Claim Representative I at AF Group in Sacramento, California

Claim Representative

This is the entry level professional claim handler. Handles medical only and indemnity benefits. Exercises some discretion in the determination of compensability of claims. Considers many factors in the determination claim reserves. Negotiates and settles claims within given authority. This is the intermediate level of the claim handler career path. Handles moderate to difficult claims. Exercises progressively more discretion in the determination of compensability of claims. Considers many factors in the determination claim reserves. Negotiates and settles claims within given authority. This is the advanced level of the claim handler career path. Investigates claims and exercises significant discretion in the determination of compensability of claims. May handle large, more complex customers requiring high touch, labor intensive claim service. Considers many factors in the determination claim reserves. Negotiates and settles claims within given authority. Mentors lower-level claim handlers. Coordinates special projects and provides guidance to others.

Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Verifies workers' compensation coverage of employers and injured employees.
• Determines compensability under workers' compensation by thorough investigation of the claim.
• Determines causal relationship between the reported injury and the incident to ensure appropriate payment of benefits.
• Facilitates return to work for the injured employee.
• Establishes timely and appropriate reserves based on the profile of the claim within given authority based on anticipated financial exposure.
• Documents specifics of claims with potential for subrogation recovery, including amount of potential recovery monies.
• Manages medical bills for non-indemnity and indemnity claims directly associated with the claimed injury. Approves payment based on knowledge of the treatment plan and medical support showing relationship of treatment to the injury.
• Concludes and closes files following resolution of claims to meet internal performance standards while complying with state legislation to avoid penalties and manage expenses.
• Negotiates settlements with attorneys or injured parties within given authority at the earliest possible point to bring cases to final disposition.
• Works closely with manager on complex files or files above settlement/reserve authority.
• Manages outside vendors to ensure cost containment efforts.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all internal and external customers.
• Stays abreast of changes in workers' compensation statutes, case law and rehabilitation efforts/advancements in order to accurately interpret and apply relevant laws.

Additional Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Administers complex claims and catastrophic exposures within authority, including claims from dedicated large accounts.
• Exercises independent judgment to settle cases prior to mediation or litigation.
• Actively participates in agent/client relationship management.
• Assists in mentoring team members.
• Mentors team members.
• Conducts audits of claim files.
• Acts as a backup for team leader.
• Coordinates special projects.

Employment Qualifications

Education or equivalent experience: Bachelor's degree in a related field. Relevant combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Continuous learning, as defined by the Company's learning philosophy, is required. Certification or progress toward certification is highly preferred and encouraged.

Experience: Claim Representative I: Minimum one-year relevant experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities or completion of claims trainee program. Bilingual skills preferred. Claim Representative II: Three years' experience in a workers' compensation claims environment which provides the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities, such as experience in reviewing, investigating and closing workers' compensation claims. Experience handling claims in multiple jurisdictions preferred. Bilingual skills preferred. OR One year of AF Group Claims Representative I experience that includes handling of difficult or complex claims. Claim Representative III: Five years' experience in a workers' compensation claims environment which provides the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities, such as experience in reviewing, investigating and closing complex workers' compensation claims. Experience handling claims in multiple jurisdictions preferred. Bilingual skills preferred. OR Two years of AF Group Claims Representative II experience that includes discretion in determining compensability of complex claims and/or handling complex, high touch or labor-intensive customers.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities (SKA) Required:

• Ability and proficiency in the use of computers and company standard software specific to position.
• Knowledge of medical and legal terminology related to the work.
• Knowledge of workers' compensation laws and regulations, including jurisdictional laws.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Effective customer service skills.
• Ability to negotiate, build consensus and resolve conflict.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team.

Additional Skills/Knowledge/Abilities (SKA) Required:

• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Ability to train and mentor others.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office setting with no unusual hazards. Minimal travel required.

Pay Range: Actual compensation decision relies on the consideration of internal equity, candidate's skills and professional experience, geographic location, market, and other potential factors. It is not standard practice for an offer to be at or near the top of the range, and therefore a reasonable estimate for this role is between $48,200 and $80,750. The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum education, experience, skills, knowledge and ability levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity is valued and we will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. Candidates for the position stated above are hired on an "at will" basis. Nothing herein is intended to create a contract.