New job Tort Claims Investigator 2 (Remote Opportunity) in Washington | 2021

Tort Claims Investigator 2 (Remote Opportunity)

Company : State of Washington Dept. of Enterprise Services
Salary : $4,509 - $5,913 a month

Full Description

Description



Tort Claims Investigator 2

**Note:
Majority of our staff are currently teleworking full time due to COVID-19. This position is based out of Olympia but may be considered for full time teleworking. Periodic travel to the Olympia office may be required.

Who we are
The Department of Enterprise Services' (DES) mission is "strengthening the business of government." DES does this through its vision of delivering high quality, cost effective support services, policy and governance to state government and other public entities so they can focus on their core missions. DES’s goals are to offer expertise in facilities & capitol grounds management, acquisitions, training & support, and various shared services. We relentlessly pursue our strategic drivers: satisfied customers, a healthy team culture and a financially healthy organization. We value Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We seek new team members who share our commitment to be an equity-driven and antiracist organization. We listen to customers and team members to understand what they need and expect. We promote creativity, learning and improvement to meet those needs and adapt to the ever-changing business environment. We measure our results and seek feedback to improve our performance.

What you will be doing
Within DES, the Office of Risk Management (ORM) administers the Self-Insurance Liability Program, which pays for legal liabilities and defense costs associated with the tortious conduct of state officers, employees, and volunteers. ORM receives and processes all citizen tort claims against Washington State, maintains a centralized claims database, and pays approved claims filed against state agencies. To build capacity and strengthen overall service delivery, ORM is hiring a new Tort Claims Investigator 2.

This position is primarily responsible for investigating claims of violation of civil rights and tortious conduct against the state. The role mitigates risk by avoiding potential lawsuits and reducing overall costs. The Tort Claims Investigator 2 will investigate, assess, and, when appropriate, resolve claims in early stages. The process involves analyzing a claim and conducting a focused investigation that applies knowledge of legal requirements of civil liability, defenses, and damages. It also involves developing recommendations for denying or valuing the claim or, if warranted, transferring the claim to the Attorney General's Office.

Moreover, the Tort Claims Investigator 2 acts as the customer service liaison to state agency representatives, claimants, claimant attorneys, the Attorney General's Office, witnesses and record keepers, and internal staff. The role works closely with case managers, agency leaders, and risk managers to discuss investigation results and provide a thorough and justified recommendation for payment or denial of the claim.

Who we are looking for
A background in legal environments, insurance, or Washington State government is preferred. Ultimately, the right person will know how to "connect the dots" in order to conduct independent, thorough, and impartial investigations, and will be able to analyze evidence and assess risk. Attributes that are important to our team include strong communication skills, the ability to earn trust and value others, and timely decision-making skills.

Why you should join us:
The Department of Enterprise Services offers:
  • A healthy work/life balance, including flexible schedules and the ability to work remotely;
  • A great total compensation and benefits package;
  • Paid Vacation, Leave, and Holidays;
  • Supported growth and development opportunities; and
  • Opportunities to serve your community through meaningful work.

Duties

Some of what you'll enjoy doing:

  • Review claims, relevant documents, and related facts, and apply knowledge of civil liability and defenses to determine if the state is responsible for injuries or damage.
  • When the state is liable, identify a reasonable monetary amount that would fairly compensate the claimant for the injury or damage allegedly suffered.
  • When there is no basis in law or fact to support state liability, determine that the claim should be denied.
  • Thoroughly articulate in writing and verbally, if needed, the supporting and mitigating facts as well as the reasoning that justifies the conclusion that the claim presents legal risk to the state and the recommended value is reasonable.
  • Communicate in writing and verbally with the relevant agency and appropriate ORM supervisor and document communications in the claim file.
  • With approval of the affected state agency and appropriate ORM supervisor, negotiate with the claimant or the claimant's attorney a reasonable settlement sum within the authorized value.
  • Apply competitive negotiation strategies to obtain the best value for the state while fairly compensating the claimant.
  • If settlement is not obtained, determine whether to request additional authority or transfer the claim to the Attorney General's Office.
  • Follow prescribed agency procedure for obtaining an appropriate release and issuing payment, and for transferring claims to the Attorney General's Office.
  • Identify and obtain documents, witness statements, and other evidence that is relevant to the claim.
  • Independently pursue investigative leads and determine when evidence is sufficient to establish or negate state liability and reasonable damages.
  • Analyze the evidence and apply knowledge of legal principles and comparable claims to the instant facts.
  • Maintain confidentiality of records and information related to the investigation.
  • Record all case management and investigative activities, events, and decisions points in the ORM Origami claims tracking system.
  • Make periodic reviews of the progress of a claim and summarize these reviews and all relevant events in Origami.
  • Maintain confidentiality of claim file records and information.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree involving major study in business or public administration or allied field; AND
  • Five (5) years of experience in the adjustment and investigation of claims to determine liability for personal injury and property damages.
**Note: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the education requirement. Additional qualifying experience must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills or abilities:
  • Knowledge of State ethics requirements, legal ethics and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of the state's waiver of sovereign immunity and the legal requirements for negligence as they apply to state liability.
  • Understanding of legal issues and defenses as well as proper assessment of damages, applying that knowledge to both the investigative process and settlement strategies.
  • Ability to apply general investigative practices in the investigation of tort claims; interviewing techniques and settlements; civil court procedures; ethics of investigations.
  • Basic understanding of the operational business of state agencies.
  • Ability to successfully negotiate, adjust and settle claims.
  • Ability to utilize social media sites and search engines to aid in investigations.
  • The ability to conduct independent analysis of tort claims, defenses and damages.

Expected Competencies:
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite software, Excel, email and internet skills/experience.
  • Demonstrated effective communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and understand written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to determine the facts surrounding an event and apply those to established principles of liability.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
  • A paralegal certificate/degree
  • Experience as a paralegal
  • Experience in the insurance industry

Supplemental Information

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:


  • A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
  • A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

Background Check Notice:
Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Opportunity for All:
The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Veterans Preference:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Jennifer McWaid at (360) 407-8210 or email [email protected]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.


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