair statusMay assist Claim Manager with file reviews and trainingQualifications:RequiredEducation:Complete ACG Claim Representative Training Program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge or experienceIn states where an Adjuster's license is required, the candidate must be eligible to acquire a State Adjuster's license within 90 days of hire and maintain as specified for appropriate states.Must have a valid State Driver's LicenseExperience:Three years of experience or equivalent training in the following:Negotiation of claim settlementsSecuring and evaluating evidencePreparing manual and electronic estimatesSubrogation claimsResolving coverage questionsTaking statementsEstablishing clear evaluation and resolution plans for claimsKnowledge and Skills:Advanced knowledge of:Essential Insurance Act (Michigan)Fair Trade Practices Act as it relates to claimsSubrogation procedures and processesIntercompany arbitrationHandling simple litigationBuilding construction and repair techniquesAbility to:Handle claims to the line Claim Handling StandardsFollow and apply ACG Claim policies, procedures and guidelinesWork within assigned ACG Claim systems including basic PC softwarePerform basic claim file review and investigationsDemonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written)Demonstrate customer service skills by building and maintaining relationships with insureds/claimants while exhibiting understanding of their problems and responding to questions and concernsAnalyze and solve problems while demonstrating sound decision-making skillsPrioritize claim related functionsProcess time sensitive data and information from multiple sourcesManage time, organize and plan workload and responsibilitiesSafely operate a motor vehicle in order to visit repair facilities, homes (for inspections), patients, etc.Research analyze and interpret subrogation laws in various statesTravel outside of assigned territory which may involve overnight stayRelocate, work evenings or weekendsPreferredEducation:Associate degree in Business Administration, Insurance or a related field or the equivalent in related work experienceCompletion of the Insurance Institute of America's: General Insurance Program, Associate degree in claims, Associate degree in management or equivalentCPCU coursework or designationXactware Training1-2 years of full cycle homeowners claims handling experienceExperience handling personal property and additional living expense claimsExperience with internal water loss, fire, and smoke claimsAbility to:Walk on roofsClimb laddersLift up to 25 poundsWork Environment:This position is currently able to work remotely from a home office location for day-to-day operations, with traveling to field locations as necessary to complete job responsibilities, unless occasional team building activities are specified by leadership. This is subject to change based on amendments and/or modifications to the ACG Flex Work policy.Compensation & Benefits Overview:ACG complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding required benefits (including PTO, paid sick leave, etc.).CompensationA Catastrophe Field Claim Specialist earns a competitive annual salary of $70,000.00- $89,000.00, along with the opportunity for an annual company bonus incentive and additional catastrophe unit specific compensation.BenefitsMedical plans with multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility.Prescription drug coverage.Dental and vision benefits.Employee Assistance Program (confidential support services).Company-paid basic life insurance.Optional supplemental life insurance and dependent coverage.Short-term and long-term disability coverage.Critical illness, accident, and pet insurance options.401(k) plan to support long-term financial goals. 3% automatic deferral upon eligibility; may contribute 1% to 50% of eligible earnings, either pre or post tax. Company match of 50% paid on employee contributions up to 6% of pay, payable to employees following the end of the year; immediate vesting. Additional company contribution of 4% of pay each pay day into your account; 100% vested after three (3) years of service.Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options.Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual-based, increases with tenure, eligible at 90 days of employment. Full-time new employees will receive up to 12 PTO days annually; accrual based on start date and may include additional PTO based on role and/or state & local requirements. Part-time employee PTO hours are calculated based upon the standard weekly hours the employee is scheduled to work and will accrue at a minimum of 3 hours per month.Paid Holidays: Full-time employees are eligible for 10 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day, 2 floating holidays and 1 volunteer day. Holidays vary by business unit schedules. Part-time employees are eligible for 8 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day and 2 floating holidays. Holidays vary by business