Property & Casualty Claims Advocate

The Claims Advocate serves as a pivotal point of collaboration, bridging clients, brokerages, insurers, defense counsel, risk managers, and claims professionals. Responsible for the entire spectrum of the claim and broking process, this role encompasses tasks such as initial and excess reporting, claims management, coverage analysis, contract reviews, and strategic consultation on legal issues, valuation, and claims negotiation. Acting as a dedicated advocate for the client's interests, the Claims Advocate maintains productive relationships while providing oversight to claims handlers, Third Party Administrators, vendors, and insurers, all directed by the client. A profound understanding of claims handling and the litigation process across multiline property & casualty and specialty coverages, within various jurisdictions, is crucial for success in this role.

Responsibilities Include:  

• First Reporting of claims to carriers across all lines of property & casualty business as assigned.
• Update status to excess & reinsurers as needed. 
• File set‐up, maintenance, and documentation in the designated claims management system. 
• Respond to client, broking department, and insurer inquiries, involving claims, coverages, and exposures.
• Perform Claims Advocacy services for assigned clients on GL, AL, Multiline P&C, Management Liability, and specialty lines of business.
• Perform contract reviews as assigned. 
• Perform Legal Research as assigned or as otherwise appropriate in response to client inquiries.
• Collaborate with adjusters, compile and review loss and reserve information, prepare claim status reports, and provide reserve and settlement analysis of Non‐Worker’s Compensation claims.
• Review and analyze insurance policies and coverage documents and consult with clients.  
• Advocate for the client with insurers as appropriate. 
• Coordinate, prepare for, attend, participate in, and document claim review meetings on selected accounts pursuant to the client service instructions and as assigned. 
• Act as a liaison between insurers, claims professionals, Third Party Administrators, defense counsel and clients, on claims, addressing service issues and monitoring for trends.
• Monitor and coordinate with defense counsel providing general claim oversight. 
• Attend Settlement Conferences, Mediations, and Trials as necessary to advocate for and protect the client’s interests and objectives.
• Perform and assist in risk management, broking or other special projects as assigned.
• Provide overall TPA oversight in conjunction with and on behalf of assigned clients.
• In all aspects of job performance, emphasize the importance of ensuring data integrity, managing follow‐ups, exhibiting a sense of ownership and accountability, and providing a high‐ level of client satisfaction. 

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (in Insurance or other related field is helpful and preferred).
• 3 ‐ 5 years of Property & Casualty claims handling, advocacy, or related risk management experience. 
• Additional Worker’s Compensation claims handling, advocacy or risk management experience is desirable.
• Juris Doctor or other advanced degree, equivalent experience and/or professional designations are highly desirable. 
• Self‐motivated with the ability to work effectively as part of a team or on individually assigned tasks in a fast‐paced, dynamic environment where superior time management, prioritization and communication skills are essential.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills & the ability to think analytically and creatively. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Strong computer skills especially M/S Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $150,000. The offer will depend on the geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. This role may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive program. Heffernan offers a comprehensive benefits package; more details on which can be found at https://www.heffins.com/about-us/careers

Heffernan Habits (Expectations):  

These are practices that represent our unique culture.  

• Smooth The Path And Be Respectful – Being respectful of one another is critical to developing and maintaining strong relationships. We are in this together as a team.  
• Do Good – This is our core. We strive to do good for our clients, our company and our communities. 
• Know Your Clients And Foster Relationships – Take the time to listen and learn. Build, maintain, and enhance the connections you make every day.   
• Have Fun – Take the time to get to know your colleagues and let’s have fun! If we are happy and connected, we all will do a better job for our clients.  
• Answer The Phone (And Email) – Be available and responsive to clients and colleagues.   
• Be Humble And Own It – We all make mistakes – what’s important is that we take ownership for our mistakes and learn from them. Humility shows a willingness to learn and improve.    
• Celebrate And Value Our Differences – We strive to be non-traditional. We all come from different backgrounds. Be open. Listen to others stories and experiences. Make an effort to not only include, but connect.    

Working Conditions:

• Work environment is indoors, sitting at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Work is somewhat close to colleagues in shared cubicle and office space.
• Daily use of computers, printers, and other common office equipment.
• This position may require flexibility to work hours outside of a regular schedule.

Salary : $100,000 - $150,000