Certified Hearing Representative

Are you looking to make an impactful difference in your work, yourself, and your community? Why settle for just a job when you can land a career? At ICW Group, we are hiring team members who are ready to use their skills, curiosity, and drive to be part of our  journey as we strive to transform the insurance  carrier space. We're proud to be in business for over 50 years, and its change agents like yourself that will help us continue to deliver our mission to create the best insurance experience possible.

Headquartered in San Diego with regional offices located throughout the United States, ICW Group has been named for ten consecutive years as a Top 50 performing P&C organization offering the stability of a large, profitable and growing company combined with a focus on all things people. It's our team members who make us an employer of choice and the vibrant company we are today. We strive to make both our  internal and external communities better everyday! Learn more about why you want to be here!

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The purpose of this job is to serve as a litigation representative to attend hearings, argue cases, take depositions as well as resolve disputes as it applies to litigated workers’ compensation claims. This position exists to reduce allocated loss adjustment expenses and improve results by proactively analyzing and resolving litigated workers’ compensation claims. The Certified Hearing Representative works under the direction of a Supervising Attorney and the position requires independent decision making and judgement.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages litigation and claim disputes as they apply to workers’ compensation claims.

• Prepare for trials, depositions, lien negotiations, and provides legal work deliverables under the direction of a supervising attorney.
• Reviews workers compensation board records, claim system records and legal files to prepare for hearings.
• Contacts witnesses to obtain evidence for hearings.
• Attends claim hearings representing ICW Group.
• Appears at WCAB lien conferences and trials; Appears at status, priority, and mandatory settlement conferences.
• Schedules and attends settlement walk-through hearings with claimants and/or counsel.
• Reduces loss adjustment expenses by quickly and effectively resolving disputed claims and litigation, including liens.
• Resolves claims fairly and equitably, acting in the best interest of the insured.
• Prepares workers compensation submissions including stipulations and settlement agreements.
• Fully handles pre and post hearing responsibilities.
• Tracks time devoted to each case.

Prepares documentation necessary for assigned cases.

• Handles lien files from start to finish; provides representation for ICW Group’s insureds in court appearances.
• Prepares court pleadings, reports, and settlement documents in accordance with statutory and case law as well as related regulations.
• Prepares for and attends depositions; maintains notes and correspondence.
• Prepares and submits timely Hearing Reports to claims personnel and claims management.
• Updates/posts in claims systems and/or legal systems regarding work completed on a file.
• Reviews and analyzes billed invoices and liens to compare them with professional bill review analysis as needed.
• Prepares litigation analysis reports at various stages of the litigation phase with recommendations to the Claims Examiner (Adjustor) as well as provide a strategic plan of action.

Provides subject matter expertise in the litigation aspect of workers’ compensation claims.

• Applies appropriate legal defenses and negotiates resolution or set for trial.
• Provides guidance and expertise to other department’s operations, including Underwriting and Risk Management Services.
• Partners with Claims Examiner to determine solutions.
• Researches legal issues and case law.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This role does not have supervisory responsibilities. May provide direction to support staff.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) required. Minimum 2-5 years of experience in workers compensation litigation (or equivalent combination of education and experience such as a Juris Doctor).  Claims Examiner experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Certified Hearing and Lien Representative (or equivalent) required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of claims and insurance industry preferred.  Familiarity with and ability to effectively utilize the CA Labor Code, CA Code of Regulations, and CA Schedule for Rating Permanent Disabilities to rate disability impairment. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and/or legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from counsel, claimants, customers, regulatory agencies, and/or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Strong ability to negotiate to resolution various legal issues before the WCAB with opposing counsel, proper claimants, and co-defendants. Strong oral skills to articulate company’s position in contested legal matters to opposing side, Information Officers, and WCAB judges.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

This position requires some travel – up to 20 hours per week. Works with computers and computer screens for multiple hours per day; must be able to lift and carry 25-40 pounds. Position is sedentary approximately 80% of time. Must be able to drive and be comfortable working independently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This position is a hybrid field/office position. Field environment includes appearing at various WCAB district offices, driving to and from appointments/appearances, meeting with attorneys/judges, and use of cell phone/email. Office environment includes use of a computer, telephone, copier and other standard office equipment.

We are currently not offering employment sponsorship for this opportunity

#LI-JM1

#LI-Hybrid

The current range for this position is

$104,125.20 - $175,599.98

This range is exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses.  If hired at ICW Group, your final base salary compensation will be determined by factors unique to each candidate, including experience, education and the location of the role and considers employees performing substantially similar work.

WHY JOIN ICW GROUP?
•    Challenging work and the ability to make a difference
•    You will have a voice and feel a sense of belonging
•    We offer a competitive benefits package, with generous medical, dental, and vision plans as well as 401K retirement plans and company match
•    Bonus potential for all positions
•    Paid Time Off with an accrual rate of 5.23 hours per pay period (equal to 17 days per year)
•    11 paid holidays throughout the calendar year
•    Want to continue learning? We’ll support you 100%

ICW Group is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. ICW Group will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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Job Category

Shared Services