Claim Specialist, Level 1 - Affirmative Litigation

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The NYC Law Department is seeking a qualified candidate for a Claim Specialist, Level 1 position in its Affirmative Litigation Division to handle insurance matters. The position encompasses varying degrees of difficulty and responsibility performed under the supervision of high level legal assistant staff and/or attorneys, the qualified candidate will perform various types of tasks including, but not limited to the following: Promptly analyze cases for insurance coverage based on tort plaintiff notices of claim and complaints alleging causes of action such as, but not limited to, death, personal injury and property damage. Identify other potential parties with insurance coverage. Promptly obtain and analyze required documents and evidence regarding insurance coverage possibilities, including but not limited to contracts, insurance clauses, indemnification clauses, and permits. Promptly review in the first instance and analyze for insurance coverage possibilities cases involving claims allegedly caused by contractors responsible for traffic signals or traffic lights, homeless shelters, foster care providers, SCA projects, school maintenance, school busses, and other high exposure, complex matters. Promptly review, analyze and provide a second look at cases in which Torts has been unsuccessful in obtaining coverage. Tender to insurance companies, explain basis for coverage claim, and negotiate directly with insurers for coverage. When takeover is obtained, prepare files for transfer to outside insurance counsel, work with counsel to obtain witnesses, documents and evidence for counsel handling tort cases, and monitor cases. When coverage is denied, prepare files for assignment to in-house attorneys, and provide support for attorneys in declaratory judgment actions. Promptly respond to coverage requests from tort trial attorneys seeking coverage possibilities prior to trial. Maintain familiarity with insurance law regarding additional insureds, notice provisions, disclaimers, policy provisions and exclusions. Attend meetings, training sessions and classes addressing insurance coverage issues. Provide advice and information to Law Department employees in all divisions on coverage issues and case status. Some of the physical activities performed and environmental conditions experienced include lifting and carrying files and boxes; climbing stairs; traveling throughout the City on all types of public transportation, and/or walking in all kinds of weather, often carrying files.

Requirements

Applicants MUST be permanent in the civil service title of Claim Specialist to be considered for the position. This means candidates must have taken and passed the Claim Specialist Civil Service Exam, and have been appointed from the Claim Specialist Civil Service List.
Candidates on the current, active or soon to be established Claim Specialist Civil Service List may be considered providing the candidate's list number is reachable for possible appointment.
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; or
An associate degree or 60 semester credits from an accredited college or university and two years of full-time satisfactory experience investigating and/or settling claims for personal injury or property damage or loss; or
A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of full-time satisfactory experience investigating and/or settling claims for personal injury or property damage or loss; or
A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to “1”, “2” or “3” above.
College education may be substituted for experience as described in “2” or “3” above on the basis that 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university may be substituted for each year of required experience.
However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Excellent interpersonal, and communication (oral and written) skills
Excellent computer skills
Proficiency in the MS Office Suite, including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook is preferred
Very good organizational skills
Must be able to use discretion when handling sensitive, confidential documents and information
Must have the ability to work independently as well as a part of a team

Responsibilities

Promptly analyze cases for insurance coverage based on tort plaintiff notices of claim and complaints alleging causes of action such as, but not limited to, death, personal injury and property damage.
Identify other potential parties with insurance coverage.
Promptly obtain and analyze required documents and evidence regarding insurance coverage possibilities, including but not limited to contracts, insurance clauses, indemnification clauses, and permits.
Promptly review in the first instance and analyze for insurance coverage possibilities cases involving claims allegedly caused by contractors responsible for traffic signals or traffic lights, homeless shelters, foster care providers, SCA projects, school maintenance, school busses, and other high exposure, complex matters.
Promptly review, analyze and provide a second look at cases in which Torts has been unsuccessful in obtaining coverage.
Tender to insurance companies, explain basis for coverage claim, and negotiate directly with insurers for coverage.
When takeover is obtained, prepare files for transfer to outside insurance counsel, work with counsel to obtain witnesses, documents and evidence for counsel handling tort cases, and monitor cases.
When coverage is denied, prepare files for assignment to in-house attorneys, and provide support for attorneys in declaratory judgment actions.
Promptly respond to coverage requests from tort trial attorneys seeking coverage possibilities prior to trial.
Maintain familiarity with insurance law regarding additional insureds, notice provisions, disclaimers, policy provisions and exclusions.
Attend meetings, training sessions and classes addressing insurance coverage issues.
Provide advice and information to Law Department employees in all divisions on coverage issues and case status.