Claims Specialist

Company

Farm Family specializes in farm and ranch protection with a wide range of products including flexible farm packages, business owner policies, commercial package, workers compensation, commercial auto and select personal auto coverage. Farm Family is a leader in serving the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets and is pursuing growth across the U.S. The Farm Family entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Clearbrook Group Holdings Inc.

Job Description

Summary:

We are looking for a highly capable Claims Specialist to join our team and work from our Omaha, NE office.  We work together in the office five days a week in order to strengthen our culture, build team connections, and drive profitability. The position reports to a manager based in New York and is responsible for the investigation, evaluation, negotiation, and settlement of property claims. This includes assessing coverage, contacting the customers, investigating the facts surrounding the loss, arranging inspection, experts, and third parties; collecting information and evaluating complexity of loss of claims when needed; negotiating loss settlements either directly with our customers or through their assigned counsel and finalizing settlements. Specialists are required to understand and comply with Insurance Regulations, Statutes, and case law accordingly. The Specialists work closely with other departments, vendors, and defense counsel as needed throughout the claim process. Depending on the level of complexity, claim values can range from a nominal amount to tens of thousands of dollars.   Our Claims Specialists contribute to providing superb results for our clients.
 

This is a 100% in-office position. Candidates must be able to work on-site at a designated company office during standard business hours.  
 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Under moderate supervision and working within specific limits and authority, adjudicate moderate to serious first party property/physical damage claims, according to applicable state mandates, with some impact on the overall achievement of results for the team. 
• Providing laser-focused customer service to our clients by providing superior claims outcomes and developing meaningful and long-lasting connections with our insured and brokers.
• Analyzing claims forms, policies and endorsements, client instructions, and other records to determine whether the loss falls within the policy coverage.
• Investigating claims promptly and thoroughly, including interviewing all involved parties in order to determine the facts of the loss.
• Managing diary timely and complete tasks to ensure that cases move to the best financial outcome and timely resolution.
• Creating and reviewing reserves in line with market and Farm Family's reserving policy
• Determining the appropriate method of inspection or review of facts.  Identifying, assigning, and coordinating the assignment and coordination of expertise resources to assist in case resolution.
• Ensuring compliance with state regulations and requirements.   
• Settles straightforward claims in line with authority limits and adheres to organizational referral procedures.
• Negotiates in a timely and effective manner to provide cost effective solutions for the company and its customers within own limits using a range of negotiation styles.
• Preparing reports for file documentation
• Reporting to claims management and underwriters on claims trends and developments.
• Processing mail and prioritizing workload.
• Completing telephone calls and written correspondence to/from various parties (insured, claimant, etc.).
• Having an appreciation and passion for strong claim management.

Qualifications / Experience Required:

• A broad theoretical knowledge of property claims, as well as an exceptional customer service focus typically obtained through:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required.  Two or more insurance designations or four additional years of related experience adjudicating claims beyond the minimum experience required below may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
  • A minimum of one years' experience adjudicating claims is required. 
  • Must be able to obtain necessary state licenses and maintain Continuing Education (CE) requirements as needed.
• Must have good business acumen (i.e. understand how an insurance company works and makes money, including how this role impacts both Argo Group and our customers’ ability to be profitable).
• Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance. This role primarily faces problems and issues that generalized and typically not complex, but require an understanding of a broader set of issues. 
• A strong focus on execution in getting things done right.  Proven ability to consistently produce and deliver expected results to all stakeholders by:
  • Finding a way to achieve success through adversity.
  • Being solution (not problem) focused
  • Thinking with a global mindset first.
• Client focus – the ability to effectively determine specific client needs and to provide value added solutions.
• Successful traits (flexibility, ability to thrive in change, being resourceful on your own) necessary to work in a fast-paced environment that is evolving constantly.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with clients, business partners and organizational peers with a focus on timely and meaningful exchanges of information.
• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to build lasting relationships.
• Effective time management skills and ability to prioritize workload while handling multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Exhibit natural and intellectual curiosity in order to consistently explore and consider all options and is not governed by conventional thinking.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent evaluation and strategic skills required.
• Strong claim negotiation skills a must. Ability to take proactive and pragmatic approach to negotiation.
• Demonstrates an understanding of mechanisms available for resolving claims settlement disputes (e.g. arbitration and mediation) and when these are used.
• Must demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment working under technical direction.
• Demonstrates inner strength.  Has the courage to do the right thing and demonstrates it on a daily basis.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and other business-related software.
• Uses listening and questioning techniques to effectively gather information from insureds and claimants.
• Polished and professional written and verbal communication skills. Presents information clearly, concisely, and accurately.
• The ability to read and write English fluently is required.
• Must demonstrate a desire for continued professional development through continuing education and self-development opportunities.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Guidewire ClaimsCenter strongly preferred.
• Insurance designations, such as AIC, AINS, FCLS, & PCLS.

The base salary range provided below is for hires in those geographic areas only and will be commensurate with candidate experience. Pay ranges for candidates in other locations may differ based on the cost of labor in that location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus based on company and individual performance as well as a generous benefits package.
 

About Working in US Claims at Farm Family

• Farm Family does not treat our claims or our claims professionals as a commodity. The work we offer is challenging, diverse, and impactful.
• Our Adjusters and Managers are empowered to exercise their independent discretion and, within broad limits and authority, be creative in developing solutions and treat each case as the unique situation it is. 
• We have a very flat organizational structure, enabling our employees have more interaction with our senior management team, especially when it relates to reviewing large losses. 
• Our entire claims team works in a collaborative nature to expeditiously resolve claims.  We offer a work environment that inspires innovation and is open to employee suggestions. We even offer rewards for creative and innovative ideas. 
• We believe in building an inclusive and diverse team, and we strive to make our office a welcoming space for everyone. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds to apply.

PLEASE NOTE: 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. At this time, we are not able to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar state or local law and you wish to discuss potential reasonable accommodations related to applying for employment with us, please contact our Benefits Department at 210-321-8400. 

Benefits and Compensation

We offer a competitive compensation package, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program—including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Core Values

At Clearbrook our Core Values are Integrity, Collaboration, Pursuit of Excellence and Forward Thinking. These values reflect who we are today and who we aspire to be - guiding how we work, how we lead and how we succeed.